How to Add Columns to a Google Docs Document

Standard documents use a single, wide block of text that spans from the left margin to the right margin. While this is perfect for academic essays and business memos, it is terrible for reading short bursts of information. If you are creating a newsletter, a brochure, or a menu, you need to break your text into vertical columns. Google Docs allows you to quickly split your document into two or three newspaper-style columns with just a few clicks.

How to Apply Columns to the Entire Document

If you are starting from a blank page, or if you want your entire existing document converted into a multi-column layout, the process is incredibly simple.

1. Open your document in Google Docs on a desktop web browser.
2. Click Format in the top menu bar.
3. Hover your mouse over Columns.
4. A submenu will appear showing three visual icons: one column (the default), two columns, or three columns.
5. Click the two-column or three-column icon.

Your text will instantly reformat. When you reach the bottom of the first column on the left, your text will automatically wrap up to the top of the second column on the right.

How to Apply Columns to Only Part of a Document

Most professional layouts mix formats. For example, you might want a wide, single-column introduction paragraph at the top of the page, followed by a two-column list of features below it.

1. Using your mouse, highlight the specific paragraphs you want to split into columns. (Do not highlight the introduction paragraph).
2. Click Format > Columns.
3. Select the two-column icon.

Google Docs will apply the column formatting only to the highlighted text, leaving the rest of the document untouched.

Adding Lines and Adjusting Spacing

To make your columns look like a professional magazine spread, you can add a vertical dividing line between them.

1. Click anywhere inside your existing columns.
2. Click Format > Columns.
3. Instead of clicking the icons, click More options at the very bottom of the submenu.

A small popup window will appear with two crucial settings:

• Spacing: This controls the “gutter” (the empty white space between the columns). By default, it is usually 0.5 inches. If your text feels too cramped, increase this number to give the columns breathing room.
• Line between columns: Check this box to draw a solid, thin vertical line exactly in the center of the gutter, separating the text visually.

Click Apply to save your changes.