Setting different row heights across columns in table

Report · Apr 07, 2018

I'm starting with a basic 4X16 table, which I want to then take down to 4X8 by merging cells. When I do, it automatically resizes rows. If I try to set exact heights, it tells me a limited range which is either too large or too small.

Starting table:

So far, so good:

As soon as I start adjusting the last column, things start to get weird. The third and fourth columns resized together, and the second row on the left also resized in a different manner...

If I set exact values, I can get the right side looking OK, but have to resize the entire table to get it to fit, and the left column is still funky.

And now we go further down the rabbit hole... If I try to resize the left to the earlier values, I run into values that are limited much differently than the original values.

I'm hoping to keep this as a single table so that I can easily set the borders without having to spend hours trying to get different tables to match up. The larger frames are for graphics and the smaller for text. Any suggestions?

Report · Apr 07, 2018

I found a workaround, but it's a royal PIA. Set the top row height on the left, then select and set the top row on the 3rd or 4th column. It's like bargaining. Every time you do this, it comes closer to the values you want. Do this 8 times to reach nearly the values I want.

Then repeat all the above with the 3rd row.

Then do the same for the 5th row, then the 7th.

Report · Apr 08, 2018

Hi Japanats,

Open your Tables panel from the Window men > Type and Tables. With an insertion point in the table, how many rows and how many columns does InDesign say you have? Post a screen shot if you want to.

Seeing this dialog box may help you to understand what you actually have.

You can also see this in the Story Editor. You can see where the rows are.

Merging cells does not make new rows.

Best,

Jane

Report · Apr 09, 2018

Hi japanats20088944 ,

there is one trick if you are starting with a grid like you are showing in your first screenshot:
Add one column where you never change the number of cells. And add one row where you never change the number of cells as well. Just as helpers for constructing the table. Only after you finished the rest of your table delete them.

Regards,
Uwe