Splitting tables in Word can be a complicated task with methods that have multiple steps. With the keyboard shortcut, though, you can do it in a matter of seconds.
To split the table horizontally in Word for Windows desktop, select the complete rows you want in the second table, including the original table’s bottom row. Then hold down the Alt and Shift keys and press the down arrow (Alt+Shift+↓). This moves those rows out into a separate table. Select whole rows, rather than just some text inside a cell.
To bring the separated rows back, select the lower table and press Alt+Shift+↑ to move it up into the original table.
Note: If the data you highlight sits in the middle of the table, this shortcut pushes those rows down rather than splitting the table. The split only happens once your selection reaches the very bottom row.
If you want to split at a particular row without moving a selection, click inside the row that should start the second table. On the Table Layout tab, choose Split Table in the Merge group. This is the table-specific tab that appears when your cursor is inside the table, rather than the document’s main Layout tab. You can then add text between the two tables. These ribbon instructions apply to Word for Windows desktop; other versions can have different controls.
Conclusion
Splitting a table in Microsoft Word is something you might do for a school assignment, a business report, or any other document, and this small keyboard shortcut takes most of the effort out of it. Keep it in mind the next time you need to break a table into separate parts and you will save yourself a few clicks every time.
