How to Create a Table in Illustrator: A Detailed Guide

The Basics of Creating a Table in Illustrator

Hello Reader technogigs, are you tired of creating tables in Microsoft Word and Excel? Then you might want to try using Adobe Illustrator. While Illustrator is known primarily for its graphic design capabilities, it also allows you to create and design tables with ease. In this article, we will guide you on how to create a table in Illustrator, even if you are a beginner in graphic design. Table creations in Adobe Illustrator are ideal for creating infographics and data visualizations for professional and creative presentations.

Creating a table in Illustrator is different from creating it on other programs like Microsoft Word or Excel. But don’t worry, we will keep things simple and informative, to ensure that you can successfully create a table that meets your specific project needs.

This article outlines the strengths and weaknesses of creating tables in Illustrator and includes a detailed guide on creating a table in Adobe Illustrator, frequently asked questions, and a summary of the steps to enable you to take action right away.

Advantages of Creating a Table in Illustrator

Illustrator is known for its high-quality graphic designing tools, which makes it a go-to for professional designers. Illustrator is available on both Windows and Mac systems, making it a versatile software. Creating a table in Illustrator provides the following benefits:

1. Customizable formatting options

With Illustrator, you can customize the formatting options such as colour, fonts, styles, and more, allowing you to create tables that align with your brand’s style guidelines and project requirements.

2. Interactive Tables

Creating interactive tables is useful when highlighting parts of the table in a presentation such as cells or sections that stand out, isolating certain pieces of data, etc.

3. Graphic Design Integration

Illustrator is compatible with other Adobe Design Creative applications like Photoshop and InDesign, making it easy to integrate your table designs into your other design projects.

Disadvantages of Creating a Table in Illustrator

While creating tables in Illustrator comes with advantages, it has its disadvantages, including:

1. Steep Learning Curve

Illustrator may be challenging for a beginner in graphic design because of its complex interface and tools.

2. Time-consuming

Creating a table in Illustrator is a time-consuming process, especially when compared to other programs like Microsoft Excel.

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3. Lack of Advanced Table Features

Illustrator does not provide advanced table features such as automatic subtotal and sorting functions.

How to create a Table in Illustrator – Step by Step

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to create a table in Adobe Illustrator:

Step 1: Launch Adobe Illustrator

To start creating your table in Illustrator, launch the program on your computer.

Step 2: Create a new document

Select “File” from the top menu and click on “New”. This opens the “New Document” dialog box that allows you to adjust the table size, resolution, and orientation. Enter your preferred measurements for width and height.

Step 2 new document illustrator

Step 3: Select the “Rectangle Tool”

Click on the “Rectangle Tool” on the left-hand side menu in Illustrator to create a rectangle shape that will serve as your table.

Step 3 rectangle tool illustrator

Step 4: Create a table with Rows and Columns

With the rectangle tool still selected, create the table by mouse-clicking and dragging on the artboard. When dragging, mouse-clicking, and dragging to create your desired number of rows and columns. Afterwards, concentrate on the Appearance panel to change borders, and colors, etc.

Create a table in illustrator with appearance panel

Step 5: Customizing the Table Appearance

Customising the table can be done via the appearance panel. After selecting your table rectangle and going to the appearance panel, you get to choose the appearance of the table in terms of the table fill, borders, opacity, stroke, and other settings that suit your desired preferences.

Step 5 customizing the table appearance

Step 6: Text & Graphics Integration

You may want to include text, graphics, and icons that are related to the table. Illustrator allows you to add text boxes and shapes that fit your design requirements and style guide. To add textboxes, click on the “Type Tool” and drag it to the part of the table where you want to add text. The same goes for graphic elements; you can drag and drop it where you prefer on the illustration artboard.

Step 7: Save Your Work

After the design process, save your table design according to your preferred format in Illustrator. You can choose to save in formats like PNG, JPEG, or PDF, among others.

Common FAQs When Creating Tables in Illustrator

1. Is it possible to import a table from another document into Illustrator?

Yes, this is possible by first exporting the table from the initial application as a CSV file and importing that file into Illustrator.

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2. How do I adjust the size of my table?

To resize the table, select the table and drag its corners to increase or decrease the size.

3. How do I format a table in Illustrator?

Formatting options include changing the table colour, font size, layout, borders, and stroke thickness – all of which can be customized via the appearance panel.

4. Can I add a chart or graph into my Illustrator table?

Yes. you can add a chart or graph – this can be done by creating your illustration data visualization nearby or pasting it once it is created externally, then adjusting both of them to fit well together.

5. Can Illustrator tables be interactive?

Yes. With Illustrator, you can create and export interactive tables that allow you to highlight data and add hyperlinks.

6. Can Illustrator tables be directly copied to Microsoft Office applications?

Yes. Tables created with Illustrator can be copied and pasted directly into programs like Excel, PowerPoint, and Word.

7. How do I change the font in Illustrator tables?

To change the font in Illustrator tables, select the text or table, then navigate the top menu Adobe Illustrator and click on the format tab, follow by font and choose the featured font style.

8. How do I change the table stroke thickness?

To increase the stroke thickness of the table, select the stroke panel, then navigate to the Appearance Panel. You can either use the up and down arrow menu or enter the exact value desired.

9. How do I set-up my table cell borders in Illustrator?

You can set-up your table cell border by selecting “Object” in the top menu then click on “Path,” “Outlined,” and finally “Offset,” which can be done on other objects or text.

10. How do I add a table title in Illustrator?

To add a title, text box or any other text to the design. Select the type tool option under the left-hand side icons bar then click and drag to your preferred location.

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11. How do I add a background colour to my Illustrator table?

To add background coloring to your Illustrator table – single click the table, then navigate to the fab three icons: gradient, stroke, and fill. You can change the background color with the feature fill option.

12. How do I apply cell shading to my Illustrator table?

To apply cell shading select the square or multiple square cells, navigate to a fill color, and work through the color gradients to determine the best color shade for your table’s cells.

13. How do I add or delete table rows and columns in Illustrator?

To add or delete table rows and columns on your Illustrator tablet, select the cell, column, or row that you want to add or remove, and then go to “Layout” in the top menu and select “Table”. From here, click on “Add rows”, “Remove rows”, “Add column” or “Remove columns”, according to your desired preferences.

Conclusion

In conclusion, creating tables in Illustrator has its pros and cons, but it gives us more options and flexibility to customize our designs. You can gain more functionality from Illustrator tables by adding text, graphics, images, and other design elements. This article has provided a detailed step-by-step guide on how to create tables in Illustrator, along with a list of common questions and answers. By applying these steps and tips, you will be able to create a professional table design that stands out among others.

What are you waiting for? Now it’s your turn to take the steps and try creating a table in Illustrator by using this guide. Impress your clients and colleagues with your new design skills and set yourself apart in the design field.

Disclaimer

Please note that the steps and tips shared in this guide are based on the current version of Illustrator at the time of writing, and the process may change in future updates. Also, the steps involved in creating a table in Illustrator can vary depending on the project, complexity, and other specific requirements. Nonetheless, this article serves as an informative guide that will enable beginners in graphic design to create tables on Illustrator quickly and easily.