How do you design a table in Word which to will correspond to pre-printed tables?

Question

So that typing into the computer then printing out using the printed tables the writing will fit neatly on the tables. I tried measuring the printed version but Word is inflexible as regards line-width etc. I tried Excel but spacing in measured in "points" which are equal to one 72nd of an inch, and I don't know how to convert, say, 0.8 cm into points.

I already have thousands of the old ones (not produced with a computer), and don't want to waste them.

Answer 1

If you are happier in Excel, just use a conversion factor to get from centimetres to points.

The factor you need is 28.35.

Multiply your measurement in centimetres by that factor, and you get the number of points to aim for.

Example:  1cm x 28.35 means you need a 28.35 point size. Say 28.

4.5cm needs 4.5 x 28.35 = 127.56 points. Say 128.

0.8cm requires 0.8 x 28.35 = 22.68 points.  Say 23.

Give it a try in Excel and see if the typing fits - good luck.

Alternatively, use the "Format" facility in Word - Paragraph to set the line spacing to exactly 28 and see if that is any easier.

Answer 2

The best way is to re-create the table.  If you're proficient at tables, then it shouldn't be difficult. It can be a LOT of work, but doable. You size your columns and cells as needed when you duplicate the table you're recreating.  I generally choose the area of the table with the most colums to start to determine the number of columns.  Never start of with more than 2-3 rows, as it's easier to add rows as you go but just hitting the Tab key.  Then if some rows require less columns/fields, columns can be merged.  It can be a complex process, but if you're good, you can duplicate just about any table or form so that the reproduction is almost (or IS) indistinguishable from the original.  It's impossible to recreate the process here with (1) knowing just what type of table you're trying to recreate, and (2) knowing your proficiency level.

Answer 3

You should be able to set the inter-line spacing in Word to any number of points this way:

1.Click in one of the paragraphs in question.

2.Click on the Format->Styles and Formatting menu item.

3.In the bottom part of the sidebar that pops up, the style for your paragraph should have a bold box around it.

4.Hover the cursor over the style. A listbox arrow should appear. Click it.

5.Select Modify from the list box.

6.Click the Format button and select Paragraph.

7.In the Line Spacing box, select Exactly.

8.12 will appear in the At combination box next to it.  Clicking its up and down arrows will modify it by 1 point.

9.     OK out of everything.

All paragraphs in the document with that style should adjust themselves.

A hint:  Consider saving a blank copy of this form as a document template.  It can save you lots of time later on.