How to Add a Table

Step 1: Add the Plugin

Before a table can be added, the plugin to create tables must be added.

From the dashboard's Toolbar, click the option for Plugins.

Step 2: Select the TablePress Plugin

Use the Search Bar to type in tablepress.

This will filter the plugins and reveal the TablePress plugin.

Step 3: Activate the TablePress Plugin

Click the Activate link to activate the TablePress plugin.

Step 4: Plugin Activation Confirmation

Once completed, the word Activate will switch to Deactivate, and the TablePress option will appear in the Toolbar.

Step 5: Select the TablePress Option

Click the TablePress option in the Toolbar.

This will take you to the Table Editor.

Step 6: Copy the Default Table

Hover over the default table and click the option to Copy it.

This isn't necessary for the first table you create, but it may be best to preserve a starting table if more have to be created later.

Step 7: Table ID 

Notice the table ID for your new table.

Table IDs are important for keeping track of the table you're working with, and later for when you place it on a page.

Step 8: Edit the Table

Hover over the table you wish to edit and click the link for Edit.

Step 9: Table Information

Change the Table Name and the Description to be specific to the table you are making.

The description is used by people using screen readers, so filling it in correctly is part of accessibility compliance.

A quick description is best.

Example: Table displaying rows of findings and columns of years.

Step 10: Table Content

The Table Content area displays the actual layout of your table.

Select a row or column by placing a checkmark into the corresponding row or column checkbox.

The Table Manipulation area allows you to combine, insert, remove, hide, show, duplicate, and/or delete rows and/or columns.

It also allows for the addition of images and links into cells in the table.

Step 11: Table Options

The Table Options area allows for style customization.

Always leave Table Head Row checked for accessibility purposes. This includes a code tag that allows screen readers to see that the top row is a header.

Step 12: Save Changes

After all changes to a table are made, click the Save Changes button at the top or bottom of the page.

Step 13: Copy the Table's Shortcode

The Shortcode is the string WordPress uses to reference the table you made. It needs to be placed on a page in the area you want the table to appear.

Copy the shortcode by selecting the entire code string and using the keyboard shortcut Control + C (or Command + C on a Mac). Alternatively, you can right-click your mouse and select Copy from the shortcut menu.

Step 14: Click Pages

Click the Pages option in the Toolbar.

Step 15: Edit Page

Hover over the page you wish to place the table on and click the Edit link.

Step 16: Click the Table Button

Inside the WYSIWYG text editor, place your cursor where you want the top left of the table to appear, then paste the Shortcode by using the keyboard shortcut Control + V (or Command + V on a Mac). Alternatively, you can right-click your mouse and select Paste from the shortcut menu.

Step 17: Click the Update Button

When all of your changes are complete, click the Update button.

Step 18: Live Version of the Table

The table displays on the front end with 10 entries by default. Users can also use the Search Bar to search for specific content in the table.

The Previous and Next options advance the table to different pages to view additional entries.

The Edit button will move you immediately to the Table Editor.