How to create a table with a repeating header row in Word

Ensure the first row of your table contains column headers like "Name" or "Date" and maintains proper table structure without merged cells. 2. Click anywhere in the first row or select it entirely by clicking its left edge. 3. Go to the Table Design tab (Windows) or Table tab (Mac) and enable the "Repeat as Header Row" option, visible only when the cursor is in the first row. Once activated, Word automatically repeats the header at the top of each subsequent page the table spans, provided the table isn’t in a text box, uses proper formatting, and avoids internal page breaks or blank rows, ensuring consistent visibility across pages.

To create a table with a repeating header row in Word—so the header appears at the top of each page when your table spans multiple pages—follow these steps:

Make Sure Your Table Has a Header Row

First, ensure the first row of your table is actually your header row. This row should contain column titles like "Name," "Date," "Amount," etc. Don’t merge cells or format it in a way that breaks the structure.

Select the Header Row

Click anywhere in the first row of the table (or select the entire row by clicking the left edge of the row).

Use the "Repeat as Header Row" Feature

1. Go to the Table Design tab (on Windows) or Table tab (on Mac).
2. In the Table Design tab, look for the option labeled "Repeat as Header Row" — it's usually in the "Data" group.
3. Check or click this option.

Note: On Windows, this option only appears when your cursor is inside the first row of the table.

What Happens Next?

Once enabled, Word will automatically repeat that row at the top of every page where the table continues. You’ll see the header reappear on page 2, 3, etc., if the table flows across pages.

Tips to Keep It Working

• Don’t manually insert page breaks within the table unless necessary—Word handles pagination better automatically.
• Avoid putting blank rows between the header and the rest of the table.
• If the header doesn’t repeat, double-check that:
  • You’re using a proper table (not text separated by tabs).
  • The table isn’t inside a text box or improperly formatted section.
  • You’ve enabled the "Repeat as Header Row" option while the cursor was in the correct row.

This feature works in Microsoft Word for Windows, macOS, and Word Online (with slight interface differences).

Basically, just mark the first row as a header using the built-in option, and Word takes care of the rest.

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