Format Text in Tables

[COAC]

Hello,

This is a super basic question that I can't seem to find the answer to so forgive me if this is obvious. When working with tables containing text in InDesign, I'd like to be able to select all of the text and bold it all, change its color, etc all at once because I'm figuring out which styule I want so I'll be doing this a lot,

Currenty I am only seeing it possible to change these text characteristice by selecting each individual cell. When I try to drag and select it all, it selects the whole table and not the text (for example it will show the table fill color, not the text color so I can't select all this way and change text color). In Table>cell options>text, I can change text elements such as alignment all at once, but not font style, text color or other things.

Is there a way to do this to all text at once? Am I missing something obvious? Thanks so much in advance.

[James Gifford—NitroPress]

You should be able to select any rectangular block of table cells and apply most formatting — although you really should be using this method only to apply defined styles.

The one barrier to this selection is header rows. You can select within one or more header rows, or within one or more body rows, but not both at the same time.

But other than that, you should be able to select text cells to apply formatting. Can you describe more clearly what steps you're taking, and what limits you're seeing? (That is, does one cell respond? or none?)

[Dave Creamer of IDEAS]

Cmd-Opt-A or Cntl-Alt-A will select the entire table too. 

If you are making a lot of tables, either in this one document or for multiple documents, it might be worth spending some time on how Table styles work. 

My workflow is create the Paragraph styles; then create the Cell styles that link to the Paragraph styles; then link the Cell styles to the Table style. You may need some Cell styles that you apply manually. 

[Scott Falkner · Accepted solution]

Click the T button in the Swatches or Color panel. This will make formatting apply to text rather than cells.

[COAC]

Ohh thank you!! This is what I was looking for. I clicked the T and now I can change the text not the table fill.

[Dave Creamer of IDEAS]

I misread the question! I thought the OP wanted the opposite. Duh...

If working with a single cell, the Escape key will toggle back and forth between cell selection and text selection. 

[Barb Binder]

Me too. 

~Barb

[Barb Binder]

Hi @COAC:

Lots of good info here, perhaps a visual will also be helpful.

~Barb