Google Docs is a powerful writing tool, but one limitation many users face is figuring out how to create columns — whether for newsletters, brochures, academic reports, or clean page layouts. The good news is that Google Docs makes it easy to add and customize columns once you know where to look.
This complete guide will show you how to add a column in Google Docs, how to format your columns, and how to fix common issues when columns aren’t working as expected.
What Are Columns in Google Docs?
Columns divide your text into multiple vertical sections, similar to newspaper-style formatting. They are helpful when creating:
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Newsletters
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Articles
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Flyers
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Posters
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Research summaries
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Two-column assignments
Google Docs lets you create 2 or 3 text columns with just a few clicks.
How to Add a Column in Google Docs (Simple Method)
Follow these quick steps to add columns to your document:
Step 1: Open Your Google Doc
Visit Google Docs and open the document where you want to add columns.
Step 2: Highlight the Text (Optional)
If you want only part of the document to have columns, select that text first.
If you want the whole document to have columns, you don’t need to highlight anything.
Step 3: Click on “Format”
Go to the top menu and click:
Format → Columns
Step 4: Choose Your Column Layout
Google Docs offers three built-in options:
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One column
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Two columns
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Three columns
Click the one that fits your layout.
Your document will instantly break into the selected number of columns.
How to Add Custom Columns in Google Docs (Advanced Layout)
If you want more control — such as spacing, line dividers, or custom column width — use the column settings panel.
Step-by-Step:
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Click Format
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Select Columns
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Click More options
This opens a detailed settings box where you can adjust:
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Number of columns
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Spacing between columns
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Column width
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Line separator between columns
After adjusting the settings, click Apply.
How to Add Columns to Only Part of Your Text
Many users want columns in only a section, not the entire document.
Here’s how:
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Highlight the text you want in columns
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Go to Format → Columns
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Choose the number of columns
Google Docs will automatically place the selected text into columns without affecting the rest of the page.
You can also insert column breaks to control where each column ends.
How to Insert a Column Break in Google Docs
Column breaks help you start the next section in a new column.
To insert a column break:
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Place your cursor where you want the break
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Go to Insert → Break → Column break
This forces the text to continue in the next column.
How to Remove Columns in Google Docs
If you want to go back to a single-column layout:
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Highlight the text with columns
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Go to Format → Columns
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Select the one-column layout
The selected text will revert back to normal formatting.
Alternative: Add Columns Using a Table (Manual Method)
If you want complex layouts, you can use tables as an alternative to standard columns.
How to do it:
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Go to Insert → Table
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Choose a 1×2 or 1×3 table
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Add text inside each cell
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Adjust border color to white if you want an invisible column layout
This method is useful for:
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Side-by-side images
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Quote + text layouts
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Brochure designs
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Custom-width columns
Common Issues & Fixes for Columns in Google Docs
1. Columns not appearing?
Make sure you’re using the right version of Google Docs, not “Compatibility Mode”.
2. Only half the text changes?
You may need to select the entire section before formatting.
3. Can’t find the Columns option?
Check under:
Format → Columns
Some users look under Insert — but columns are located inside Format.
4. Columns breaking your layout?
Use column breaks to control flow manually.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I add more than 3 columns in Google Docs?
No, Google Docs only supports up to 3 columns natively.
For more columns, use the table method.
2. Can I set different column widths?
Yes — through Format → Columns → More options.
3. Do columns work on mobile?
Columns can be viewed on mobile but must be created on a desktop.
4. Can I add images inside columns?
Yes, images can be inserted inside any column or table cell.
Conclusion
Adding columns in Google Docs is simple once you know where the settings are. Whether you’re creating a newsletter, school project, or formatted article, the column tools give you flexible layout options. You can create 2 or 3 columns, adjust spacing, insert column breaks, or even use tables for more control.
