Can I use the Confluence rich text editor to insert a table in a list item?

[Graham Hannington]

I'm writing procedures—step-by-step instructions—in Confluence. Each step is numbered. I'm using numbered lists—in the underlying markup, <ol> elements—to format the procedures. Each step is a list item. For example:

1. Enter ABC on the command line.
2. Click button XYZ.

Some steps are complex. In one case, I found myself wanting to embed a small table in a list item.

In that specific case, the step was "Create a Jira issue", and the table consisted of just two rows and two columns:

• Column 1 contained "row headings": "Project" and "Issue Type"
• Column 2 contained values for "Project" and "Issue Type"

Okay, in that specific case, I will admit: perhaps a table is formatting overkill. I could simply write, for example:

Create a Jira issue in project "X" of issue type "Y".

Still, I'm curious: can I use the Confluence rich text editor to insert (nest) a table in a list item? That is, can I insert a table in a list item, and then be able to continue the list—and the list numbering—following the table? If so, how?

I deliberately write "can I use the ... rich text editor" because I don't want to have to resort to editing the underlying markup to achieve this; that is, to cut'n'paste the <table> element into the <li> element. I'm leery of editing the underlying markup in ways that cannot be reproduced by the rich text editor. For example, other users, who might not want to edit the underlying markup, might edit the page later.

[Shannon S · Accepted solution]

Graham,

By Rich Text Editor you just referring to the regular Confluence editor? I tested in 6.8.0 and it's possible to insert a table within a numbered list:

When I carried on and went to continue the numbered list, it picked up where I left off.

Are you having any issues accomplishing this? What version of Confluence are you using? 

Regards,

Shannon

[Graham Hannington]

Thanks Shannon.

Yes, the regular Confluence editor. I still think of it as the "rich text editor", but I guess I'm just showing my age.

You're right. I'm embarrassed. I guess I wasn't trying hard enough, or was trying too hard, or something. It couldn't be more straightforward, as you've shown:

1. Create a numbered list.
2. Press Enter in a list item.
3. Press Backspace to create a paragraph within that list item rather than a new list item.
4. Insert a table.

Issues? Nothing you can fix ;-). Thanks again for the answer. I'm going to slink back to my procedures now...

[Shannon S]

No worries, Graham! I know we had the option to switch from a rich text editor in earlier versions of Confluence, but now you just get the one. :) 

Glad you were able to get it working on your instance!

Take care, and have a pleasant rest of your week!

Regards,

Shannon