Work Smart with Table Columns
The Problem:
Changing the width of one column affects all the other columns, too. Just when I get one column perfect, I need to change another column, and that screws up the perfect column. It'd be great to lock a column's width so it won't change unless I explicitly say so.
The Solution:
Your wish is grantedto some extent. Word tries to maintain the table width you specified, so if you drag one column border to widen or narrow a column, Word automatically adjusts the column to the right to compensate. To override this behavior, Shift-drag the column border. This makes Word maintain the width of the column to the right, but it means that your table's overall width will change.
Tip: To set column widths precisely, right-click in the first column, choose Table Properties, click the Column tab, and use the "Preferred width" spinner box to set the column width. Click the Next Column button to move to the next column and set its width.