Okay, let's talk about something that seems simple but trips up so many people - creating two columns in Word. I remember helping my colleague Sarah last month. She was pulling her hair out trying to format a newsletter. "The text keeps jumping around!" she complained. Turns out she'd been using spaces and tabs instead of actual columns. Rookie mistake, but we've all been there.
Why Two Columns Matter More Than You Think
Newspapers figured this out centuries ago. Narrow columns are easier to read than full-page width text. Our eyes get lost scanning across wide spaces. Plus, two columns help organize content side-by-side - resumes, price lists, event programs. But here's the kicker: Most people use tables when they should use columns. Big difference.
Confession time: I used to avoid columns because formatting always broke when I added images. Took me three ruined documents to learn about section breaks. Now I'll never go back.
When Columns Beat Tables Hands Down
- Newsletters where text flows continuously
- Academic papers requiring specific formatting
- Brochures with mixed text and images
- Resumes with skills/experience sections
- Price lists needing vertical alignment
Getting Your Hands Dirty: The Column Creation Process
Ready to actually learn how to make 2 columns in word? It's easier than you think once you know where to click. I'll walk you through Windows and Mac versions - yes, they're different.
For Windows Users (Word 2016/2019/365)
- Highlight the text you want to columnize (or don't select anything for the whole document)
- Go to the Layout tab (called Page Layout in older versions)
- Click Columns in the Page Setup group
- Choose Two from the dropdown
Weirdly, Microsoft moved this from the Page Layout tab in older versions. Took me ages to find it after updating.
Mac Users (Word for Mac 2021)
- Select your text or place cursor where columns should start
- Navigate to the Format menu
- Choose Columns...
- Select Two under Presets
- Click OK
Mac shortcut lovers: Try Command + Option + C after selecting text. Doesn't always work depending on version though.
What Everyone Gets Wrong About Column Formatting
Here's where things get messy. People create columns then wonder why their whole document turned into two columns. Or why adding a table breaks everything. Section breaks are your secret weapon.
| Problem | What Happened | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Whole document became columns | Forgot to select specific text first | Use section breaks before and after column section |
| Columns disappear when saving as PDF | Compatibility issues with PDF converter | Save as PDF direct from Word using "Standard" option |
| Uneven column lengths | Text flow interrupted by images or tables | Insert continuous section break at column end |
| Can't type in second column | Accidental column break inserted | Press Ctrl+Shift+Enter to add manual column break |
Serious pet peeve: Microsoft's default column spacing is way too narrow. Go to Columns > More Options and set spacing to at least 0.5". Your readers will thank you.
Version Differences That Matter
Word Version Comparison for Column Creation
| Version | Menu Location | Special Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Word 365 (Windows) | Layout tab > Columns | Most intuitive interface |
| Word 2010/2013 | Page Layout tab > Columns | Identical to newer versions |
| Word for Mac 2021 | Format menu > Columns | Fewer customization options |
| Word Online | Layout tab > Columns | Can't customize spacing |
| Mobile App (iOS/Android) | Not available | Use desktop version |
Troubleshooting Nightmare Scenarios
Last Tuesday, my neighbor knocked on my door looking panicked. "My thesis formatting is ruined!" Columns had eaten his appendix. Here's how we fixed it.
When Columns Go Rogue
- Problem: Columns only appear on some pages
- Cause: Accidental section breaks
- Fix: Show formatting marks (ΒΆ button) and delete extra section breaks
Life-saving trick: Press Ctrl + Shift + 8 (Windows) or Command + 8 (Mac) to reveal hidden formatting marks. You'll see where column breaks happen.
The Dreaded Image Alignment Issue
Images in columns can be brutal. I once spent two hours on what should've been a five-minute fix.
- Right-click the misbehaving image
- Select Wrap Text > In Line with Text
- If that fails, try Top and Bottom wrapping
- Still stuck? Insert a single-cell table within the column
Pro Techniques They Don't Teach You
Once you've mastered basic how to make 2 columns in word, try these power moves.
Balancing Uneven Columns Automatically
Annoyed when one column ends halfway down the page?
- Place cursor at end of your columns section
- Go to Layout > Breaks
- Choose Continuous under Section Breaks
This forces equal column length. Game changer for resumes.
Adding Professional Touches
| Feature | How To Enable | Best Uses |
|---|---|---|
| Vertical line between columns | Columns > More Columns > Line between | Legal documents, formal reports |
| Custom width columns | More Columns > Uncheck Equal width | Price lists (narrow left, wide right) |
| Column breaks | Layout > Breaks > Column | Forcing text to next column mid-page |
Columns vs Tables: The Eternal Debate
People constantly ask me: "Should I use columns or tables?" Depends what you're doing.
| Task | Use Columns When... | Use Tables When... |
|---|---|---|
| Resume formatting | Skills section with bullet points | Employment history with dates |
| Newsletter layout | Main article body text | Event calendars or schedules |
| Academic papers | Meeting journal format requirements | Presenting research data |
| Product brochures | Feature descriptions | Pricing packages comparison |
My rule of thumb: If content needs to stay in paired rows (like names beside phone numbers), use tables. If text should flow naturally between sections, columns work better.
Frequently Asked Column Questions
Can I have different margins in each column?
Technically no - column spacing is uniform. But here's a workaround: Create two text boxes side-by-side instead of using the column feature. More flexible but harder to edit.
Why do my column settings disappear when I add a table?
Tables exist outside column formatting. Place tables inside single-column sections or wrap them in text boxes. Honestly, this is Microsoft's fault - terrible design.
How to make two columns in Word for just one page?
Critical three-step process:
- Insert continuous section break before the page
- Create your two columns on that page
- Insert another continuous section break after
Can I save a two-column document as a template?
Absolutely! Set up your columns, then go to File > Save As > Word Template (.dotx). Next time, start from this template. Saves hours monthly.
Why isn't my text flowing between columns?
Check for:
- Accidental page breaks (delete them)
- Section breaks set to "Next Page" instead of "Continuous"
- Text boxes blocking flow (right-click > Wrap Text > In Line)
Mobile and Online Workarounds
Need to edit column documents on your phone? Prepare for disappointment. Word Mobile doesn't support column formatting. Online version does basics.
Word Online Limitations
- Can create basic two columns
- No custom spacing adjustments
- No line-between-columns option
- Section breaks work inconsistently
My advice? Do column work on desktop. Online is for minor edits only.
The Secret Sauce for Perfect Columns
After helping hundreds of people with how to make 2 columns in word, here's my cheat sheet:
Golden Rules of Column Formatting
- Always use section breaks before and after column sections
- Set custom spacing (0.3" minimum)
- Add vertical lines for readability
- Balance columns with continuous breaks
- Never use columns for complex layouts - tables are better
Remember that newsletter disaster I mentioned? Sarah's now our office column expert. She actually printed my cheat sheet and taped it to her monitor. Maybe you should too.
When All Else Fails
If Word fights you on columns:
- Copy everything to a new document
- Paste using "Keep Text Only" option
- Reapply formatting from scratch
Corrupted formatting causes 90% of column issues. Fresh start works wonders.
Parting Thoughts From a Column Veteran
Look, columns shouldn't be this hard. Microsoft could fix these issues with better defaults and clearer controls. Until then, armed with these tricks, you'll avoid the pitfalls that trapped me for years.
The key isn't just knowing how to make 2 columns in word - it's understanding why they break and how to fix them. That's what separates the amateurs from the pros. Now go make some beautifully formatted documents!
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