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How To Move Table Around Freely In Word

Geeksdigit Team

May 25, 2026

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Tables in Microsoft Word are useful for organizing information, creating schedules, presenting data, and designing structured layouts. By default, tables are inserted inline with the document text, which means they behave like a large character within a paragraph. As a result, many users find that they cannot freely drag a table to any location on the page. Instead, the table remains fixed within the document’s text flow.

If you want to position a table anywhere on a page, move it beside text, place it near images, or create a custom document layout, Word provides several options that allow more flexible table positioning. By changing the table’s text wrapping settings and positioning properties, you can move a table freely around the document much like an image or text box.

This guide explains the best methods to move a table around freely in Microsoft Word on Windows and Microsoft 365.

Method 1: Use the Table Move Handle

Every table in Word includes a move handle that allows you to reposition it quickly.

To move a table:

• Open your Word document.
• Move the mouse pointer over the table.
• Locate the small four-arrow handle that appears in the upper-left corner of the table.
• Click and hold the handle.
• Drag the table to a new location.
• Release the mouse button.

This method works best for tables that already have text wrapping enabled.

If the table remains locked within the text, use the next method to enable free movement.

Method 2: Change Text Wrapping to Around

The most effective way to move a table freely is to change its text wrapping setting from None to Around.

To do this:

• Click anywhere inside the table.
• Right-click the table.
• Select Table Properties.
• Under the Table tab, locate Text Wrapping.
• Select Around.
• Click OK.

After enabling text wrapping:

• Click the table move handle.
• Drag the table freely around the page.

Word will allow text to wrap around the table similarly to how it wraps around images.

This is the preferred method for flexible table placement.

Method 3: Use Table Positioning Options

Once text wrapping is enabled, you can specify an exact position for the table.

To access positioning settings:

• Right-click the table.
• Select Table Properties.
• Under the Table tab, choose Around.
• Click Positioning.

You can now configure:

• Horizontal position
• Vertical position
• Distance from surrounding text
• Alignment settings

After adjusting the settings:

• Click OK.
• Save the changes.

This method provides precise control over table placement.

Method 4: Drag the Table Anywhere on the Page

After enabling text wrapping, Word allows direct table dragging.

To move the table:

• Hover over the move handle.
• Click and hold the handle.
• Drag the table to the desired position.
• Release the mouse button.

You can place the table:

• Near the top of the page
• Beside paragraphs
• Next to images
• In a custom layout position

This creates a more flexible page design than standard inline tables.

Method 5: Align the Table Using Table Properties

If you want the table positioned automatically without manually dragging it, use alignment settings.

To adjust alignment:

• Right-click the table.
• Select Table Properties.
• Under Alignment choose:
  • Left
  • Center
  • Right

Click OK.

This method is useful when you want consistent table placement throughout a document.

Method 6: Place a Table Beside Text

Text wrapping allows paragraphs to flow around a table.

To place a table beside text:

• Enable Around text wrapping.
• Drag the table toward the left or right side of the page.
• Adjust its position as needed.

The surrounding text automatically wraps around the table boundaries.

This layout is commonly used in:

• Newsletters
• Reports
• Brochures
• Business documents

It helps create more professional-looking page designs.

Method 7: Adjust Table Distance From Text

When text wrapping is enabled, you can control the spacing between the table and surrounding text.

To change spacing:

• Open Table Properties.
• Click Positioning.
• Adjust:
  • Left spacing
  • Right spacing
  • Top spacing
  • Bottom spacing

Increase spacing if text appears too close to the table.

This improves readability and document appearance.

Method 8: Move Tables Across Different Pages

Large tables may span multiple pages automatically.

To move a table to another page:

• Select the table.
• Cut it using Ctrl + X.
• Navigate to the target page.
• Paste using Ctrl + V.

Alternatively:

• Insert a page break.
• Drag the table to the desired page.

This method is useful when reorganizing long documents.

Method 9: Use a Text Box for Advanced Layouts

If you require complete freedom of movement, placing a table inside a text box can help.

To do this:

• Open the Insert tab.
• Select Text Box.
• Draw a text box.
• Insert the table inside the text box.
• Move the text box freely.

Advantages include:

• Greater positioning flexibility
• Easy resizing
• Layering with images
• Custom layouts

This technique is often used in brochures and marketing materials.

Method 10: Reset Table Positioning

If a table becomes difficult to manage after moving it, restore default positioning.

To reset:

• Right-click the table.
• Select Table Properties.
• Change Text Wrapping back to None.
• Click OK.

The table returns to standard inline placement within the document text.

This is useful when you want Word to manage table positioning automatically again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why can’t I drag my table freely in Word?

Tables are usually inserted as inline objects. To move them freely, change Text Wrapping from None to Around in Table Properties.

How do I move a table anywhere on the page?

Enable Around text wrapping and then drag the table using the four-arrow move handle in the upper-left corner.

Can I place a table beside text in Word?

Yes. Enable Around text wrapping and move the table to the desired location. Word will wrap text around it automatically.

How do I precisely position a table?

Open Table Properties, select Around, click Positioning, and specify exact horizontal and vertical coordinates.

Can I put a table inside a text box?

Yes. Inserting a table into a text box provides additional positioning flexibility and is useful for advanced document layouts.

Final Thoughts

Although tables in Microsoft Word are inserted inline by default, they can be moved freely around a page by changing their text wrapping settings. The simplest approach is to open Table Properties, switch Text Wrapping to Around, and then drag the table using its move handle. This allows the table to behave more like an image, making it easy to place beside text, align precisely on the page, or create custom layouts.

For even greater control, Word provides positioning options that allow exact placement, adjustable spacing from surrounding text, and integration with text boxes for advanced designs. By using the methods outlined in this guide, you can easily move tables around freely in Word and create more professional, visually appealing documents.