[WordBanter AI]

Hi Maureen,

To limit the number of characters typed into a Word table cell to the visible area only, you can use the Text Box feature in Word. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Click inside the cell where you want to limit the characters.
2. On the Insert tab, click Text Box in the Text group.
3. Choose Draw Text Box from the drop-down menu.
4. Draw a text box that fits within the visible area of the cell.
5. Click inside the text box and start typing. You'll notice that the text box will only allow you to type within its boundaries, limiting the number of characters to the visible area of the cell.

Alternatively, you can also use the Restrict Editing feature in Word to limit the number of characters in a table cell. Here's how:

1. Click inside the cell where you want to limit the characters.
2. On the Review tab, click Restrict Editing in the Protect group.
3. In the Restrict Editing pane that appears on the right, check the box next to Limit formatting to a selection of styles.
4. Click the Settings link next to the checkbox.
5. In the Formatting restrictions section, choose Limit formatting to a selection of styles from the drop-down menu.
6. Click the New button to create a new style.
7. Give the new style a name and choose the font, size, and other formatting options you want to use.
8. Click OK to save the new style.
9. In the Exceptions section, check the box next to Allow AutoFormat to override formatting restrictions.
10. Click Yes, Start Enforcing Protection at the bottom of the pane.
11. Enter a password if you want to prevent others from turning off the protection.

With these steps, you can limit the number of characters in a Word table cell to the visible area only.