How to Create a Table in WordPress with TableKit

Tables are one of the most effective ways to present structured information, like pricing plans, feature comparisons, schedules, or data summaries. While WordPress’s Gutenberg editor includes a default Table block, many users quickly realize its limitations when they need more control, flexibility, or design options.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to create a table in WordPress using a table builder plugin like TableKit in Gutenberg, and why using TableKit can significantly improve your workflow. 

What is TableKit, and Why Use It Instead of the Default Gutenberg Block?

The default Gutenberg Table block is useful for basic layouts. You can add rows and columns, but it has several limitations. Like:

• You can only add basic text inside cells. The moment you want to drop in a button, image, or any other block, you’re out of luck.

• There’s no way to freeze headers or columns. Scroll down a big table and suddenly you’re guessing what each column was supposed to mean.

• Merging or splitting cells isn’t an option. That means no complex layouts or grouped sections, just a rigid grid.

• Tables are completely static. There’s no way to pull in dynamic data from posts, products, or anything else.

• WooCommerce isn’t supported here. So if you’re thinking about product tables with pricing or add-to-cart, this won’t get you there.

Customization options for the default block are minimal and impossible for a complex table.

However, TableKit is a Gutenberg-based table builder for WordPress designed to fill the gap of the default block. It gives you more flexibility, better design control, and advanced features without requiring coding skills.

Why choose TableKit?

TableKit checks in all boxes where the default Gutenberg table feels too limiting. It gives you the flexibility and control you actually need to build tables that look good, work smoothly, and don’t fight you every step of the way.

• It has advanced customization to easily style rows, columns, and cells.

• Tables look great on mobile, tablet, and desktop.

• You can add, delete, or rearrange columns and rows effortlessly.

• You can enhance the design of your table by adjusting the colors, borders, alignment, and typography.

• TableKit is a beginner-friendly plugin built specifically for the Gutenberg editor.

If you plan to use tables frequently or need more than just a basic grid, TableKit is a far better choice than the default Gutenberg table block.

How to Create a Table in WordPress with Gutenberg Blocks [Step-by-Step]

Let’s walk you through the complete process of creating a table in WordPress using Gutenberg blocks with TableKit.

Prerequisite

Before you begin, make sure you have these:

• A WordPress website (WordPress 5.0 or later, which includes Gutenberg).

• Access to the WordPress admin dashboard.

• Installed and activated TableKit plugin (if you want advanced table features, you can upgrade to the pro version).

Step 1: Open a Page

Go to your WordPress dashboard and navigate to the pages section to add a new page. You can also use your existing page to add your table where you want. 

In this tutorial, we’ll create a new page to create a table in a WordPress site. This will open the Gutenberg block editor.

Step 2: Add a Table Builder Block

Click the “+” (Add Block) icon in your editor and search for Table Builder. Now, click on the block to insert it into your page.

Click Start Blank and choose the number of rows and columns you want to start with. You can enable or disable the header and footer of your table. After you set all the parameters of your table, click Create Table.

You’ll now see a table structure added directly to your page.

Step 2: Customize the Table

Once the table is added, you can customize it to match your content and design needs.

With TableKit, you can:

• Edit text inside each cell directly.

• Add or remove rows and columns with one click.

• Customize borders, background colors, and spacing.

• Align text horizontally or vertically.

• Apply responsive settings for better mobile viewing.
  

Use the Block Settings panel on the right-hand side to fine-tune the appearance and layout of your table.

For instance, we’ll create a data table for the employees of XYZ company. You can adjust your table’s layout, like the alignment, width, and padding.

If you want, you can add a background and set its border to elevate its aesthetic appeal. 

If you want to add another block to your table, you can still do it by clicking on the plus (+) icon. For example, you want to add an image for each employee.

Additionally, text can also be customized, especially its style. You can choose its style from 4 choices, add a color, and even choose the typography style.

Moreover, you can still polish your table through the advanced settings panel. You can freeze your table, add conditional formatting, custom CSS, etc.

Step 3: Preview and Publish the Page

If you are satisfied with your table, it’s time to save or publish the page. But you can preview to see how your table looks on the front end before publishing. Make sure it’s readable on both desktop and mobile views.

FAQs

1. Can you create tables in WordPress without plugins?

Yes, WordPress includes a default Table block in Gutenberg. However, it offers limited styling and functionality compared to plugins like TableKit.

2. Is TableKit beginner-friendly?

Absolutely. TableKit is built for Gutenberg and uses a visual, block-based approach, making it easy for beginners and non-technical users.

3. Are tables created with Gutenberg responsive?

Basic tables are partially responsive, but advanced plugins like TableKit provide better mobile responsiveness and control.

4. Can you use tables for pricing or comparison charts?

Yes. Tables are perfect for pricing tables, feature comparisons, and structured data. TableKit makes these use cases much easier to manage and style.

Time to Action

Now that you know how to create a table in WordPress with Gutenberg blocks, it’s time to put it into practice. Start with the default table block if your needs are simple, or switch to TableKit for more control, better design, and a smoother editing experience.

Create your first table today and transform the way you present information on your WordPress site.