Create Columns in Microsoft Word 2016

Sometimes, splitting your text into columns makes your document easier to read and more attractive. You often see columns in newspapers, newsletters, and brochures. Luckily, Microsoft Word 2016 lets you create and customize columns quickly and easily.

What Are Columns in Word?

Columns allow text to flow from one vertical section to another, just like in newspapers. Instead of reading from left to right across the whole page, readers move down one column and then start at the top of the next.

How to Add Columns in Microsoft Word 2016

Follow these simple steps to create columns:

• Step 1: Select the text you want to format into columns. If you want the entire document to have columns, you can skip this step.
• Step 2: Click on the Layout tab in the Ribbon.
• Step 3: Click the Columns button in the Page Setup group.
• Step 4: Choose how many columns you want — for example, One, Two, or Three.

Your selected text will now be arranged into the chosen number of columns.

Need More Options?

If you want more control, click on More Columns at the bottom of the dropdown menu. This opens the Columns dialog box where you can:

• Set the number of columns.
• Adjust the width and spacing between columns.
• Insert a line between columns.
• Apply columns to the whole document or just a selected section.

Adjusting Column Width and Spacing

You can easily change column width and spacing to make your layout look neat. Use the Ruler at the top of the page. Click and drag the indent markers to resize your columns. You can also fine-tune it in the Columns dialog box by entering exact values for width and spacing.

Adding a Column Break

Sometimes, you might want to control where a column ends and the next one starts. You can do this using a column break.

• Place your cursor where you want to start a new column.
• Go to the Layout tab.
• Click Breaks and then choose Column.

The text after the break will move to the next column, giving you more layout control.

Removing a Column Break

If you want to delete a column break:

• Click the Show/Hide ¶ button on the Home tab to view hidden formatting marks.
• Place your cursor just before the column break.
• Press the Delete key.

Removing Columns

To go back to a single column layout:

• Click anywhere in the column text.
• Go to the Layout tab.
• Click Columns and select One.

Your text will now return to the normal single-column view.

Tips for Working with Columns

• Use Column Breaks Wisely: They help control where your content starts in the next column.
• Don’t Confuse Tables with Columns: Use columns for flowing text and tables for structured data.
• Check Margins: Make sure your margins are balanced so columns don’t appear cramped.
• Preview Before Printing: Use Print Preview to ensure your columns appear as expected.

Word Online Limitation

Remember, the web-based version of Microsoft Word (Word Online) does not support full newspaper-style columns. For full control, use the desktop version of Word 2016.

5 FAQs of Create Columns in Microsoft Word 2016

1. Why should I use columns in a document?

Columns make long text easier to read and give your document a professional layout, especially for newsletters or flyers.

2. Can I make different sections have different column numbers?

Yes. Just select the text you want, go to Layout > Columns, and apply columns to that section only.

3. How do I add a line between columns?

Go to Layout > Columns > More Columns and check the box that says “Line between.”

4. Can I use columns in Word Online?

Word Online has limited options. For full features like spacing and lines, use the desktop version of Word 2016.

5. How do I make columns of different widths?

In the Columns dialog box, uncheck “Equal column width” and then adjust each column’s width manually.

Conclusion

Creating columns in Microsoft Word 2016 is simple yet powerful. Whether you’re designing a newsletter, brochure, or magazine layout, columns help organize your text beautifully. Once you understand how to add, adjust, and remove them, you’ll be able to create professional-looking documents with ease.