Creating and Formatting Tables

Tables are one of those blocks you don't need every day, but when you need one, nothing else will do. Comparing pricing tiers, documenting API parameters, tracking project milestones, organizing a team directory — all of these communicate better in rows and columns than in paragraphs or lists.

Quixli's table block gives you a full-featured table editor inside the page — header rows and columns, cell formatting, merging, alignment, and keyboard navigation — without the friction of a separate spreadsheet application. This guide walks you through creating tables, formatting them for readability, and using them effectively.

When to Use a Table

Before inserting a table, ask yourself: does this data have a repeating structure? If each item shares the same set of attributes (name, price, status, date), a table is the right block. If the content is a loose collection of unrelated points, a list or a series of paragraphs will be clearer.

Creating a Table

Type /table in an empty block. The editor prompts you for dimensions — select rows and columns from the grid or type a size like 4x3 (4 columns, 3 rows). Press Enter and the table appears, ready for input.

The first row is automatically styled as a header row — bold text, subtle background shading, and it stays fixed when the table is tall enough to scroll. Start typing in the first cell; press Tab to move to the next cell, or click directly where you want to type.

Navigating with the Keyboard

Efficient table editing is keyboard-driven. Once your cursor is inside a table, these shortcuts keep you moving:

Structuring Your Table

A well-structured table uses headers to orient the reader. Quixli supports two types of headers, and you can enable either or both:

Header Row

Enabled by default. The first row is visually distinct — bold text on a light background. Use it for column labels like "Name," "Status," "Due Date." If your table doesn't need column labels (rare), toggle it off from the table menu (⋮).

Header Column

Enable this when the first column contains row labels — for example, a comparison table where the left column lists features and the remaining columns list products. Toggle it on from the table menu (⋮ → Header Column). The first column receives the same bold styling as the header row.

Adding and Removing Rows and Columns

Hover over the top or left edge of the table and you'll see + buttons for inserting columns or rows at any position. Alternatively, right-click any cell to access Insert Row Above, Insert Row Below, Insert Column Left, and Insert Column Right. Deletion follows the same pattern: right-click and choose Delete Row or Delete Column.

Deletion Caution

Deleting a row or column removes all its content immediately. Use Cmd/Ctrl + Z to undo if you delete by accident. There's no separate confirmation dialog.

Formatting Cells

Inside a table cell, you have access to the same inline formatting as everywhere else in the editor — bold, italic, inline code, links, and highlighted text. Select text within a cell and the formatting toolbar appears above.

Beyond text formatting, cells also support:

Table Styling Options

Click the table menu (⋮) and choose Style to apply a visual preset. Each preset adjusts borders, shading, and padding:

Working with Spreadsheet Data

Quixli tables play well with external spreadsheet tools. You can move data in both directions:

Importing from Spreadsheets

Copy a range of cells in Excel, Google Sheets, or any spreadsheet application, then paste directly into the Quixli editor. The pasted data is automatically converted into a table block with the correct row and column structure. Formatting like bold text and cell alignment is preserved where possible.

Exporting to Spreadsheets

Click the table menu (⋮) and choose Copy as CSV or Copy as TSV. Paste the copied data into Excel or Google Sheets, and the structure transfers cleanly. You can also download the table as a .csv file for archival or data processing.

Performance Considerations

Tables with more than about 100 rows or 20 columns can slow down the editor — each cell is a separate content block internally, so a 100×10 table is actually 1,000 blocks. If you need to display large datasets:

• Link to the full spreadsheet: Embed a Google Sheet or link to an Excel file, and show only a summary table in Quixli

• Paginate manually: Split into multiple smaller tables with a heading for each section of data

• Use a toggle block: Wrap large tables in a toggle (collapsible) block so they don't slow down initial page render

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I sort a table by clicking column headers?

Not yet in the editor itself — Quixli tables are static layout blocks, not interactive data grids. For sortable data, embed a Google Sheet or Airtable view, which gives readers interactive sort and filter controls.

Can I merge cells across rows and columns?

Yes. Select multiple adjacent cells by clicking and dragging, then click Merge Cells in the toolbar. Merged cells are useful for spanning a header across multiple columns or creating grouped rows. To undo a merge, click the merged cell and choose Unmerge.

What's the maximum table size?

There's no enforced limit, but usability drops above roughly 20 columns (horizontal scrolling becomes awkward) and performance drops above 100–150 rows. For anything larger, a linked spreadsheet is a better experience.

Can I copy a table from one Quixli page to another?

Yes. Click the table's block handle (⋮⋮), choose Duplicate to copy it on the same page, or Copy to place it on your clipboard. Navigate to the target page and paste with Cmd/Ctrl + V. The table structure, formatting, and content transfer intact.

How do tables look on mobile devices?

Wide tables scroll horizontally on narrow screens. Quixli adds a subtle scroll indicator so mobile readers know there's more content to the right. For critical mobile readability, keep tables to 3–4 columns or less.