InDesign Type: Professional Typography with Adobe InDesign, Third Edition

Chapter 10. Tables

Tables are everywhere: train and bus schedules, product comparisons, stock charts, sports league tables, and TV and radio listings to name but a few. Unlike narrative text, tables need to be read in two directions simultaneously, so it’s important to keep the design simple. Even though it’s a table, it still needs to be read: Too frequently we see tables that are a cage of borders, rows, and columns and look like data prisons. Clients sometimes treat tables the way we might treat a junk room—cram as much stuff in there as possible, then force the door shut.

Table Aesthetics

Most important when working with tables is a common-sense, no-nonsense approach.

Choose an appropriate font

Table text is typically one or two points ...