Using a preset table format
You can apply a preset design to a table and select options to further customize the design.
Note: You can apply preset table designs only to a simple rectangular grid of cells. You cant use these designs to format tables that contain merged cells or other unusual formatting.
To use a preset table design:
- In your draft, select a table to modify or place the insertion point in any cell in the table.
- Select Table > Format Table.
The Format Table dialog box appears with the Basic tab selected.

- Select a design scheme from the list on the left.
Contribute displays an example of the table design you select.
- Click the Advanced tab.
- In the Table properties section, enter a border width for the table.
Tip: If you do not want a table border, enter 0 for the border.
- In the Left column section, select a text alignment and a text style for the left column of the table, which might contain row headings.
- In the Header row section, select a background color and a text color, then select a text alignment and a text style for the top row of the table, which might contain column headings.
- In the Other rows section, select a color to apply to rows, then indicate how frequently you want the colors to alternate. Click Color to select a second row color, if you choose to alternate row color.
- Click OK.
Contribute formats your table with the design you selected.