How to Add Columns in Microsoft Word
Open Microsoft Word., Click Blank document., Click the Layout tab., Click Columns., Click a column option.
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Open Microsoft Word.
Its icon resembles a blue background with a white "W" on top.
If you'd rather edit an existing document, simply double-click the document in question. -
Step 2: Click Blank document.
It's in the top-left corner of the templates page.
If you're editing an existing document, skip this step. , It's at the top of the Word window, to the right of the Home, Insert, and Design tabs. , This option is below and to the left of the Layout tab.
Clicking it will prompt a drop-down menu with the following options:
One
- Default setting for Word documents.
Two
- Splits the page into two distinct columns.
Three
- Splits the page into three distinct columns.
Left
- Concentrates most of the text on the right side of the document, leaving a narrow column on the left.
Right
- Concentrates most of the text on the left side of the document, leaving a narrow column on the right.
If you highlight a part (or all) of your document before clicking a column option, your document will be reformatted to appear in columns. , Doing so will apply invisible columns to your document; as you type, you'll notice that your text jumps to a new line before reaching the standard right-most margin.
Once you reach the bottom of the page, your text will continue in the next column until you reach the bottom of the page again, and so on. -
Step 3: Click the Layout tab.
-
Step 4: Click Columns.
-
Step 5: Click a column option.
Detailed Guide
Its icon resembles a blue background with a white "W" on top.
If you'd rather edit an existing document, simply double-click the document in question.
It's in the top-left corner of the templates page.
If you're editing an existing document, skip this step. , It's at the top of the Word window, to the right of the Home, Insert, and Design tabs. , This option is below and to the left of the Layout tab.
Clicking it will prompt a drop-down menu with the following options:
One
- Default setting for Word documents.
Two
- Splits the page into two distinct columns.
Three
- Splits the page into three distinct columns.
Left
- Concentrates most of the text on the right side of the document, leaving a narrow column on the left.
Right
- Concentrates most of the text on the left side of the document, leaving a narrow column on the right.
If you highlight a part (or all) of your document before clicking a column option, your document will be reformatted to appear in columns. , Doing so will apply invisible columns to your document; as you type, you'll notice that your text jumps to a new line before reaching the standard right-most margin.
Once you reach the bottom of the page, your text will continue in the next column until you reach the bottom of the page again, and so on.
About the Author
Thomas Hall
Dedicated to helping readers learn new skills in DIY projects and beyond.
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