Ampler converts a table into individual text boxes in one click, so you can lay out and format the content freely instead of being held to the table grid.
Quick answer: Select the table and click Split table to text boxes on the Ampler ribbon — each cell becomes its own text box you can move and format independently.
How to use it
Select the table, then split it into individually formattable text boxes.
- Click to select the table.
- Click Split table to text boxes on the Ampler ribbon.
Each cell becomes a separate text box, so you can position and format the content without the table’s constraints.
Keyboard shortcut
Split table to text boxes has no default shortcut. To assign one, open the Settings dropdown on the Ampler ribbon, choose Shortcuts, click Set shortcut on the function, and press your key combination.
Why use it
A table is a fast way to lay content on a grid, but its formatting options are limited — cell borders, spacing, and alignment only go so far. Splitting the table into text boxes keeps the grid arrangement while giving each element the full formatting freedom of a shape.
How consultants use it
Consultants often build an exhibit on a table’s grid for speed, then need the design freedom of individual shapes to finish it. Splitting bridges the two. Three habits apply:
- Grid first, freeform after: the table sets the arrangement; text boxes give the formatting control to polish it.
- Escape the table’s limits: per-element fills, spacing, and effects that a table can’t do become available.
- Keep the layout: the split preserves the grid positions, so nothing has to be rebuilt.
Split table to text boxes turns a quick grid into a fully formattable exhibit.
Tips & best practices
- Build the rough layout as a table, then split to fine-tune the design.
- After splitting, use Apply styles to format the boxes consistently.
- Use Align and Distribute to keep the freed boxes on the grid.
Availability
Included in Ampler for PowerPoint and the Ampler Suite, on Windows desktop PowerPoint.
Frequently asked questions
How do you convert a table into text boxes in PowerPoint?
Select the table and click Split table to text boxes on the Ampler ribbon. Each cell becomes its own text box, keeping the grid layout but with full formatting freedom.
Why split a table into shapes?
Because a table’s formatting is limited. Splitting it into text boxes gives each element the fills, spacing, and effects of a shape while keeping the arrangement.
Does splitting a table keep the layout?
Yes. The cells become text boxes in their existing grid positions, so nothing has to be rearranged.