Creating Tables in Calc

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#31

LibreOffice comes with a database component which can generate real database tables.
I think, that “Tables” in Excel are somewhat like “Database Ranges” in Calc.
Data>Define… defines a named database range with or without header row.
Data>Select… selects a chosen database range.

A database range should be a flat list having one header row of column labels and consistent data below labels. It can “remember” the last applied filter setting and sort order. You can use the name in formulas.

P.S. a macro that helps to expand/shrink referenced cell ranges, including database ranges, with 2 shortcuts.
Install the macro.
Assign 2 shortcuts for expansion and deletion. I suggest Ctrl+Insert and Ctrl+Delete.

  • The insertion macro retrieves the current region around the current cell/range selection, and inserts into the current region as many rows. Then it copies down any formulas from the preceeding row. You can insert new rows anywhere within or directly below the list range. All references in formulas, charts, conditional formattings, validations, names and database ranges will be updated to the new size of your range.
  • The deletion macro retrieves the current region around the current cell/range selection, and deletes from the current region as many rows as selected.

https://forum.openoffice.org/en/forum/download/file.php?id=46813

1 Like
#32

The free online Excel also has tables.

#35

Excel is not free by any means.

#36

You can use Excel online without paying.

#37

That’s free as in “free beer” at best. LibreOffice is free as in “free speech” and “free beer”.
I guess, you need some access to a Microsoft cloud at least. That is too high a price to pay. If that cloud is free as in “free beer”, it is subsidized for potentially bad intentions.

2 Likes
#15

You might want to check this answer:

1 Like
#16

This links leads to the most comprehensive and complete answer. :slight_smile:

#3

I suppose you can use the cells in Calc as table as indicated by this help: http://help.libreoffice.org/Writer/Inserting_Tables

#4

Hi @Greg2,

Why do you want to insert a table into a Calc spreadsheet? It doesn’t seem like a feature that I’d use much, but perhaps there are some scenarios where it would be quite powerful?

#5

In Excel, creating a table from an area is a powerful tool that creates dropdown menus for sorting and filtering the data, automatically extends any formulas when adding new rows and more. The name is a bit misleading and I’m hoping it exists in LibreOffice under a different name.

5 Likes
#6

What a stupid comment. You know something, I don’t wear dumb cowboy hats, That’s not something I’d do. I suppose there might be some scenario that might need them…

1 Like
#7

This is actually a really powerful feature in Excel. If you routinely create tables of data with calculated columns (even as simple as total price = qty * unit price) then the Excel table saves a huge amount of effort:

  • It automatically populates the formula throughout the table - and continues to do so as you extend the table
  • It automatically moves cells below the table down to make room for new roles
  • You refer to columns by name rather than address which hugely improves readability as well as obviating the need to use absolute references
  • It enables autofilter on each column and allows several columns to have filters on them
  • The table can be referenced as a unit when used, say, as input to a pivot table
  • It automatically formats the tables with alternating row colors to aid readability
  • It allows you to total columns by name from outside the table (which, in turn, ensures that your total references the entire table no matter how many rows are added

and more , :slight_smile:

5 Likes
#8

So if the libreOffice developers ever decide to implement this feature the world will be a much happier place :-).

I ditched MS Office on my Mac in favor of libreOffice for stability and speed but I confess I do miss this one feature.

3 Likes
#9

This is a very old unsolved thread, so obviously it remains relevant. I just want to second sethsn’s explanation of why this feature is so useful. Particularly important is the fact that it allows the user to automatically copy the formulas each time you, say, add a row of data. By creating a table in Excel, the bottom range of the data set is defined so that by simply pressing “Tab” at the last cell, another row can be added that retains all formatting AND formulas from the above row.

There are many other threads that have been marked as “solved” that are essentially asking how to do this, but one gets the feeling that other commenters and moderators do not quite understand the question (e.g. here Automatic formula when add row?).

Thanks again to sethsn. I would upvote you if I had any karma … but alas, I’m a newbie to the forum.

1 Like
#10

You Suck at Excel with Joel Spolsky - YouTube at minute 37 explains this REALLY good. this is a killer feature, and libreoffice should really try to get this done.

2 Likes
#11

It already works, they are called database ranges. I opened one of my old spreadsheets that already had a table in it and all of the normal table functionality that excel has works in Calc. In the data dropdown, choose “Define range”, and then select the area for the table and name it.

#12

@Testestestest -
That feature in LibreOffice Calc is not Dynamic, it only creates a data range of what you already have… its nothing like Tables in Excel at all, the same feature as this in Excel will be to select the area and give it a name… that is neither dynamic… I just tried it in LibreOffice Calc 6.4…

To everyone saying that the “Create Datarange” in LibreOffice do the same as “Tables” in Excel, it do not, It is not dynamic, it do not dynamically extend the data range with new row (as a table in i.e. Base do…

The “Data - Define Range” in Calc only define a static range, as if selecting a Range with Cells in Excel and giving it a name…

#13

Yes, you can.
Insert->Object->Chart

#14

There is a difference between the words create and insert. The question was regarding creation of a table, not insertion of a table.

#17

Perhaps is this what you are looking for:

https://wiki.documentfoundation.org/ReleaseNotes/5.1#Table_structured_references

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