How to easily create and work with tables in Apple Notes

The built-in Apple Notes app on iPhone, iPad, and Mac lets you create tables, which is handy for times when paragraphs and lists just don’t cut it.

If you haven’t used the table feature yet, here are the basics to get you started.

Working with Tables inside the Notes app on iPhone

Adding tables in Apple Notes

1) Open the Notes app on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac.

2) Select an existing note or create a new one where you want to add the table.

3) Tap the Table button on the toolbar. On Mac, you can also select Format > Table.

This will pop in a basic table with two rows and two columns. You can then start typing your data in the cells.

Notes Table Button iPhone

The table feature doesn’t stop there, though. You can manage rows and columns, rearrange cells, and apply formatting.

Working with tables in Apple Notes on iPhone or iPad

To add or delete rows or columns on iPhone or iPad:

1) Tap a cell in the table.

2) Tap the handle corresponding to the row or column where you want to add or delete one.

3) When the handle menu pops up, tap your selection.

Notes Add Remove iPhone

To select multiple cells in a table:

1) Tap inside one of the cells you want in the selection and when the menu pops up, tap Select.

2) The cell should then be highlighted. Using the circles on the corners, drag through the rest of the cells to select them. You can do this for all cells in a column, row, or the whole table.

Notes Select Table Cells iPhone

To format the text inside a cell:

1) Tap inside the cell you want to format, and in the menu, choose Select or Select All.

2) Tap the text button in the menu to apply bold, italic, underline, or strikethrough to the selected text.

Notes Format Table iPhone

To convert text inside a table to plain text in the note:

1) Tap inside one of the cells of the table.

2) Tap the Table button in the toolbar (just above the keyboard).

3) In the pop-up menu, tap Convert to Text.

Notes Convert to Text iPhone

To rearrange rows or columns:

1) Tap the first cell in the table for the row or column you want to move.

2) When the row or column becomes highlighted, use your finger to drag it to its new location.

Working with tables in Apple Notes on Mac

To add or delete rows or columns on Mac:

1) Click a cell in the table.

2) Click the handle corresponding to the row or column where you want to add or delete one.

3) Click the down arrow to open the menu and make your selection.

Notes Add Remove Mac

To select multiple cells in a table:

1) Click inside one of the cells you want in the selection.

2) Drag through the rest of the cells using your mouse or trackpad. This will highlight the selected cells. You can do this for all cells in a column, row, or the whole table.

Notes Select Table Cells Mac

To format the text inside a cell:

1) Click inside the cell you want to format and drag through the text to select it.

2) Click the Format button on your menu and choose Font or Text and make your selection.

Notes Format Table Mac

To convert text inside a table to plain text in the note:

1) Click inside one of the cells of the table.

2) Click Format from the menu and select Convert to Text.

Notes Convert to Text Mac

To rearrange rows or columns:

1) Click the first cell in the table for the row or column you want to move.

2) Click the tiny three dots icon for that row or column, and it becomes highlighted in yellow.

3) Keep the pointer on this three dots icon, and use your mouse or trackpad to drag it to its new location.

Rearrange rows or columns in the Notes app on Mac

There you have it; the basics for creating and working with tables in Apple Notes. Have you used the table feature yet and found it helpful?

Related posts: