Text tables in Altium let you document component values and pin assignments directly on your schematic
A text table in Altium Designer is a grid of text you place on your schematic sheet to list component values, pin descriptions, or design notes. Unlike a component symbol, it is purely informational — it does not connect to any part of your circuit and does not affect the netlist. You create one by inserting a table object, filling in the cells, and positioning it where you need it on the sheet.
Text tables are useful when you want to document something that does not fit neatly into component labels or when you need a quick reference visible to anyone reading the schematic. Common uses include listing pull-up resistor values for a bank of I/O pins, documenting test point locations, or creating a bill of materials snippet right on the sheet.
Key Takeaways
- Insert a table through the Schematic menu, then set the number of rows and columns you need before placing it on the sheet.
- Double-click any cell to type text into it, and use Tab to move between cells quickly.
- Resize columns and rows by dragging the dividing lines, and adjust text size and alignment through the cell properties.
- Text tables do not affect your netlist or bill of materials — they are visual documentation only.
- Save your schematic after adding a table to preserve it; tables are part of the sheet file, not separate objects.
Insert a table from the Schematic menu
Open your schematic in Altium Designer and go to the Schematic menu at the top. Click Graphical Objects, then select Table. A dialog box will appear asking you to set the number of rows and columns.
Enter the row and column count you need. If you are unsure of the exact size, start with a few extra rows and columns — you can delete them later if they are empty. Click OK when you are ready. Your cursor will change to a crosshair, prompting you to click and drag on the schematic to place the table.
Click where you want the top-left corner of the table to appear, then drag to set the overall size. Release the mouse button to place the table on the sheet. The table will appear with empty cells and a selection box around it.
Fill in the cells with text
Double-click any cell to enter edit mode and type text into it. The cell will show a text cursor when you are ready to type. Type whatever label, value, or description you need — for example, "R1", "10k", or "Pull-up to 3.3V".
Press Tab to move to the next cell to the right, or press Shift+Tab to move left. When you reach the end of a row, Tab will move you to the first cell of the next row. This makes filling a table much faster than clicking each cell individually.
Press Escape when you are done editing a cell to exit edit mode. Click outside the table to deselect it and see how it looks on your schematic. You can click the table again to select it and make further changes.
Resize columns and rows to fit your content
Once your table is placed, you may need to adjust column widths or row heights so the text fits properly. Click the table to select it, then position your cursor on the line between two column headers at the top of the table. Your cursor will change to a resize arrow.
Click and drag the column divider left or right to make the column narrower or wider. Do the same for row heights by dragging the horizontal lines on the left side of the table. Adjust each column and row until your text is fully visible and the table looks balanced on the sheet.
If a cell contains more text than fits, you can also reduce the font size for that cell. Right-click the cell, select Properties, and change the text size in the dialog that opens. This is useful when you have a long label that you do not want to make the entire column wider.
Change text alignment and appearance
Right-click any cell or group of cells to access formatting options. You can select Properties to open a dialog where you can change the font, text size, and text color. You can also set the text alignment — left, center, or right — and choose whether text wraps within the cell.
To format multiple cells at once, click one cell, then hold Ctrl and click other cells to select them together. Right-click and choose Properties to apply the same formatting to all selected cells at once. This is faster than formatting each cell individually if you want a header row to look different from the data rows.
You can also change the background color of cells to make headers stand out. In the Properties dialog, look for a fill or background color option and choose a light gray or other color that contrasts with your text. Keep the contrast high so the schematic remains readable when printed or shared.
Delete rows or columns you do not need
If you created more rows or columns than you actually use, you can remove them. Right-click on the row number or column letter at the edge of the table. A context menu will appear with options to delete that row or column.
Select Delete Row or Delete Column to remove it. The table will shrink and the remaining cells will shift to fill the space. You can delete multiple rows or columns one at a time, or select several rows or columns together by clicking and dragging across their headers, then right-clicking to delete them all at once.
Position and move the table on your sheet
Click the table once to select it — you will see a selection box around the entire table with resize handles at the corners and edges. Click and drag anywhere inside the table to move it to a new location on the schematic. This is useful if you need to reposition it to avoid overlapping with component symbols or other annotations.
You can also resize the entire table by dragging the corner handles outward or inward. Dragging a corner handle resizes both the width and height proportionally, while dragging an edge handle resizes only that dimension. Position the table where it will be easy to see and will not clutter your schematic layout.
Save your schematic with the table
Once you are satisfied with your table, save your schematic file. Press Ctrl+S or go to File and click Save. The table is part of the schematic sheet file itself — it will be saved along with your symbols, wires, and other sheet content.
When you open the schematic again later, the table will be exactly where you left it with all the text and formatting intact. If you need to edit the table, simply double-click a cell to change its content, or right-click to adjust properties again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I copy a table from one sheet to another?
Yes. Click the table to select it, press Ctrl+C to copy, then switch to the other sheet and press Ctrl+V to paste. The table will appear on the new sheet. You can then edit the cells to match the content you need for that sheet.
Will the text table appear in my bill of materials or netlist?
No. Text tables are purely visual and do not affect the netlist, bill of materials, or any generated output. They are documentation only and will not cause errors or unexpected changes to your design data.
What if I need to add more rows after I have already filled the table?
Right-click on the row number at the edge of the table and select Insert Row. Choose whether to insert above or below the selected row. The new empty row will appear, and you can fill it in by double-clicking the cells.
Can I make the table span multiple columns on my schematic sheet?
Yes. When you place the table, drag across a wider area to make it larger. You can also resize it afterward by dragging the corner handles. There is no limit to how large a table can be, so you can make it as wide or tall as your sheet allows.
How do I delete an entire table if I no longer need it?
Click the table to select it, then press Delete or Backspace. The entire table will be removed from the sheet. If you delete it by mistake, press Ctrl+Z to undo.