Split a Google Doc Into Columns: 2 Easy Ways
To split a document into columns in Google Docs, use the Format > Columns menu to choose one, two, or three columns for the whole document or a selected section. For more control over column width and spacing, insert a table with the desired number of columns and hide its borders.
Why Use Columns in Google Docs?
Columns are useful for any document where short lines of text improve readability or save space. Common uses include:
- Newsletters and school newspapers
- Brochures and flyers
- Scripts and screenplays (two columns for dialogue and action)
- Comparison lists or side-by-side translations
- Reducing page count for printed handouts
Google Docs has supported columns since 2018, so the feature is available in all current versions of the web app, Android, and iOS. The steps below apply to the desktop browser version, which offers the most options.
Method 1: Using the Columns Tool (Format Menu)
This is the simplest method and works for most needs. It applies columns to the entire document by default, but you can apply it to just a section.
- Open your document in Google Docs.
- Highlight the text you want in columns. If you want the whole document in columns, skip this step.
- Click Format in the top menu.
- Hover over Columns.
- Choose 1, 2, or 3 columns.
If you selected text, Google Docs will automatically insert section breaks before and after that text, so the rest of the document stays in one column. If you didn’t select anything, the entire document changes to the chosen column count.
Adjusting Column Spacing and Lines
After applying columns, click Format > Columns > More options. A dialog box appears where you can:
- Set the exact number of columns (up to 3).
- Adjust the spacing between columns in inches or centimeters.
- Check Line between columns to add a vertical divider line.
Click Apply to see the changes.
Method 2: Using a Table (For More Control)
If you need more than three columns, or you want different column widths, a table is the better choice. Tables also let you control the exact width of each column independently.
- Place your cursor where you want the columns to start.
- Click Insert > Table.
- Choose the number of rows and columns. For a typical two-column layout, choose 1 row and 2 columns.
- Type your content into each cell.
- Right-click the table and choose Table properties.
- Set the Column width for each column (e.g., 3 inches for the left, 4 inches for the right).
- To hide the table borders, go to Table properties > Color and set the Border color to white (or the page background color).
This method is also ideal if you want columns of different lengths that don’t flow from one to the next, like a sidebar with a separate background color.
How to Remove Columns or Change Column Count
To revert to a single column, simply select the text (or click anywhere in the section) and go to Format > Columns > 1. This removes all columns and returns the text to full width.
To change from two to three columns, select the text and choose 3 from the same menu. The text will reflow automatically. If you used a table, delete the table and re-insert with the new column count.
Common Problems and Solutions
Columns Not Applying to Just Part of the Document
If you select text and the columns apply to the whole document, make sure you have actually highlighted the text before opening the Format menu. Also, check that you don’t have multiple sections already – if you do, you may need to apply columns to each section separately.
Text Flows Unevenly Between Columns
Google Docs balances text between columns automatically, but if one column is much longer, insert a Column break (Insert > Break > Column break) to force the text to move to the next column at a specific point.
Table Borders Won’t Hide
If you set the border color to white but still see lines, make sure you are changing the border color, not the background color. Also, check that the table is not using a preset style that overrides your changes. You can also set border width to 0 pt in Table properties.
Columns on Mobile (Android and iOS)
The Google Docs mobile apps also support columns. Tap the pencil icon to edit, then tap the Format button (the letter A with lines) at the top. Go to Paragraph > Columns and choose 1, 2, or 3. The options are more limited – you cannot adjust spacing or add lines on mobile.
Alternatives to Columns
If columns don’t quite fit your layout, consider:
- Text boxes (Insert > Drawing > New) for free-floating text blocks.
- Section breaks (Insert > Break > Section break) to apply different column settings to different parts of the document.
- Google Slides if you need a more visual layout with multiple text boxes and images.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I have different numbers of columns on the same page?
Yes. Use section breaks. Place your cursor where you want the change, go to Insert > Break > Section break (next page or continuous), then apply columns to that section only. Each section can have its own column count.
Why don’t I see the Columns option in the Format menu?
The Columns option appears only when you are in a document, not in a spreadsheet or presentation. If you are in a Google Doc and still don’t see it, make sure you are using the current version of Google Docs – refresh the page or update the app.
Can I make columns of different widths using the Format menu?
No, the Format menu creates equal-width columns. To have different widths, use a table and adjust the column widths in Table properties.
Will my columns stay when I export to PDF or Word?
Yes, when you download as PDF or Word, the column layout is preserved. However, if you export to Word, the columns become Word columns, and if you export to plain text (.txt), all formatting is lost.
How do I make a column break instead of a page break?
Place your cursor where you want the break, then go to Insert > Break > Column break. This moves the text after the cursor to the next column, not the next page.
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