How To Use the New Tables Feature In Freeform

In This Tutorial

Learn how to use the new Tables feature in Freeform to organize elements, customize cells, and create flexible layouts. I’ll show you how to add tables, format text and cells, attach images and shapes, and use tables for grouping objects.

Adding a Table (00:19)

• Click the Table button on Mac, or use the Attach button on iPad/iPhone to add a 2x2 table.
• Expand rows and columns with the plus buttons or use the Table options to set exact sizes.
• Use the top-left handle to move the entire table around your board.

Text and Cell Options (01:54)

• Click once to select the table, twice for a cell, and a third time to edit text.
• Format text as bold, italic, colored, or larger/smaller like any text box.
• Use horizontal and vertical alignment controls and change individual cell background colors or make them transparent.

Table and Cell Borders (02:54)

• Set table fill for all cells or choose “No Fill.”
• Customize borders: none, all cells, edges only, rows, or columns.
• Adjust line thickness, style (dashed or dotted), and color.

Column and Row Sizes (03:38)

• Drag outer dots to resize the whole table or inner lines to resize individual rows and columns.
• Select multiple cells to apply changes like background color to a row or range.

Attaching Images and Shapes (04:25)

• Drag and hover an image or shape over a cell until it highlights to anchor it.
• Objects move and resize with the cell; turn off Auto Grow Cells for stability.
• Multiple objects can be attached to the same cell.

Copy and Paste Cells (06:17)

• Copying a cell copies text and all anchored objects.
• Paste into another cell to duplicate everything, including multiple objects.
• Use this to quickly replicate patterns or layouts.

Working With Rows and Columns (07:25)

• Select the top button of a column or side button of a row for options.
• Insert or delete rows/columns or use Resize to fit content (best for text).

Examples (08:03)

• Create grids for images or layouts that are easy to move without grouping.
• Resize tables to adjust overall layout and use thicker or colored borders for framing.
• Cut and paste cells to rearrange elements effortlessly.

Freeform Tables Tips (09:33)

• Copy and paste ranges of multiple cells at once.
• Hold Shift or use Arrange → Constrain Proportions to resize while keeping ratio.
• Turn off rounded corners under Format if you prefer square edges.

Tables For Grouping (10:29)

• Create single-cell tables to act as backdrops for grouped objects.
• Attach images and shapes to move them together without traditional grouping.

Freeform Tables Are Not Spreadsheets (11:15)

• These tables do not support formulas or calculations—text and numbers are just text.
• Use Numbers if you need spreadsheet functionality.

Summary

Freeform tables are a flexible way to organize text, images, and shapes into grid layouts or custom groupings. Use cell formatting, anchoring, and copy/paste to quickly build and rearrange visual structures, but remember they are for layout, not calculations.