Drawing a Table
If the default table options don't provide you with what you need in a table, you can create a custom table. Drawing your own table enables you to make columns and rows of varying widths, for example. For some people, drawing a table is faster than using the table placeholder method.
To draw a table, select the Draw Table button on the Tables and Borders toolbar. The mouse pointer becomes a pencil. Drag the mouse diagonally across the slide to create the basic table. Then use the mouse to draw lines representing columns and rows. Figure 4.18 illustrates a table created using this method.
Figure 4.18. Drawing your own table provides more flexibility in table design.
If you make mistakes or want to imitate the merge and split cells features, click the Eraser button on the Tables and Borders toolbar. Use this eraser to remove the lines between rows and cells as necessary.
Caution
Although this feature can be very useful for drawing complex tables that require detailed precision, be sure that PowerPoint's regular table insertion feature won't work equally as well.
To make it easier to create your rows and columns, you can display rulers and guides on your slide. Select View, Ruler to display a ruler. Select View, Guides to create an invisible grid across your slide. These lines are invisible when you print or display a slide show.
Tip
To create your own guide line, select an existing guide, press the Ctrl key, and drag it to a new location. Delete a guide by dragging it off the slide.