Creating tables in items

NOTE: If you want to create a Table question, refer to Creating a Table question.

Tables are data grids that arrange information cells in horizontal rows and vertical columns. Use tables in items to present contextual information to candidates. There are two table types in Surpass: Mixed subject tables and HTML subject tables.

This article explains how to create tables in both Mixed subject and HTML subject items.

Creating tables in Mixed subjects

Adding a table in a Mixed subject item

In Mixed subjects, you can add tables at either the item or stem level.

Item-level tables appear underneath the question stem in delivery and are added by selecting Advanced Options > Add Table .

Stem-level tables appear within the question stem block in delivery and are added by selecting Table Editor on the formatting toolbar. For more information, read Using the formatting toolbar.

NOTE: In Mixed subjects, you cannot add tables to question stem blocks 2-5. You cannot add tables to an item's first question stem.

Formatting a table in a Mixed subject item

After you have added your blank table, use the toolbar options to configure your table. Expand the following sections to see definitions of each setting on the table toolbar.

Setting	Description
Add Row Below	Inserts a new row beneath the selected cell.
Add Column Right	Inserts a new column to the right of the selected cell.
Delete Row	Deletes the selected row and its contents.
Delete Column	Deletes the selected column and its content.
Row Height	Sets the height of the selected row in pixels. You can apply this value to all rows.
Column Width	Sets the width of the selected column in pixels. You can apply this value to all columns.

Setting	Description
Merge Cells	Combines the selected cells into one cell.
Split Cells	Divides merged cells.
Decrease Indent	Moves text in selected cells one pixel to the left.
Increase Indent	Moves text in selected cells one pixel to the right.
Decrease decimals displayed	Removes one decimal place from table numbers. By default, tables show two decimal places.
Increase decimals displayed	Adds one decimal place to table numbers. By default, tables show two decimal places.
Border Colour	Edits the colour of cell borders (if set).

Icon	Setting	Description
	Undo	Reverses the previous action.
	Text Size	Choose the size of text.
	Bold	Makes text darker.
	Italic	Makes text slant to the right.
	Underline	Adds a horizontal line below the text.
	Text Colour	Choose the colour of your text.
	Cell Fill Colour	Choose the colour of your cells.
	Cell Borders	Choose the border for selected cells.
	Text Margins (Left)	Moves selected cells’ left margin one pixel to the left.
	Text Margins (Right)	Moves selected cells’ left margin one pixel to the right.
	Text Alignment	Sets the alignment of text in selected cells.

Creating tables in HTML subjects

Adding a table in an HTML subject item

In HTML subjects, you can create tables inline with question content. Select Table Editor on the Advanced formatting toolbar to open the Table Properties dialog and edit your table options.

Formatting a table in an HTML subject item

Configure the following settings in Table Properties and select OK to create an empty table in your HTML subject question stem.

Setting	Description
Rows	The number of rows (default value: `3`).
Columns	The number of columns (default value: `2`).
Width	The width of cells in pixels (default value: `500`).
Height	The height of cells in pixels.
Headers	Sets either the first row or column (or both) as headers. Content in header rows/columns is automatically bolded and centre-aligned.
Cell spacing	The space between cells in pixels.
Cell padding	The space between cell walls and content in pixels.
Border size	The thickness of table borders in pixels. Enter `0` for invisible borders.
Align	The alignment of the table in the content area. Available options are Left, Centre, and Right.
Caption	A short title that appears above the table.
Alt Text	A summary of table content for the benefit of those who may be unable to see the table in delivery.