Lock a table size

Is it possible to lock the size of a table in Word 2013 so that when columns are added, they are automatically resized to fit within the specified table size?  I am building internal-branding-compliant templates to be used by our less sophisticated Word users, and they complain that when they add a column to the table, it increases the table width so that it no longer fits the template.

If it's possible to lock the table width and make new columns autofit the table width, that would be my ideal solution, but I've tried every combination of "exactly" width settings and "automatically resize to fit contents" and still when I add a column, the table becomes wider.  Any suggestions?

Answer
Answer
Do you have the preferred width of the table set to 100%?
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As Suzanne wrote, you need to set the table width to 100%. You'd also have to clear the "Preferred width" settings for each table column. This ensures that a table can never grow "too wide" (= wider than its container) as you add columns. If you delete columns, you'd have to resize the table to 100% width, though.
Stefan Blom
Microsoft 365 Word MVP since 2005
Volunteer Moderator (Office)
MS 365, Win 11 Pro
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Last updated November 23, 2023 Views 2,304 Applies to: