For many bloggers creating HTML tables are a nightmare, right? Well, I'm here to tell you that all changes with ComputerJy's free Windows Live Writer (WLW) table plug-in.
I've been using this table plug-in for sometime now and I can guarantee it does an excellent job. The options far exceed what is available through the WLW standard table maker and will lift your tables like you wouldn't believe – thanks now go to Peter Chen for letting me pass on the basics for both table makers (note: this post is written by guest blogger Peter McCartney).
How do I get the table plug-in?
Open up Windows Live Writer and look for:
Clicking on this will take you to Microsoft's Windows Live Writer Plugins page. Once there click on “other content insertion" and you'll find “Table Plugin” half way down the page. Click “Table Plugin” and you'll be presented with this: (shortcut link)
Click “Download now” and follow the instructions to install
Table plug-in successfully installedBack to basics: How do I activate the standard table maker?
You have three options.
1. Click “Table” at the top of the page then “insert table”
2. Click “Insert” top of the page then the table icon without the pencil.
3. Click the table icon without the pencil in the taskpane.
After doing that you will be presented with this:
Standard table makerFrom here configure your table to your liking. Click “insert” after you have finished.
How do I activate the table plug-in that I just downloaded?
Click on “Insert” at the top of the page and then click the table icon with the pencil, or, click on the same icon in the taskpane.
Plug-in table maker highlighted
Plug-in table makerNotice the many options available to you including the ability to add a background image. Configure your table to your liking and click “OK” once you have finished.
How do I reconfigure my table afterwards?Both table makers can be reconfigured by right clicking in the table itself, or by clicking “Table” at the top of the page. Just remember these commands only become active once you have created the table.
Table commandsHTML Table Examples
Here are three examples (The first two with open source code included in the articles) of what can be done using ComputerJy's Windows Live Writer table plug-in and knowledge gained from people that know far more than me; and that includes Peter Chen by the way.
1. LinkWithin Widget Alternative – Howzat2. Open Source Image Gallery – Bonza
3. My Answers you seek (Just for fun)
Windows Live Writer Downloads
1. Windows Live Writer for Windows XP
2. Windows Live Writer 2011 for Windows 7 and Vista
