TRUBLE FORMATING IMPORTED EXCEL TABLE IN INDESIGN (2024)

[rutar_n]

hi there!

I've posted about this issue already but before I could solve it, it disappeared and I assumed it was a bug.

now it has returned and I'm once again asking for your help since I have a project deadline next week and this is making it very hard to finish it in time...to the problems we go:

1. when I import a file via PLACE command, I import it with the usual settings as I did till now (which had never failed me before) and the table, instead of importing only FULL cells, it also imports endless columns of EMPTY cells.

2. table imports out of text area, outline in red (example 1)

3. and lastly, the program doesn't allow me to adjust column width to my liking. When I try to adjust one column, the other one adjusts as well (video example)

I am in big need of help, and slightly losing my mind...PLS HELP!

[BobLevine · Accepted solution]

Usual settings means nothing to us. What are they exactly? Are you using named ranges? Is this a real Excel file or one saved from a third party such as Google Sheets or Numbers?

Adjusting columns works exactly as shown. Hold the shift key while adjusting columns to keep the table width the same. This will of course cause the adjacent column to also be resized.

[rutar_n]

Sorry, usual settings was ment the setting is always used before this problem occurred. It is an Excel file, here are importing settings I'm using:

The column resizing doesn't work properly based on previous projects I did.

The main mystery here is why the sudden error. I did 100+ pages of imported Excel files and no problem. Settings haven't been changed nor importing options.

[BobLevine]

Did you intend to import 1414 rows? How many are actually importing and again...I don't know what you were doing before but what you're seeing in the changing column width is perfectly normal behavior.

[rutar_n]

I did import that many rows as these are large Excel files...as I said never had a problem with even bigger number of rows.

Based on several YouTube videos, I learned and took tips from: none of them showed that adjusting ONE column consequently results in adjusting ALL column widths.

And based on your answer, it doesn't make any sense to edit tables in InDesign if you can't resize only ONE desired column and other minimal adjustments.

And if I'm understanding you right: there is no way I can adjust just one column without automatically adjusting others too?

[BobLevine]

You can try saving a named range, that might help, but please re-read my first response about how to change column widths while keeping the table the same width.

BTW, and FWIW, I have found that with uncomplicated tables, it's easier to do the formatting in Excel and place a formatted table. YMMV of course.

[rutar_n]

Thank you for help!

I'm sorry not paying better attention to your advice, I misunderstood it as English is not my first language.

I tried the tips you gave me and so far they work.