How to convert tables to images in Microsoft Word

When you spend time creating, formatting, and adding data to a data table in Microsoft Word, you certainly don’t want accidental changes that affect the overall formatting. In such a situation, you can convert the table to an image to prevent changes, or share the table as a separate image instead of sending the entire document. Learn how to do it right here.

Copy or cut the table

Start by selecting the entire table of data that you want to convert to an image. Do this by clicking anywhere in the table to reveal the “handle” button at the top left. Then click this button to select the entire table.

Right click and select “Cut” or “Copy”. If you want to delete the original table and keep only the image, you can select “Cut”. But if you want to keep both, select “Copy”.

Paste the table as an image

After you have copied or cut the table, you will use the Paste Special tool in Microsoft Word to create the image.

Place your cursor where in the document you want the image. Then do one of the following:

• Right-click and select the Picture icon under Paste Options.
• Navigate to the Home tab, click the Paste drop-down arrow, and select the Picture icon.
• Navigate to the Home tab, click the Paste drop-down arrow and select “Paste Special”. Select “Picture” in the As box and click “OK”.

You will then see the selected table appear in the document as an image. You can now format it like any other image in Microsoft Word.

Click to select the image and use the Picture Format tab to make some quick edits like adding a border to the picture. You can also click the Layout Options icon at the top right of the image to “wrap” text around it.

Save images for use outside of Word

If you want to email the image, or share it in chat applications, you can save it for use outside of Microsoft Word.

Right click on the image and select “Save as Picture”.

Then simply choose a location, give the file a name, choose the file type, and click “Save.”

So you have successfully converted the data table into an image in Microsoft Word.