--- title: "Using Tables on Labstep" description: "Step-by-step guide on how to create, edit and use spreadsheet-like tables to your protocols, experiments and notes" url: https://help.labstep.com/en/articles/3388189-using-tables-on-labstep collection: "Interactive elements" updated: 2026-10-30 language: en --- # Using Tables on Labstep Step-by-step guide on how to create, edit and use spreadsheet-like tables to your protocols, experiments and notes _On Labstep, you can add tables to your protocols, experiments and notes. You can choose between a Basic Table for simple tabulations or an Interactive Table for more complex actions such as calculations. Interactive Tables contain the majority of functionalities you can find in spreadsheets such as Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets. If you'd like to know how to add an Excel or Google Sheets to your entry, click_ [_here_](https://help.labstep.com/en/articles/3304105-using-a-cloud-storage.md)_. For the Conditions table, click_ [_here_](https://help.labstep.com/en/articles/6708126-using-variables-fields-and-multiple-conditions.md)_._ * * * # **Creating a Table:** ## **_From a protocol/experiment entry_** 1. Navigate to the protocol/experiment entry of your choice 2. Type **/** _(slash)_ 3. Select which type of Table you need 4. Click on 'Untitled Table' to rename your new Table _(interactive Table only)_ 5. Start adding elements _(interactive Table only)_ 6. Click on 'Done' once you're finished _(interactive Table only)_ **_Labstep team tip:_** _You can always add/remove or edit elements of your Table later on. Click on your Table's name to view and edit it freely. However, make sure you are in 'Edit' mode._ ![](https://staticfiles.gleap.io/helpcenter/699dc51d2188da0fb351700e/20260224154024_8050.gif) ## _From notes_ 1. Navigate to the content of your choice 2. Click on 'Notes' in the right-hand side menu 3. Click on the **+** 4. Select 'Table' 5. Click on 'Untitled Table' to rename your new Table 6. Start adding elements 7. Click on 'Done' once you're finished **_Labstep team tip:_** _You can add a comment to the Table (within the Notes) by clicking on the chat conversation bubble icon. You can create threads or comments and mention other workspace members._ ![](https://staticfiles.gleap.io/helpcenter/699dc51d2188da0fb351700e/20260224154026_1545.gif) # **Editing a Basic Table:** 1. Click on one of the cells 2. Click on the Table icon in the toolbar 3. Make the necessary changes **_Labstep team tip:_** _You can select the number of rows and columns you want to add when creating a Basic Table._ ![](https://staticfiles.gleap.io/helpcenter/699dc51d2188da0fb351700e/20260224154025_9867.gif) # **Importing/Exporting Tables:** Please note this is only for Interactive Tables. However, if you wish to import data to a Basic Table, you can copy-paste it. ## **_Import a .xlsx file_** 1. Click on the 'Import from XLSX' icon (far-left side of the menu) 2. Select the file of your choice 3. Click on 'Open' **_Labstep team tip:_** _We currently do not support graphs within the Table feature. If you have a graph you wish to add to your experiment/protocol/notes, you can import it as a file or image._ ![A screenshot showing where to click to import a XLSX file](https://staticfiles.gleap.io/helpcenter/699dc51d2188da0fb351700e/20260224154022_9762.png) ## **_Export as a .xlsx file_** 1. Click on the 'Save as XLSX' icon _(far-left side of the menu)_ 2. The download will automatically start ![A screenshot showing where to click to save the table as a XLSX file](https://staticfiles.gleap.io/helpcenter/699dc51d2188da0fb351700e/20260224154022_0773.png) # **What can you do with our Interactive Table feature?** ## **_Undo/redo_** - Undo changes by clicking on the left-pointing arrow _(far-left side of the menu)_ - Redo changes by clicking on the right-pointing arrow ![A GIF showing how to use the undo and redo features](https://staticfiles.gleap.io/helpcenter/699dc51d2188da0fb351700e/20260224154024_2535.gif) ## **_Add/remove column or row_**  To add a column or row: 1. Select the cell where you want an adjacent column or row to be added 2. Click on the 'Insert Rows/Columns' button on the left-hand side of the menu 3. Select from either 'Row above', 'Row below', 'Column left' or 'Column right'. ![A GIF showing how to add a column](https://staticfiles.gleap.io/helpcenter/699dc51d2188da0fb351700e/20260224154024_7498.gif) To remove a column or row: 1. Select a cell on the column or row you wish to be removed. 2. Click on the 'Delete Rows/Columns' button on the left-hand side of the menu. 3. Select from either 'Delete column(s)' or 'Delete row(s)'. ![A GIF showing how to remove a column from a table](https://staticfiles.gleap.io/helpcenter/699dc51d2188da0fb351700e/20260224154024_4806.gif) ## **_Formatting cell text_** - Format text to bold, italics, underlined or strikethrough - Change cell or text colour - Increase or decrease the number of decimal places that are displayed ![A GIF showing how to format cell text](https://staticfiles.gleap.io/helpcenter/699dc51d2188da0fb351700e/20260224154024_7798.gif) ## **_Text alignment_** Adjust both vertical and horizontal alignment of the text to align text to the cell's left, centre, right, top, middle, or bottom. ![A GIF showing how to align text within a cell](https://staticfiles.gleap.io/helpcenter/699dc51d2188da0fb351700e/20260224154024_2723.gif) **_Cell border options and merging cells_** - Add or remove borders outlining the cells - Merge or un-merge selected cells ![A GIF showing how to change cells borders and how to merge and unmerge cells](https://staticfiles.gleap.io/helpcenter/699dc51d2188da0fb351700e/20260224154025_4427.gif) ## **_Resizing cells or wrapping text_** By default, the text will overflow into the adjacent cell. To enlarge the cell, either click and drag the cell border or double-click to expand the size of the cell automatically. Alternatively, you can click on the wrap text button to fit your text into the cell. ![A GIF showing how to resize a cell or wrap text within a cell](https://staticfiles.gleap.io/helpcenter/699dc51d2188da0fb351700e/20260224154023_6011.gif) ## _Showing formulas_ To show formulas in your interactive table, press **CTRL** and **\`** (backtick/accent grave key). You'll need to do this before you can copy-paste your table if you want to also paste the formulas. ![](https://staticfiles.gleap.io/helpcenter/699dc51d2188da0fb351700e/20260224154022_4146.gif) ## **_Carrying our calculations using formulas_** - Basic: [http://help.labstep.com/en/articles/5519994-carrying-out-calculations-on-labstep](https://help.labstep.com/en/articles/5519994-carrying-out-calculations-on-labstep.md) - Advanced: [http://help.labstep.com/en/articles/3107598-carrying-out-advanced-calculations-on-labstep](https://help.labstep.com/en/articles/3107598-carrying-out-advanced-calculations-on-labstep.md) ![A GIF showing how to calculate an average using tables](https://staticfiles.gleap.io/helpcenter/699dc51d2188da0fb351700e/20260224154025_6440.gif) * * * **_Still need help?_** _Contact us_ [_here_](mailto:info@labstep.com) _or start a conversation with a member of our team using our in-app chat._