4 Easy Ways to Make Two Columns in Word on Desktop or Mobile

PDF download Download Article
Create two separate text sections on Microsoft Word
PDF download Download Article

Do you want to split text into multiple columns in Microsoft Word? With the "Columns" feature, you can easily do so in a few simple steps. With the desktop version of Word, you'll be able to create columns with selected text. On mobile, you'll need to change the whole document layout. This wikiHow will show you how to make two or more columns in your Microsoft Word document using your Windows, Mac, iPhone, or Android device.

Setting Two Columns in Word

  1. Click the Layout tab at the top.
  2. Click the Columns button.
  3. Select Two or another option.
  4. Click and drag the rulers in the toolbar to resize the columns.
Method 1
Method 1 of 4:

Using Column Layout (Desktop)

PDF download Download Article
  1. Find the Word document you want to edit on your computer, and double-click on its icon to open it. [1]
    • If you don't have Microsoft Word on your Windows or Mac computer, you can download it or use the free web version at [2] .
    • You can also add images to your document if you're planning to create a "news column" type document.
  2. Click the beginning of the text you want to edit, and drag your mouse until the end of it. Selected parts will be highlighted. [3]
    • If you want to apply the columns to the entire document (the current page and subsequent pages), you don't need to select anything.
    Advertisement
  3. This button is located above the toolbar at the top of your document. [4]
    • Depending on your version of Word, this button may also be labeled Page Layout .
  4. This looks like a rectangle with horizontal lines divided in two sets.
    • A drop-down menu will open.
  5. This will split the selected text into two columns.
    • Alternatively, you can select another option here, and create even more columns. You can select: One (default), Two , Three , Left , Right , or More Columns .
  6. You can click and drag the edges of the ruler at the top of your document to change the size of your columns.
    • If you don't see the ruler, click the View tab, then click the box next to Ruler in the Show section.
    • Make sure you still have your column text selected when you adjust the size.
    • This is an optional adjustment. If you prefer not to change the column sizes, your columns will be equal in size by default.
    • Be sure to save your Word document when you're finished.
    7. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 4:

Using Column Layout (Mobile)

PDF download Download Article
  1. This looks like a blue notebook next to a W . Microsoft Word is available for iOS in the App Store and for Android in the Google Play Store . [5]
    • Tap Blank document to open a new document or tap a file to open an existing document.
    • This method will adjust the entire document's layout without needing to select text. If you want to make specific text into a column, use a table instead.
  2. This can be found above the keyboard, to the right. On some devices, this may look like a three-dots icon.
    • If you don't see your keyboard, tap the document to bring it up.
    • A new menu will open.
  3. This will be to the left of the formatting window.
    • A drop-down menu will open.
  4. You'll see a list of options you can make to your page layout.
  5. This will be next to the icon of horizontal lines divided in two sets.
  6. This will split the selected text into two columns.
    • Alternatively, you can select another option here, and split your text into more columns. You can select: One (default), Two , Three , Left , or Right .
    • Your page layout will now have two columns. When you enter text, it will fill the left column first, then continue onto the right column.
    7. Advertisement
Method 3
Method 3 of 4:

Using Tables (Desktop)

PDF download Download Article
  1. 1
    Click where you want the table. This can always be moved later.
  2. 2
    Click Insert . This is the tab at the top.
    • If you don't want to edit the entire document or page, you can use a table to create a column that can be manipulated independently from the rest of the document.
  3. 3
    Click Table . You can find this in the Tables section. A drop-down menu will open.
  4. 4
    Select a 2x1 table. This is two squares going across and one square down.
  5. 5
    Enter your text and formatting. Place your text in each box as you would for a normal column.. To adjust the size of each column, click and drag any of the lines inwards or outwards.
  6. 6
    Remove the borders. This is how you'll achieve the look of a column. To remove the borders, do the following:
    • Select the table.
    • Click the down-arrow next to the Borders icon.
    • Select No Border .
    7. Advertisement
Method 4
Method 4 of 4:

Using Tables (Mobile)

PDF download Download Article
  1. 1
    Tap where you want the table. This can always be moved later.
  2. 2
    Tap the arrow icon. This can be found above the keyboard, to the right. On some devices, this may look like a three-dots icon. If you don't see your keyboard, tap the document to bring it up.
    • If you don't want to edit the entire document or page, you can use a table to create a column that can be manipulated independently from the rest of the document.
  3. 3
    Tap Home . This will be to the left of the formatting window.
    • A drop-down menu will open.
  4. 4
    Tap Insert . You'll see a list of options you can add to your page layout.
  5. 5
    Tap Table . This is the second option.
  6. 6
    Create a 2x1 table. This is 1 row going down and 2 columns going across. Tap the + or - buttons to adjust the number accordingly.
  7. 7
    Tap Insert Table . The table will be added to your page.
  8. 8
    Enter your text and formatting. Place your text in each box as you would for a normal column. To adjust the size of each column, tap and drag any of the lines inwards or outwards.
  9. 9
    Remove the borders. This is how you'll achieve the look of a column. To remove the borders, do the following:
    • Select the table by tapping the arrow icon at the top-left corner of the table.
    • Tap the down-arrow or three-dots icon to open the Table menu.
    • Tap Table Styles .
    • Select the style with no lines (under the Plain Tables header).
    10. Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    My layout key does not have the option for columns. How do I add that?
    Community Answer
    You are probably using the web version. It doesn't have a lot of special options. The best solution is just to get the Word app and try again.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 10 Helpful 3
  • Question
    How to create a two columns with separate texts?
    Community Answer
    This is very simple. When typing in each column, type different things. If it tries to connect them, just start a new paragraph.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 28 Helpful 1
  • Question
    I want to change back to a full document after the columns. Then change back to columns and so forth (Recipe title and serving size, then columns for actual recipe; then another recipe on same page.)
    Community Answer
    At the bottom of the advanced column settings, there is a dropdown box labeled "Apply to:". Set the column number and click this to select the section you want to update. The easiest option is to highlight a section and select the "selected text" option.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 2 Helpful 1
See more answers
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Video

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Add Check Boxes to Word: 10 Simple Steps
      How to
      Remove a Blank Page in Word
      Easily Add Page Numbers to a Word Document on Any Platform
      How to
      Create and Edit the Table of Contents in Word
      How to
      Insert Equations in Microsoft Word
      3 Easy Ways to Delete a Horizontal Line in a Word Document
      How to
      Add a Horizontal Line in Microsoft Word: Step-by-Step
      Easily Format Word Docs from Scratch or Using Templates
      How to
      Insert a Background Picture in Word: Full Guide
      3 Simple Ways to Insert a Hyperlink in Microsoft Word
      Easily Delete a Header from the Second Page in Word
      How to
      Use Microsoft Word
      How to
      Check Word Count in Word: Easy Guide for Windows, Mac, & Mobile
      How to
      Use "Find" and "Find and Replace" Features in Microsoft Word Documents
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/add-a-cell-row-or-column-to-a-table-in-word-b030ef77-f219-4998-868b-ba85534867f1
      2. ↑ https://www.office.com
      3. ↑ https://edu.gcfglobal.org/en/word/pictures-and-text-wrapping/1/
      4. ↑ https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/add-a-cell-row-or-column-to-a-table-in-word-b030ef77-f219-4998-868b-ba85534867f1
      5. ↑ https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/install-and-set-up-office-on-an-iphone-or-ipad-9df6d10c-7281-4671-8666-6ca8e339b628

      About This Article

      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 537,682 times.

      Is this article up to date?

      Advertisement