How to use decimal tab to align characters (i.e. column heading)?

[Guest]

If the no. of digits after a decimal point is always consistent, I can use
the centre tab to align both the column heading and the numbers. If not
consistent, I must use the decimal tab to align the numbers. But I don't
know how to align the column heading except by using the space bar. I tried
to use the centre tab to align the column heading but when I set the decimal
tab for the numbers, the column heading lost the alignment. Is there a way
to get around this?

Appreciate advice.

 

[Echo S]

Are you working in a placeholder, a manual textbox, or a table?

Regardless, I'm not aware of a consistent way around it, Epinn. Center tab
is probably the best way. Adding decimals shouldn't lose the center
alignment in the heading, although you might need to add a second center tab
or otherwise adjust the center tab on the heading.

I sure wish I had better answers for you! You're running into some of the
irritations there really aren't good workarounds for.

 

[Steve Rindsberg]

If the no. of digits after a decimal point is always consistent, I can use
the centre tab to align both the column heading and the numbers. If not
consistent, I must use the decimal tab to align the numbers. But I don't
know how to align the column heading except by using the space bar. I tried
to use the centre tab to align the column heading but when I set the decimal
tab for the numbers, the column heading lost the alignment. Is there a way
to get around this?

I used to have to do tables by the hundreds. The two methods I arrived at
were:

For simple-ish tables, use a PPT text box as you're doing for the table
contents. Add another text box above it for the column headings. This is the
only way you can have different sets of tabs on the different types of text.

(Note that in 2007, the tabs are set like Word's, ... by paragraph, to the
selected paragraphs, so you can have different tab settings per para in the
same text box)

For more complex tables, do them in Excel then select them, copy, switch to
PPT, edit , paste special, link. Beauty.