Tables are a useful way to organize and present data in Google Docs. You can add tables to both documents and presentations.
However, you may eventually want to delete a table you have inserted. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to delete tables in Google Docs, whether you are using a Windows PC, Mac, Chromebook, iPhone, or Android device.
Table of Contents
When to Delete Tables
There are a few reasons why you may want to delete a table:
- The table is no longer needed or relevant
- You want to replace the table with updated data
- The table was used temporarily to organize content while writing, but is not needed in the final document
- You have duplicate tables and want to consolidate information into one table
- You want to clear formatting and start fresh with a new table
Deleting an entire table completely removes all the data and formatting. So if you still need the information, make sure to copy or cut the table first before deletion.
If you just want to remove the table gridlines but keep the data, there is also an option for that covered later in this article.
How to Delete Tables in Google Docs on Windows PC
Deleting tables using a Windows PC is quick and straightforward:
- Open the Google Doc and locate the table you want to delete
- Right-click any cell within that table. A pop-up box will appear.
- Select “Delete table” and the table will be removed completely
You can use this same process to delete specific rows or columns while keeping the rest of the table:
- Right-click a cell specifically within the row or column you want to remove
- Select “Delete row” or “Delete column”
Pro Tip: You can select multiple rows or columns by clicking and dragging across cells before right-clicking to delete.
How to Delete Tables on Mac
The process is the same using a Mac:
- Open the Google Doc and click any table cell to select it
- Control-click or right-click the selected cell and choose “Delete table”
- The entire table and its contents will be removed
As with Windows, you can remove just a row or column by first selecting a cell in that row or column before deleting it.
How to Delete Tables on Chromebook
To delete tables on a Chromebook:
- Open the Google Doc containing the table
- Right-click any cell within the table you want to delete
- Click “Delete table” in the menu and the table will vanish
Tip: You can still access the right-click menu on a Chromebook by holding down the Alt key while clicking.
How to Delete Tables on iPhone or Android
Deleting tables using the Google Docs mobile app is also easy:
- Open the document on your phone and tap any table cell to select it
- Tap on the 3-dot menu icon in the top-right corner
- Choose the “Delete table” option
And just like on desktop, you can remove only a particular row or column by first selecting a cell in that row or column, tapping the 3-dot menu, and then tapping “Delete row” or “Delete column”.
How to Clear Table Formatting but Keep Data
If you want to delete the actual table structure but keep all the data in place:
- Right-click the table and choose “Table properties”
- Click the box next to “Border color”
- Select “No color”
This will remove all borders and gridlines, leaving only the text and numbers from your table in the document.
However, the information will still technically be in a table even though it no longer appears that way. So you can still reapply a table style later if needed.
When Tables Can’t Be Deleted
In some cases, you may not see a “Delete table” option when right-clicking, such as:
- In Google Slides instead of Google Docs
- If multiple table cells are selected instead of just one
- On a Chromebook or mobile device that doesn’t support right-clicking
In these instances, try these troubleshooting tips:
- For Google Slides, choose “Cut” instead to remove the table
- Make sure only one table cell is selected before right-clicking
- On devices without right-click, press-and-hold on a cell instead
If you still can’t delete the table, copying the data into another document or converting the table into plain text can work instead.
Converting Tables into Text
An alternative to deleting a table is converting it into regular unformatted text:
- On Windows/Mac, select the table and go to Table > Convert > Table to text
- Specify separators between columns or rows if desired
- The table structure will disappear, leaving only text
While not exactly the same as removing a table completely, converting to text does allow you to quickly eliminate the table formatting while keeping its data intact.
Summary
Deleting tables in Google Docs is easy:
- Right-click any single cell and select “Delete table”
- Entire table and contents are removed
- Can delete rows or columns individually instead
- Alternative is clearing formatting to hide table grid
So if you ever insert a table that ultimately doesn’t belong or need to start fresh, just follow the appropriate steps above for your device to swiftly delete those unwanted tables.