Typing in Columns

It is simple to create text columns in Word, which you may want to use for different reasons. Usually, columns are very helpful for condensing long lists. Columns may also be added to portions of a page without changing the format of single-column sections above or below the columns. When formatting a page in this way, it is often helpful to add blank lines above and below the columns. This will give you room to add single-column text before and after the list.

1. Select the text to be placed in multiple column format, then click Format » Columns from the drop-down menu.
2. Choose the number of columns you wish to use in the "Number of columns" field, or select from the "presets".

3. If you wish to add a line between columns, simply check the "Line between" option in the Columns window.
4. At the bottom of the dialog box you can specify whether you want the column formatting to be applied to the entire document, or just the selected text in the "Apply to" field.
5. The default settings will create columns of equal widths. If you wish to use asymmetrical widths, you may specify each individual column width by unchecking "Equal column width" and typing your desired widths in the "Width and spacing" fields.

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