Embodiments are provided that include the use of an underlying grid structure as part of managing table operations and/or animation visualizations, but are not so limited. A method of an embodiment uses an underlying grid structure as part of an animation control reference or guide to provide table visualizations for display, including using one or more table borders and aspects of a reference grid column or row as part of controlling table features. A system of one embodiment includes a table manager to manage table actions and a grid manager to manage an underlying grid structure based in part on associated table actions and/or animations. Other embodiments are also disclosed.