How to Format and Update Multiple Tables in Documentation
In my documentation, I have several tables that have similar formatting attributes. For example, I use a bold font and a background color for the first row of column titles, a bold font for the first column of data, and a normal font for the remaining cells.
When I create a new table, I need to apply this formatting attributes manually every time.
Q: Is there a way to copy the formatting from one table to another?
Using a table as a template
You can use an existing table as a template for creating a new one. Simply copy the table from one place to another and replace the data with the content you want. This method allows you to reuse the formatting of the original table in the new one.
However, if you need to format and update multiple tables, it's best to use table styles that are available in HelpSmith. This will save you time and ensure consistency in your work.
I'm using an older version of HelpSmith and I'm not familiar with table styles. Can you please explain how this feature works?
Table styles in HelpSmith: features and benefits
Since HelpSmith ver. 10, you can take advantage of full-featured table styles to easily manage tables in your help project.
Using table styles in a help project
When you insert a new table in a topic, HelpSmith applies the default table style (named Table) to the table. If necessary, you can also add a custom table style through the Styles pane (View tab|Styles).
Properties of a table style
In a table style, it is possible to define font and paragraph settings (e.g. font name, color, spacing, etc.) for various elements of a table, including the header row, total row, regular cells, odd and even rows or cells, etc.
For more details, please visit the topic on table styles in HelpSmith's manual.
Reusing table formatting for a new table
You can set the desired font settings for a table style only once. If you insert a new table in the editor (by clicking Insert|Table in the Ribbon), you can easily apply the needed table style by double-clicking on this style in the "Styles" pane (available by clicking: View|Styles).
Updating multiple tables
Another benefit of table styles is the ability to update formatting settings for multiple tables, as you mentioned.
For example, if you change some formatting attributes (for example, font, color, etc.) of a table style (right click on the Style, then click Modify), all the tables that are using that style will be updated accordingly.