41
Using tables
Tables are a powerful mechanism to convey
structured information quickly, so they
represent an important tool when creating a
presentation. Since OpenOffice.org version
3.0, tables are supported natively in Impress,
which means that there is no need to embed
a Calc spreadsheet or a Writer text table
although in some circumstances it makes
sense to do so as the functionalities provided
by a Calc spreadsheet are far superior to
those provided by an Impress table.
Many predefined table designs are available
in the Table design section of the task pane
(see Figure 17).
Creating a table
As it is usual when working with tables it
pays to have already in mind an idea of the
required number of rows and columns as well
as the look and feel. Although all the
parameters can be adjusted later, this
procedure is far more laborious than setting
the correct table dimensions from the very
beginning. To create a table proceed as follows:
1) Position the slide which will contain the table in the workarea. If
necessary modify the slide layout in order to reserve the place for
the table.
2) If the task pane is already open select
Table Design
. If the task
pane is not visible, select View > Task pane, then select the
Table Design task.
3) Select one of 11 predefined styles. You will be able to change the
color scheme later on, however again, it is recommended that you
select a color scheme similar to the one you want to obtain.
Selecting a style opens the dialog box of Figure 18 where you can
specify the number of rows and columns.
28
Adding and Formatting Text
Figure 17: The Table
Design task pane