Comparison of modules for HTML tables

If you are looking for ways to simplify the creation or maintenance or uploading of HTML tables for display within blocks or nodes, these table modules might help. These modules are not about managing Drupal database tables.

I have downloaded and tried most these modules, but spent more time with some than others. Each works in a somewhat different way - you may have try more than one to find the one that best fits your needs and workflow.

I am writing this page partly because it was so bloody difficult to find all these modules. Many developers use too few words when describing their projects, so finding them via search function is hit or miss. Some terms I tried were HTML tables, import Excel tables, import .csv tables, import Excel .csv files, node data tables, node HTML tables, create HTML tables, and table modules.

If anyone knows of other similar types of modules, please post comment below.

Note: Module capabilities are continually evolving. Please check module for latest information.

Feature	Quicktables	Table Manager	Tables Filter	CCK Matrix Field	CCK TableField
Basic idea	Generates blocks for tables built in specialized tables editor	Input filter to display imported tables or tables built in tables editor	Simplified input format (markup) for creating HTML tables	CCK field for entering tabular data	CCK field for entering tabular data
Drupal versions
Drupal 6.x	(.dev)	(.dev)
Drupal 5.x
Usage (as of 23 Feb 10)
D6.x versions	<50	340	131	700	475
Styling options
Table class/ID specified	auto-generated ID & class	auto-generated ID & class	user specified class or choose from pre-defined	no	wrapped in
Cell classes specified	auto-generates col, row classes	auto-generates even/odd row classes; user can define classes down to individual cell level via input filter in source data table (provides very high level of control)	auto-generates col, row classes	limited to even/odd row classes, no classes on cells	highly granular auto-generated classes
Header classes specified	no, but you can work around	auto-generated	user can specify	auto-generated	no, but you can work around
Allows HTML in cells		some limitations due to handling of quotes
Easily wrappable*
Display options
Display in blocks		input filter allows embed within block	input filter allows embed within body content
Display in nodes	not intended for use in nodes, can be inserted using php	input filter allows table to be embedded within body content, also can be its own node	input filter allows embed within body content	CCK field, not embeddable in body content	CCK field, not embeddable in body content
Other
Import from .csv file / other
Other features	- reorder rows	- sort by column - input filter accepts class parameters in cells - sticky headers	- pre-defined CSS styles - only one that supports merging cells	- multiple field types - sticky headers	- sticky headers - any input format allowed

* Meaning you can wrap any auto-generated table code within your own HTML inside body or block if additional styling or positioning is required - for instance, wrapping the table inside a div.

Helper Modules for Managing HTML Tables

These module(s) help format or manage HTML tables that are already built.

• Table Alternate Rows - Input filter that inserts even and odd classes into user submitted tables within nodes (5.x, 6.x)