How to Type or Insert a Tab in a Table in InDesign CS3, CS4 and CS5

I had to use tables in InDesign at work when I discovered typing a tab in a table cell is not as simple as pressing the tab key. Huh???

Inserting a table in InDesign is easy but just how on earth do you then type a tab in a cell of a table? The cursor hops over to the next cell when I pressed the tab key. It was rather frustrating as the result was not what I was after.

Well, here is tip on a part of InDesign that does not seem to have much attention on, but am fortunate enough to discover it through networking. Once again, it is really simple now that I know it!

To insert a tab inside a table cell

Mac

Press Option-Tab (Yeah, it's that simple)

PC

Alt-Tab is default for you to flip through all of your opened programs. So in order to insert a tab inside a table cell, simply go to Type > Insert Special Character > Other > Tab.

Assign a Keyboard Shortcut

STEP 1
The alternative is to assign a keyboard shortcut to it. Go then to Edit > Keyboard Shortcuts. When a window pops out, go to Product Area and select Type Menu. In the Commands area, select Insert Special Character:Other:Tab.

STEP 2
Note that “Tab” has been already made as the default keyboard shortcut but this only works when in a text frame.

STEP 3
To add another keyboard shortcut for inserting a tab inside a table cell, select “Table” from the Context pop-up menu. Assign Ctrl+Tab as a new shortcut. So whenever I am looking to add a tab inside a cell in the PC platform, all I do is press Control-Tab.

That is all there is to it. A quick and easy way of inserting tabs into table cells in InDesign.

Adobe InDesign is a software application produced by Adobe Systems that is used by professional Graphic Designers and Production Artists. It is often used for creating and laying out artwork for projects such as catalogue, books, posters, magazines, newpaper, flyers and brochures.

This step-by-step Adobe InDesign tutorial is intended for beginners.

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Little Known Secrets to Adobe InDesign
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