Hi, Wolfgang 

Firstly, I would like to sincerely apologize for the delayed response as we have been experiencing an unusually high number of tickets. I am sorry that it has taken longer than usual to respond to your concern and your patience is highly appreciated.

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1. Merging cells :

If you use a Simple Table,  then you will be able to merge cells.

It is a unique feature only available for Simple Tables,

for other table types, it is not possible to merge cells.

2. In regards to showing more than one image in same cell :

- If you use Simple Tables, you will have to write HTML and wrap images directly in HTML image tags,

then you can place multiple images in same cell;

- If you use any other Table type,  if you want to have a thumbnail of the images show, and then if a user clicks in one of the images to open either a larger/full version of the image in same or new tab,

then you have to use Image columns.

But for Image columns, it is not possible to have more than one image in same cell.

- In that case, you would again have to use a String Column, and to type in custom HTML,  in order to wrap each image in HTML image tags,  this way you can have multiple images in same cell.

For example, a cell with two images next to each other in String column would look something like :

<img src="imgPath.jpg" width="500" height="600"><img src="imgPath.jpg" width="500" height="600">

if you need to make a line break between images, place <br> tag.

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And i just wanted to point out that you can try wpDataTables before purchasing

 on our sandbox Demo sites ( you can find links for the main plugin Demo,  

as well as add-on Demos, in my signature),

and there is a 15-day money-back guarantee period, 

so if you purchase the plugin, you can safely fully test it out, and if it doesn't fit your needs you can request and receive a refund in that period. ( same goes for all plugins and add-ons)

Let me know if you have any additional questions.