Table Talk - Conclusion

Fine-Tuning Forms

Forms are usually a very disorganized mass of text and input boxes. The <PRE> tag was about the only way to save them from total disaster, until table-savvy Web designers came along. Figure 3 shows how you can make your form more presentable by using a simple two-column format.

Using a table header that is right-aligned, create the labels for the input fields, and use a standard table data tag for the input sections of the form. The Submit and Clear buttons are in the bottom row, which has two table data cells. The first table data cell is empty, and the second contains the two centered buttons. More advanced forms also can be used with tables, including tables within tables that contain checkboxes and groups, each aligned in a neat, centered row.

<FORM ACTION=POST>
<CENTER>
<TABLE>
<TR>
<TH ALIGN=RIGHT>Name:
<TD><INPUT TYPE=TEXT SIZE=30>
<TR>
<TH ALIGN=RIGHT>Email:
<TD><INPUT TYPE=TEXT SIZE=30>
<TR>
<TH ALIGN=RIGHT>Phone:
<TD><INPUT TYPE=TEXT SIZE=14>
<TR>
<TD>
<TD ALIGN=CENTER><INPUT TYPE="SUBMIT"
VALUE="SUBMIT"> <INPUT TYPE="RESET"
VALUE="CLEAR">
</TABLE>
</CENTER>
</FORM>

Browsers: The Previous Generation

Of course, you will inevitably encounter users who try to view your multi- column creation using an archaic Web browser that doesn't support tables. Before all you Lynx users pick up your quill pens to send me hate mail, you should know that even Lynx now has a version out that supports basic table tags...so do us all a favor and get a copy!

That said, we still have to deal with those users who may not have had the opportunity to upgrade their browsers. Not a problem: Simply put <BR> or <P> tags at the end of the information in each cell, and use headings and other standard HTML tags in tables where applicable. Table-aware browsers will ignore the breaks and paragraphs, while table-challenged browsers will still render them in a readable format, complete with standard HTML tags. They still won't look as good as you had intended, but at least the user won't be looking at an unreadable mess where your table was supposed to be.

As you can probably see from just these few simple tips and techniques, Web pages don't have to be limited to flat, one-column layouts, nor do you have to use the latest plug-ins to enjoy them. The Web was designed to be a platform- independent viewing mechanism. Finally, keep in mind that content is always first and presentation second in the order of importance; no graphic makes a poor product worthwhile.

Table Talk
Table Talk