How to Make Columns in Word Office 365: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide

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Microsoft Word Office 365 offers a wide range of tools that make document formatting simple and professional. One of the most useful features is the ability to divide your text into columns—perfect for newsletters, brochures, academic papers, or articles.

In this comprehensive, SEO-optimized guide, you’ll learn how to make columns in Word Office 365 with step-by-step instructions for desktop, online, and mobile versions.

1. What Are Columns in Microsoft Word?

Columns in Microsoft Word divide your text into vertical sections, similar to what you see in newspapers or magazines. Each column flows naturally into the next, making the content look more structured and easier to read.

You can choose between one, two, or three columns—or even create custom layouts with varying widths.

2. Why Use Columns in a Document?

Here’s why you might want to use columns in Word Office 365:

  • To enhance readability for long text sections.

  • To create professional designs such as newsletters, flyers, and reports.

  • To organize data or comparisons side by side.

  • To make your document visually appealing and more balanced.

3. How to Make Columns in Word Office 365 (Desktop Version)

If you’re using the desktop version of Word Office 365, follow these easy steps:

Step 1: Open Your Document

Launch Microsoft Word Office 365 and open the file where you want to add columns.

Step 2: Select the Text

Highlight the portion of text you want to divide into columns.

💡 Tip: If you haven’t written anything yet, you can select the text later.

Step 3: Go to the Layout Tab

Click on the Layout tab at the top of your screen (some versions may show “Page Layout”).

Step 4: Click on Columns

In the Page Setup group, click Columns. You’ll see several options:

  • One – Default single column

  • Two – Splits your document into two equal parts

  • Three – Divides text into three columns

  • Left – Narrow left column, wide right column

  • Right – Wide left column, narrow right column

Step 5: Choose or Customize Your Columns

Select a preset option, or click More Columns… to customize:

  • Set the number of columns.

  • Adjust column width and spacing.

  • Add a line between columns (optional).

Click OK when done.

4. How to Make Columns in Word Online

If you use Microsoft Word Online through Office.com, here’s how to create columns:

  1. Open your document in Word Online.

  2. Go to the Layout tab.

  3. Click Columns.

  4. Choose one of the options: One, Two, or Three.

✅ Note: Word Online offers fewer customization options than the desktop version, but it’s ideal for simple two- or three-column layouts.

5. How to Make Columns in Word Mobile App

You can also create columns in the Word mobile app (Android or iOS):

  1. Open the Word app on your device.

  2. Tap the Edit (✏️) icon to enable editing mode.

  3. Go to the Layout menu (you may need to tap the arrow to expand options).

  4. Select Columns → choose between One, Two, or Three.

⚠️ The mobile version has limited column customization options. For advanced designs, use the desktop version.

6. How to Add or Remove Column Breaks

➕ Add a Column Break:

If you want to control where text jumps to the next column:

  1. Place your cursor where you want the break.

  2. Go to the Layout tab → click Breaks.

  3. Choose Column.

Your text will now continue in the next column.

➖ Remove a Column Break:

  1. Turn on paragraph marks (Ctrl + Shift + 8).

  2. Locate the “Column Break” line.

  3. Press Delete or Backspace.

7. How to Create Custom Column Layouts

For total control over your layout:

  1. Go to Layout > Columns > More Columns.

  2. Under “Presets,” select Custom.

  3. Choose the number of columns (up to 12).

  4. Manually adjust Width and Spacing values.

  5. Click OK to apply.

This feature is great for brochures, academic papers, or marketing documents.

8. How to Adjust Column Width and Spacing

To fine-tune your column layout:

  1. Go to Layout > Columns > More Columns.

  2. Uncheck Equal column width if you want custom widths.

  3. Enter your preferred width and spacing values for each column.

This helps when you want one column narrower (for side notes or images) and another wider for the main text.

9. How to Add Lines Between Columns

To visually separate your columns with a vertical line:

  1. Go to Layout > Columns > More Columns.

  2. Check the box that says Line between.

  3. Click OK.

This creates a thin vertical divider between each column, giving your document a clean, professional appearance.

10. How to Apply Columns to Part of a Document

You might not want your entire document in columns—just a section (like a newsletter intro).

Here’s how:

  1. Select the section you want in columns.

  2. Go to Layout > Columns > More Columns.

  3. Under Apply to, choose Selected text.

  4. Click OK.

Word automatically adds section breaks to keep the rest of your document in standard layout.

11. How to Remove Columns in Word

If you decide to return to a single-column layout:

  1. Select the text or section with columns.

  2. Go to Layout > Columns > One.

All text will revert to standard full-width formatting.

12. Common Issues When Working with Columns

Here are some problems users face and how to fix them:

Problem Solution
Text jumps unevenly between columns Insert manual column breaks
Can’t remove columns Go to Layout > Columns > One
Column width not changing Uncheck Equal column width
Lines between columns missing Enable Line between under “More Columns”

13. Expert Tips for Using Columns Professionally

  • Use two columns for reports or newsletters to improve readability.

  • Avoid overcrowding — keep spacing at least 0.3 inches.

  • Use section breaks to apply columns only where needed.

  • Always preview your layout before printing.

  • Combine images and text boxes for creative designs.

14. FAQs

Q1. Can I have different numbers of columns on the same page?
Yes. Use section breaks to create unique layouts within one page.

Q2. How do I make one column shorter than the other?
Insert a manual column break where you want text to stop.

Q3. Can I use columns with bullet points or tables?
Yes, but tables usually work better for structured data.

Q4. Are columns available in Word Online or Mobile?
Yes, but customization is limited compared to the desktop version.

15. Final Thoughts

Creating columns in Word Office 365 is a simple yet powerful way to make your documents stand out. Whether you’re designing a newsletter, brochure, or academic paper, columns improve readability and give your layout a polished, professional look.

By following the steps above, you can easily create, customize, and manage columns on any device—desktop, online, or mobile.

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