Are you writing a document in Google Docs and having a hard time trying to create multiple columns? Don’t fret, you’re not alone. Many people have trouble with this function. The commands between this app and Microsoft Word may be similar, but the differences are significant enough to cause confusion.
As Google Docs is a handy tool available to anyone with an internet connection, not being able to fully take advantage of all its capabilities isn’t ideal. Fortunately, these commands are rather simple, and easily remembered with a proper set of instructions.
In this article, we’ll show you a complete step-by-step walkthrough on how to make two columns in Google Docs, along with all related commands when using this template. With this info, you can adjust the format of your document to fit your needs.
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What is the Two Column Template in Google Docs?
The two column template is a formatting option of dividing text using a column break into two separate sides on a page. It provides a more organized look to a document, and gives the reader a better view of all the material.
Multiple columns also have the advantage of utilizing spaces better on the page, especially when images are attached to a document. This proper utilization of text and space when using this template is the reason why many professional publishers use it.
This double column format has also been the traditional format used in both academic, and scientific reports and publications.
Why Use Two Columns in Google Docs?
As stated, using the two column format offers the author a better way of utilizing the space in their document. If you’re planning to make a file with lots of data, using this format will allow you to squeeze in more information on one page.
Work that uses a lot of images will also benefit from having more than one column. This formatting style lends itself well to text wrapping.
There’s also the fact that, as the multiple column template is commonly used in academic settings, this lends a more formal feel to your work. This is ideal when you’re planning to present it in a professional capacity.
How to Make Two Columns in Google Docs: A Step-by-Step Walkthrough
Although similar in function to the formatting in Microsoft Word, using multiple columns in Google Docs means using different commands in the menu bar. If you wish to use this formatting option, you can follow these steps:
Formatting the Entire Document With a Multiple Column Template
1. Before you enter any text on the document, on the top menu bar, click on Format.
2. Hover over Columns to show the available options.
3. By default, the single column option is selected. You can choose either the two or three column format by clicking on the appropriate icon.
4. Clicking on More Options brings up a window where you can input several column formatting options. You can set the number of columns up to three, and you can determine the spacing between each of them in inches. The more options panel also gives you the choice of adding a line between each column.
5. Once you’ve chosen the appropriate options, click on Apply.
6. If you want to apply the multiple column format only to specific text
7. Select the part of the text that you want to apply the column formatting to.
8. Click on Format, Columns, and choose the column type as above.
9. The formatting option should apply only to the current text selected.
Typing Text From One Column to the Next
When typing on a document with this kind of formatting, you can transition your text from the first column to the second column by inserting a column break.
1. To do this, first make sure that your document isn’t in single column format.
2. Your text should go to the first column automatically.
3. When you wish to go to the second column, choose Insert on the top menu, then hover over Break.
4. Click on Column Break.
5. Any text you enter should now go to the second column. To move to a third, insert another column break.
Google Docs Multiple Column FAQ
How can I merge columns in Google Docs?
Select the text of the columns that you want to merge. Click on Format, select Columns, then choose the single column template. All selected text should now merge together. If you want this to apply to the entire document, select everything using Ctrl + A.
How do you add another column in Google Docs?
The Multiple column format is only limited to three columns. If you have two columns and want to add a third, just select Format, Columns, and choose the appropriate icon. Inserting a column break will move text to the next column.
Are there other ways to insert columns other than the format command?
Yes. You can insert a single row table with two columns. Entering text on one cell will keep all of it in that cell. If you wish to move to the next column, just move to the other cell. This is also a way to go over the three column limitation of the ordinary format.
How do you use multiple columns in Microsoft Word?
Microsoft Word has this format in a dedicated menu under the Layout Menu. Click on Layout on the top menu bar, then click on the Columns Icon. You’ll be given the option to choose up to three columns, along with left- or right-aligned templates.
How do images affect multiple columns?
By default, any image inserted will resize to the width of a column. If you have the text wrapping on, the image can span both columns, and the text will adjust to go around the image. If you have lines applied to go between columns, the lines shall appear either behind or on top of the image.
Wrap Up
Using multiple columns gives your documents a formal aesthetic that will help with those that want to get that professional feel. We hope that this article has given you adequate information on how to make two columns in Google Docs to enable you to use it whenever you need to.
