[Solved] Change single column width on only one row in table

[Paddy Landau]

I have a table with a few columns.

I wish to change the width of a single column on only one row.

I know it's possible, because I've done it before, but I found it complicated -- and now I don't remember how I did it!

(Once the column is different from the others, then it's easy to change. But when it's the same as the others, when I try to change its width, all other columns in the table also change in synchrony.)

The attachment shows what I started with and how I wanted it to end up.

How do I achieve this in the simplest way?

[Robert Tucker]

Split a cell vertically then merge appropriate half with adjacent cell?

[acknak]

Assuming that we're taking about changing the width of all the cells in the column, and not just one cell as in your example, I don't think it's possible using only the mouse. You have to use the Table Properties > Columns dialog window, and there are some constraints even there.

Put the editing cursor anywhere in the column and choose Table > Table Properties.

Then,
1. Table tab > Alignment: Manual
2. Columns tab > Adapt table width: YES
3. Set the width of column 3 (and the others as needed)

Writer absolutely cannot cope with a table that's wider than the page margins, and it does it's best to never let you configure the table layout to exceed the margins, so you can't just widen column three—you have to also decrease the width of at least one of the other columns.

The rigid constraint on the table width, and Writer's automatic changing of the layout to enforce the constraint, can make it very difficult to get the column widths you want.

I sometimes find that I have to copy the table to a scratch document where the page width/margins are wider (e.g. change to landscape) to give me room to make the table temporarily wider without bumping into the margins. Then, once I get the layout where I want it, and the overall width back down to where it fits in the normal document, I copy it back.

[Paddy Landau]

Split a cell vertically then merge appropriate half with adjacent cell?

Yes, that's clever!

Thanks, I'll use that until someone shows me a better way.

Assuming that we're taking about changing the width of all the cells in the column, and not just one cell as in your example, I don't think it's possible using only the mouse.

Fair enough, though it really is only the one cell that I want changed.

[acknak]

Fair enough, though it really is only the one cell that I want changed.

Oops. I see now that you said that originally.

That's my fault for not reading carefully.

[Bill]

According to Help, you should be able to change the width of a cell by clicking in the cell then holding down ALT + CTRL and pressing the left or right arrow key. This was working for me four years ago when using OOo 2.0.2 on Windows XP, but it isn't working now on OOo 3.2.1 RC1 on Vista.

Can not resize a table cell in Writer

Edit: I had a utility program running in the background using the ALT + CTRL combination. After turning off that program, the ALT + CTRL + arrow key combination is working in Writer.

[Paddy Landau]

ALT + CTRL and pressing the left or right arrow key.

Ah ha! Good spotting.

Unfortunately, Linux (which I use) reserves those key combinations for something else. So, I (temporarily) disabled them in Linux, and you're right, it works in OO.

Now, I've re-enabled them in Linux because I need them.

So, what I really need to do is to find OO's command in Tools > Customise > Keyboard, and assign them to a different set of keys.

But I just don't see the command to resize a column. Does anyone know where I can find it in the OO command list?

[RPG]

Hello

With my version of linux I can use control and shift.

Romke

[Paddy Landau]

With my version of linux I can use control and shift.

Yes, I could change it on my machine; but I look after several machines, so I'd want to keep them consistent with each other.

I'd much rather change the keystrokes that OO uses, but I haven't managed to find the correct commands in the keyboard customise menu.

[Bill]

I don't know if it would work in Linux, but in Vista with my utility program running, ALT + CTRL + arrow key doesn't work to move the right border of the cell, but ALT + CTRL + SHIFT + arrow key will move the left border of the cell.

[Paddy Landau]

I don't know if it would work in Linux ... ALT + CTRL + SHIFT + arrow key will move the left border of the cell.

Thanks for the idea, but Alt-Ctrl-Shift+arrow performs a related function to Alt-Ctrl+arrow. So, alas, that too is no good!

I really need to be able to change the OO keyboard mapping for this function.

[Prymal]

I may have it!
If you right click the cell to the left of the one you want to extend, choose Column > Width and change the number in in the "Width" box. This will free up the edge of your cell and allow you to drag it to where you want it. Still not a one-click solution, but I think it's a bit quicker than the split>merge option suggested above.
Let me know what you think,
Prymal

[Paddy Landau]

... right click the cell to the left ...

Thank you and well done.

I like that solution because it's clean, it's obvious (in hindsight), and I can remember it!

[j-andrea]

yup, works. have tried every thing posted for days...this option I find easiest to plug into while working. Will add it to my quick reference notes for next time. Thank you

[anh31]

blacken that one row-> merge cells -> split cells-> done. now you can change cells width in that row