When you use Google Docs, you can add a table organize your information well so that you can share it with your company or audience. To speed up the creation process, try a table template instead.
A spreadsheet is a great tool for structuring data, but what makes it even better is when the spreadsheet is created for you. All you have to do is enter your own data. In Google Docs, you can use spreadsheet templates for products, reviews, projects, and content.
Google Docs spreadsheet templates available
As of May 2022, Google Docs has four spreadsheet templates. Although these templates include predefined fields, you can easily customize them to suit your needs, as described below.
Here are the templates and their fields:
- Product roadmap: Project, status, related files and notes
- Tracking Review: Reviewer, status and notes
- Project assets: File, description and status
- Launch Content Tracker: Type, description, date of publication, publication, output and link to the content
Insert a table template
Place your cursor in the document where you want to insert the table template. Go to Insert> Table in the menu, go to Table Templates and select one from the pop-up menu.
You can now also access these templates from the Insert> Building Blocks pop-up menu.
Use the table template
If you are familiar with the use tables in Google Docs, then you know how to maneuver them, add rows, remove columns and the like. These templates work the same way.
Type: You can quickly scroll through the cells to enter your data from left to right, top to bottom, using the Tab key.
Work with rows and columns
The easiest way to add another line is to go to the last cell in the table. This is the cell in the lower right corner. Then press the Tab key. This inserts a new row, automatically formatted for the table.
You can also do the following:
Add a row or column: Hover over the left side of the row or above the column header and click the plus sign in the floating toolbar.
Remove a row or column: Right-click the row or column you want to remove and select “Delete row” or “Delete column” from the menu.
Rearrange a row or column: Hover over the left side of the row or above the column header. Select the grid icon in the floating toolbar and drag the row or column where you want.
Sort the table: Right-click on the column you want to sort by, go to the sort table and select “Sort in ascending order” or “Sort in descending order” from the pop-up menu.
Customize drop-down lists
IN drop-down lists in the table the templates are super convenient for adding statuses. Just select one from the list. But you can also customize these status lists to make more sense to you if needed.
CONNECTED: How to add or edit a drop-down list in Google Sheets
Each drop-down list uses a template, and the list in each field of a table uses the same template. This means that you will be able to change only one or all of the lists in the table.
Click the drop-down list and select “Add / Edit Options” at the bottom.
Make your changes in the drop-down options window. You can edit an item, change a color, add an item using the New option, delete an item, or rearrange items by dragging and dropping.
When you’re done, click Save.
As mentioned, as you use the drop-down list in other fields for the table, you’ll see a pop-up message that reminds you. Then select either “Only this instance” to change only this particular list, or “Apply to all” to change all.
If you prefer to create your own drop-down list to use in your spreadsheet, see our instructions for create and customize a drop-down list in Google Docs.
These Google Docs templates give you quick and easy ways to use spreadsheets and organize your data. For more, see how create content in Google Docs too!
