How to Make Newspaper Columns in Google Docs

This guide shows you how to format text into newspaper-style columns in Google Docs, making your document look like a printed newsletter or article. You’ll learn how to create multiple columns, adjust their width and spacing, and control where each column breaks. No special tools or add-ons are needed—everything is built into Google Docs.

What You’ll Need

• A Google account (free) and access to Google Docs
• A document with text you want to format, or a blank document to type into
• Basic familiarity with selecting text in Google Docs

Step-by-Step

1. Open your document in Google Docs at docs.google.com.
2. Select the text you want to turn into columns. If you want the entire document in columns, press Ctrl+A (Windows) or Cmd+A (Mac) to select everything. If you only want part of the document in columns, click and drag to highlight just that section.
3. Click the “Format” menu at the top of the page.
4. Hover over “Columns” in the dropdown menu. A submenu will appear showing three options: 1 column, 2 columns, or 3 columns.
5. Click “2 columns” or “3 columns” depending on your preference. The selected text will instantly reformat into that number of columns.
6. Adjust column spacing and width (optional): In the same “Columns” submenu, click “More options” at the bottom. A dialog box opens where you can set the number of columns (up to 3), the spacing between columns (in inches), and choose whether to add a line between columns. Click “Apply” when done.
7. Control where a column breaks (optional): Place your cursor where you want the break to happen (e.g., at the start of a new paragraph). Go to Insert > Break > Column break. This forces the text after the cursor to move to the next column.
8. Return to a single column (if needed): Select the text or place your cursor in the columned section, go to Format > Columns, and choose “1 column”.

Common Mistakes

• Applying columns to the whole document when you only wanted a section. Always select the specific text first; otherwise, the columns will apply from your cursor position to the end of the document.
• Forgetting that column breaks are different from page breaks. A column break moves text to the next column, while a page break moves it to the next page. Using the wrong one can mess up your layout.
• Not adjusting spacing for narrow columns. If your columns are too close together, text can look cramped. Use the “More options” to increase spacing.
• Assuming you can have more than 3 columns. Google Docs only allows up to 3 columns per section. For more, you’d need a table or a different tool.

Tips

• Use columns for newsletters, brochures, or any document that mimics print media. They’re great for short paragraphs, not long-form academic writing.
• Add a vertical line between columns for a classic newspaper look. In “More options”, check the “Line between columns” box.
• Combine columns with images. Insert an image and wrap text around it within a column for a professional layout.
• Use the “Format” menu to quickly switch back to 1 column when you want a full-width section like a title or an image.
• For a title that spans all columns, keep the title in a single-column section above the columned text. Just apply columns only to the body text.

Troubleshooting

• Columns option is grayed out: This usually means you haven’t selected any text. Click and drag to select the text you want to format, then try again.
• Columns apply to the whole document even after selecting text: Make sure you’ve actually selected the text before clicking. If you click “Format > Columns” without a selection, it applies from the cursor to the end. Undo with Ctrl+Z and reselect.
• Text jumps to the next column unexpectedly: This might be due to a column break you inserted accidentally. Go to View > Show non-printing characters to see the break symbol (a dotted line with “Column break”). Delete it.
• Cannot see the column break option: The “Column break” is under Insert > Break, not under the Format menu. If you don’t see it, update your browser or try a different browser—older versions may not show it.
• Print layout doesn’t show columns: Columns are visible in the print layout view, which is the default. If you’re in a different view (like “Print layout” off), toggle it via View > Show print layout.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I have different numbers of columns in the same document?

Yes. Select the section you want to change and apply a different column setting. Each section can have its own column layout.

Can I adjust the width of each column individually?

No, Google Docs does not allow individual column widths. All columns in a section are equal width. You can only adjust the spacing between them.

Why can I only choose up to 3 columns?

That’s a limitation of Google Docs’ built-in column tool. For more columns, you can create a table with multiple columns and hide the borders, or use a third-party add-on.

Will columns work on the mobile app?

Yes, the Google Docs mobile app supports viewing and editing columns, though the interface is more limited. You can still apply columns from the Format menu.

How do I remove columns from just part of my document?

Select the text that is in columns, go to Format > Columns, and choose “1 column”. The rest of the document remains unchanged.

Can I add a column break in the middle of a paragraph?

Yes, you can place your cursor anywhere in the text and insert a column break. The text after the cursor moves to the next column, even if it’s in the middle of a paragraph.

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