Try Out These Useful Techniques in Microsoft Project Tables

by Avantix Learning Team | Updated October 14, 2021

Applies to: Microsoft® Project® 2010, 2013, 2016 and 2019 (Standard and Professional)

Tables are a core component of Microsoft Project. They appear in many views and display specific fields available in Project. The default tables that appear in the Tables drop-down menu on the View tab include:

  • Entry
  • Cost
  • Hyperlink
  • Schedule
  • Tracking
  • Variance
  • Work
  • Summary
  • Usage

Each of these tables display a different set of fields and can be applied to different views.

Recommended article: 10 Timesaving Shortcuts in Microsoft Project's Gantt Chart View

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The following are some helpful tips when working with tables.

Apply a table to a view using the Ribbon

To apply a table to a view, display the desired view, click the View tab in the Ribbon and then select a table from the Tables drop-down menu.

Apply tables to a view in MS Project using the Ribbon.

Apply a table to a view using a menu

To apply a table to a view using a menu, right-click the intersection point on the top left of the table (to the left of the first column and above the first row) and then select a table from the Tables drop-down menu.

Applying tables to a view using a menu in MS Project.

Reset the Entry table

The Entry table is the default table that appears in the sheet area on the left in the Gantt Chart view. It also appears by default in many other task views. It can be confusing to some users if fields other than the default fields such as Duration, Start and Finish are displayed. It's a good idea to save a custom table if you want to display other fields.

If the Entry table has been changed (new fields added or columns hidden), to reset the Entry table:

  1. Display the Entry table.
  2. If it's been modified, click the View tab on the Ribbon.
  3. Click Tables and from the drop-down menu, select Reset to Default.

Resetting a table to its default in MS Project.

Add a column to a table

You can quickly add a column to a table by right-clicking a column heading, selecting Insert Column and then selecting a field. When the Field Name list is displayed, type the first letter of the desired field to go to that field and then click the field. Columns are inserted to the left.

Resize a column

To quickly resize a column in a table, double-click the right edge of a column heading to resize to best fit.

Rename a column

To quickly change the name of a column, double-click on the column heading, enter a new name for the field in the title area and press Enter. This creates a caption rather than applying a different field.

Renaming a column in a table in MS Project.

Hide a column

To quickly hide a column in a table, click the right edge of the column header and drag it to the left until it disappears. You can also right-click the column heading and select Hide Column from the drop-down menu.

Unhide a column

To display a column you've hidden, right-click a column heading, choose Insert Column and select the field you've hidden.

Resize the screen to view more fields

You can drag the dividing line between the table and the area on the right (usually a Gantt Chart) to display more fields in the table.

Save a custom table

If you have inserted and / or hidden columns, you can save the modified table as a custom table:

  1. Modify a table.
  2. Click the View tab in the Ribbon.
  3. From the Tables drop-down menu, select Save Fields as New Table.
  4. Enter a new name for the table and click OK. You will now be able to apply the table from the Tables drop-down menu on the View tab.

Saving a custom table in MS Project.

Try out these useful strategies to control the way you view tables in Project.

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More resources

How to Create a Timeline in MIcrosoft Project

Auto vs Manual Scheduling in Microsoft Project

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10 Microsoft Project Tips for Working Efficiently with Tables

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