If you’re working on a document with multiple columns in Microsoft Word for Office 365, adding a dividing line between columns can make your text clearer, easier to read, and more professional. Whether you’re designing a newsletter, brochure, report, or academic document, a clean vertical line helps visually separate content and improve overall formatting.
This guide explains exactly how to insert a dividing line between columns in Word for Office 365, along with helpful formatting tips and troubleshooting solutions. Everything is written in simple, easy-to-follow steps.
What Is a Dividing Line Between Columns?
A dividing line (also known as a column separator) is a vertical line that appears between two or more text columns. It helps readers easily distinguish where one column ends and the next begins.
You’ve probably seen dividing lines in:
-
Newspapers
-
Magazines
-
Newsletters
-
Brochures
-
Multi-column articles
In Word, it takes just a few clicks to add one.
How to Put a Dividing Line Between Columns in Word for Office 365
Follow these simple steps to add a column separator line:
Step 1: Highlight Your Text or Section
You can apply column formatting to:
-
The entire document
-
A specific paragraph
-
A selected section
If you only want columns in one part of the page, highlight that area first.
Step 2: Go to the “Layout” Tab
At the top of Microsoft Word, click:
Layout → Columns
This menu lets you choose the number of columns and customize them.
Step 3: Select “More Columns…”
At the bottom of the Columns menu, click:
More Columns…
A pop-up window will open with additional formatting options.
Step 4: Choose the Number of Columns
Select:
-
Two columns
-
Three columns
-
Or a custom number
The preview section will show how your layout looks.
Step 5: Check the “Line Between” Option
To place a dividing line between columns:
-
Look for the “Line between” checkbox.
-
Click to enable it.
Word will now automatically add a vertical line between your columns.
Step 6: Click “OK” to Apply
Once you’re ready, click OK.
Your document will now display a clear dividing line separating each column.
How to Adjust or Remove the Dividing Line
To remove the divider:
-
Go to Layout → Columns → More Columns
-
Uncheck “Line between”
-
Click OK
To adjust column spacing:
In the same menu, you can modify:
-
Column width
-
Space between columns
-
Number of columns
This allows you to fully control the layout.
Advanced Formatting Tips for Cleaner Column Layouts
To make your column design look professional, try these enhancements:
1. Add Space Before and After Columns
Use Layout → Spacing to improve readability.
2. Insert a Column Break Manually
This ensures your text moves to the next column exactly where you want.
Go to:
Layout → Breaks → Column
3. Use Custom Margins
For more controlled spacing, go to:
Layout → Margins → Custom Margins
4. Combine Columns With Images
Columns work well with:
-
Pictures
-
Icons
-
Text boxes
-
Shapes
Just insert and align them using the Wrap Text tool.
Why Use Dividing Lines in Word?
Adding a separator line improves your document by:
-
Enhancing readability
-
Organizing information
-
Creating a magazine-style design
-
Making dense text look balanced
-
Improving user experience
Especially in marketing and academic documents, the visual separation makes a big difference.
Troubleshooting: Column Divider Not Showing?
Here are common issues and fixes:
1. Your Document Might Be in Compatibility Mode
Some older Word formats do not support column separators.
Fix:
Go to File → Save As → Word Document (.docx)
2. The Wrong Section Is Selected
Make sure you’re editing the correct section break.
3. Page Borders Overlapping Columns
Borders can hide separator lines.
Go to Design → Page Borders and adjust them.
4. Line Color Conflicts With Background
If your background is dark, the line may appear invisible.
Switch to a lighter page background under Design → Page Color.
Conclusion
Putting a dividing line between columns in Word for Office 365 is quick and easy. Whether you’re creating a newsletter, brochure, or multi-column article, adding a clean separator improves both readability and design. Using the steps above, you can customize your column layout precisely the way you need.