Tuesday, December 7, 2021

New ways to customize tables in Google Docs

What’s changing 

We’re adding several new ways to customize tables in Google Docs. You can now: 

  • Pin a table header row to repeat on each page 
  • Designate that a row should not be split across pages 
  • Quickly add, and arrange columns and rows 
  • Sorting tables to better organize data. 
  • Use a new table sidebar to manage table properties 

See below for more details. 

Who’s impacted 

End users 

Why it matters 

Tables are an important way to display information in a document. These new features give you more ways to present information using tables, making it easier for viewers of the document to quickly see and understand the information. 

Additional details 

Pin a table header row to repeat on each page 

You can pin one or more rows in a table so they repeat on each page that the table appears on. This will make it easier to see column headers for long tables as you navigate a document. 

Pinning a table header row to repeat on each page


Designate that a row should not be split across pages 


You can designate that a table row should not be split across a page break. This ensures important content in tables sticks together and isn't missed on the next page, and provides more control over formatting and layouts. 

Designate that a row should not be split across pages



Quickly add and arrange columns and rows 

You can now easily drag a row or column to a different location. You’ll also notice a new, intuitive button for creating new rows or columns. 


Adding and arranging columns and rows


Sorting tables to better organize data. 

It is now possible to sort the rows of your tables. Any pinned table headers will remain at the top of your table. Additionally, sorting table rows will group by type of content. This will help you to quickly visualize, understand, and organize your data better. 

Use a new table sidebar to manage table properties 


Table properties will now open in the sidebar, allowing you to see edits reflected in your document in real time. This is similar to functionality already available in docs for things such as image editing. 

Using a new table sidebar to manage table properties


Getting started 

  • Admins: There is no admin control for this feature. 
  • End users: Visit the Help Center to learn more about how to Add and Edit Tables 

Rollout pace 

  • Rapid Release domains: Extended rollout (potentially longer than 15 days for feature visibility) starting on December 7, 2021 
  • Scheduled Release domains: Extended rollout (potentially longer than 15 days for feature visibility) starting on December 22, 2021 

Availability 

  • Available to all Google Workspace customers, as well as G Suite Basic and Business customers Available to users with personal Google Accounts 

Resources 

Roadmap