How to Create Multiple Columns in Google Docs Easily

ByJim Miller

When it comes to writing for newspapers, magazines, brochures, newsletters, or flyers using Google Docs, utilizing columns is essential to organize and present your content effectively. Fortunately, Google Docs provides a built-in column function that allows you to split your document into two or three columns effortlessly. Moreover, you can create a Google Docs template with columns to save time and streamline your workflow. In this article, we will explore how to make columns in Google Docs using templates.

The Native Method and a Useful Trick

There are two methods we will discuss to create columns in Google Docs: the default method on the web and a handy trick to convert your Google Docs document into a template.

1. Use the Default Google Docs Method on Web

Creating columns in Google Docs is a straightforward process. Here's how to do it:

  1. Open your Google Docs document.
  2. Click on the “Format” option in the menu bar.
  3. Select “Columns” from the drop-down menu.

By default, Google Docs offers two or three column options to choose from. You can select the relevant option and see live changes in your document. Additionally, you can customize the column visuals by selecting “More Options.” This allows you to adjust the gap between columns, add visual lines, and more.

2. Make Columns in Google Docs Mobile Apps

If you prefer to work on the go using your Android or iOS mobile device, you can also create columns in Google Docs using the mobile apps. Here's how:

  1. Open Google Docs on your mobile device and open a document.
  2. Tap on the “Edit” button at the bottom to enter the editing interface.
  3. Go to the “Layout” menu.
  4. Customize your columns, including changing the spacing, adding lines between columns, and altering the column direction.

Create a Google Docs Column Template

If you frequently work with columns in Google Docs and want to save time, you can create a dedicated column template. Here's how:

  1. Open a blank Google Docs document.
  2. Go to “Format > Column” and select your preferred column style and adjustments.
  3. Give the document a relevant name, such as “Column Template,” and save it in a specific location in your Google Drive folder.
  4. The next time you need to use the column style in Google Docs, simply navigate to the saved template location in Google Drive.
  5. Select the saved Google Docs Column Template and right-click on it.
  6. Choose “Make a copy” from the context menu.
  7. Google Drive will create a copy of the document.
  8. Open the copied Google Docs document and start writing.

The copied document will automatically create columns based on your saved settings in the template. This way, whenever you need to compose a document using columns in Google Docs, you can simply create a copy from the saved template in Google Drive, saving you time and effort.

Wrapping Up

Using columns in Google Docs allows you to visually structure your content, whether it's a newsletter, magazine article, or any other written piece. Creating columns in Google Docs is a simple process, and if you frequently use this feature, we highly recommend creating a custom template for columns to streamline your workflow. With the power of templates, you can focus on your content while Google Docs takes care of the formatting.