Css table td width - fixed, not flexible

Dealing with lengthy content

When the content surpasses the fixed cell width, clever use of text-overflow: ellipsis adds an ellipsis (...) in place of the omitted content:

<style>
  td {
    white-space: nowrap; /* No wrapping please */
    text-overflow: ellipsis; /* Too long? Show '...' */
  }
</style>
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This results in a well-groomed visual impression, indicating there is more content that isn't shown.

Maintaining strict boundaries

To have stringent width parameters, set both min-width and max-width to identical values:

td { 
  min-width: 200px; /* No lesser than this */
  max-width: 200px; /* Not a pixel more */
}
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This ensures the cell width is confined within these limits, without any shrink or bulge.

Cell-spacing minus the compromise

The cellpadding and cellspacing attributes can provide space within and around cells, respectively, without undermining the fixed width:

<table cellspacing="5" cellpadding="5">
  <!-- Fill me up -->
</table>
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These attributes offer quick fixes, though they use outdated HTML. Consider using CSS for maintaining modern standards.

Tailoring fixed-width cells

Curbing text spill-over

To prevent lengthy text from overflowing into the next line, pair display: inline-block with white-space: nowrap.

Customizing text visibility

If the content isn't fitting well within the cell, try tweaking the font-size or font-family:

td {
  font-size: 0.9em; /* Make it fit without squashing */
}


This adjustment ensures that long text fits comfortably within fixed-width cells.

Compatibility check

Do verify cross-browser compatibility of your CSS code. Though most modern browsers support these properties, older versions might have compatibility issues.