Pages: rotate existing, wide table by 90 degrees so that the rows are now vertical possible? (equations in several cells)

Question

I have a complex table in Pages 8.2.1 and several cells have equation objects in them. The table has gotten too wide and I want to rotate it by 90 degrees.

From what I understand I can't rotate one page by 90 degrees, but Apple discussions post says (to a question asked March 2018):

We assume you are using Pages 5/6/7 because you can rotate Tables in Pages '08 or '09.

I haven't figured out how.

I found this: Pages '09 Hacks: lInsert pages at landscape format but a) I don't have version 9 yet and 2) I don't understand what it's saying. I'm new to pages and this is written with experienced users in mind.

If I just select a table the rotation field is dark in format/arrange:

I saw a hack in this answer:

1. Insert a shape near the table and change the fill to 'No Fill'
2. Select the shape and the table
3. Group the shape and table together
4. Rotate the group

If you ungroup the elements the table will revert back to the original rotation, but you can still resize etc the table from within the group.

but I haven't able to make use of it yet because when ever I select a shape the table deselects, I haven't been able to group them yet.

Question:

• How can I rotate my preexisting wide table with equations in several cells by 90 degrees so that the rows are now vertical?
• If and only if that's not possible, can I make my table tall and make all text reenter all text and equation objedts sideways?

Answer 1

In order to rotate a table, the document must be changed to a Layout type of document. Also, be aware that this is a bit of a hack, your mileage may vary.

Note: It may be best to start with a new document or a copy of your current document to be safe.

Select Document to reveal the Document sidebar.

Next, untick the Document body checkbox. You will see a dialog that asks you to confirm the change to your document.
Select Convert.
Add a new Table and edit its contents first. You cannot edit the table once it has been grouped. 🤷🏻‍♂️
Add a shape (hint: put the shape behind the table to hide it)
From the Format sidebar, choose arrange.
Select both the Table and the shape. Shift+click or Drag selection.
Select Group.
Now Rotate the table.