Written by Tanja Google Workplace / Docs
To make a table smaller in Google Docs:
Open your Google docs file with the table you want to make appear smaller > select all the table cells (either by clicking on the top-left cell > press and hold left-click and glide over the table to highlight it, or by clicking on the top-left cell > press & hold 'Shift' and use the 'arrow' keys to select the table cells) > click on Format (upper toolbar) > Table > Table properties > Place a checkmark next to the 'Column width' option and enter your desired width for each column.
Do you want to make your Google Docs table look smaller but don’t know how to do it? - no worries, we’ve got you covered.
A Google Docs table is an essential feature for users because it helps them arrange the information they want into rows and columns; plus, it can be customized and useful for various different tasks - text information, numerical data, etc.
But, often, the Google Docs tables that users create take up the entire page width, and nobody wants that.
Luckily, even if it seems that there isn’t an option to adjust the table size of rows and columns, there is a way to make them smaller.
Keep reading to learn how to select, modify a setting and make your Google Docs table smaller.
You can also check out: How to move a table in Google Docs?
These steps are given for the Google Chrome browser, but they also work in browsers like Firefox or Edge.
There are two methods to highlight/select the table cells:
Method No.1 Click on the top-left cell in the table > press & hold left-click and glide over the table to highlight it.
Method No.2 Click on the top-left cell > press & hold ‘Shift’ and use the ‘Arrow keys’ to select the table cells.
Now you will have a smaller table that does not take the full width of your document.
The Table Properties menu box provides you access to several ways to modify your row and column dimensions and the overall appearance of your table.
Also, adjusting the column width or row height of an existing table cannot be done without first selecting the elements you want to modify.
If you are interested in other Google Docs features, you can explore how to turn off auto caps in Google Docs, circle something, or do the double underline there - we have guides on those too.