create table of random numbers in pages

I've created a 5x5 table in Mac Pages and want to paste 25 random numbers (created in Random.org) but if I highlight all 25 squares before pasting, only the first 5 numbers are pasted and then repeated in each line of the table.


I have to copy 5 numbers at a time and then paste them column by column into the table. This isn't too bad for one or two sheets but when I'm doing multiples (for grid quiz answer sheets) it's time taking.


Is there a way of pasting all 25 numbers into the table at once.

iMac

Posted on Aug 31, 2022 3:10 AM

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Posted on Aug 31, 2022 7:04 AM

I just used the random.org random integer generator:



with the result:




With the first cell single-clicked in your Pages table, select, copy, and paste the numbers directly from the web page onto that first Pages table cell, and you will get:



You don't need to pre-configure a 5x5 table in Pages. Take the default, and it will automatically add rows and columns as needed to match the pasted data. This information replaces my previous post.

6 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Aug 31, 2022 7:04 AM in response to VikingOSX

I just used the random.org random integer generator:



with the result:




With the first cell single-clicked in your Pages table, select, copy, and paste the numbers directly from the web page onto that first Pages table cell, and you will get:



You don't need to pre-configure a 5x5 table in Pages. Take the default, and it will automatically add rows and columns as needed to match the pasted data. This information replaces my previous post.

Aug 31, 2022 6:00 AM in response to Hallix

In a separate Pages document, arrange your random numbers in five rows of text. Each row of five numbers should separate each number with a tab. With a single-click, select the first cell of your 5x5 table in the other Pages document, and then select the entire 5x5 text content and copy/paste it onto the first selected cell of your table. Pages will detect the tabs and newlines in each row and automatically populate your 5x5 table with these numbers in discrete table cells.

Sep 1, 2022 3:35 AM in response to VikingOSX

Thanks for that really helpful reply, Viking. I've successfully prepared a number of tables using the method you described.


One tip, for anyone else who wants to use the method. If the first number in the randomised table is a single digit and to copy you highlight from top left to bottom right, the subsequent paste goes wrong. in these instances highlight from bottom right to top left and make sure the cursor stops one space to the left of the first digit (top left) then the subsequent copy and paste will work fine.

Hope that garbled explanation makes sense!

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create table of random numbers in pages

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