All Collections
Getting Started Guide
Handling Variable Row Heights
Handling Variable Row Heights

How to create a layout for tables with various row sizes

PDF2XL Support avatar
Written by PDF2XL Support
Updated over a week ago

Scroll through each section to learn ...

  • how to create rows using table lines

  • how to use data to correct row height


When you have a table that contains rows of varying heights, PDF2XL will usually try to place a row divider between each row of text, like this:

This can create a chaotic output!

Fortunately, PDF2XL has a couple of methods for handling these types of scenarios


Rows From Lines

The first option is to use the table lines to identify where the row dividers should be. This is as simple as right-clicking on the table and selecting “Table Structure > Rows From Lines”.

But what if the table doesn’t have lines?

No problem...


Setting Row Height Using Key Data

If your table has no divider lines, you will want to choose one column where the data is in a consistent place. In our example, we chose the 4th column because the data is always at the top of each row. This is our “key” column.

Once you have the column selected, right-click and go to "Table Structure > "Create Rows (Above/Between/Below) Column Text". 

The option you choose depends on where the data appears in the key column.

In our example, the data appears at the top of each row, so we will select “Create Rows Above Column Text”. This forces PDF2XL to look for the next row entry in the key column and merge all the rows above it.

That’s better!

Did this answer your question?