How to Divide a Page into Columns in Microsoft Word

Microsoft Word can be used for more things than just writing term papers, articles or business reports. It can also be used to create newsletters, flyers or stationery. When you become used to the many functions of Microsoft Word, you will find that you can have a lot of fun using it to create many different things. In order to create something like a newsletter or a shopping list, you may find it works best to separate your document into several columns. This is not hard to do, and it looks rather impressive and professional. Plus it saves paper!

Instructions

Microsoft Word 2007

1. Open the document in Microsoft Word.

2. Select the text you want to divide into columns before proceeding. If you have not typed any text, follow these steps and the columns will appear as you type.

3. Click on the "Page Layout" menu. In the Page Setup section, you will see a button labeled "Columns."

4. Click on the "Columns" button. You will see several choices for columns—click on the one you want. If you want to customize the columns, click on "More Columns" at the bottom.

5. Tell Microsoft Word how many columns you want and how wide to make each one. The preview box will show you what it will look like.

6. Click "OK." Your document will be formatted in columns.

Microsoft Word 1997-2003

1. Open the document in Microsoft Word.

2. Select your text before proceeding. If you have not typed any text, follow these steps and the columns will appear as you type.

3. Click on the "Format" menu, then click on "Columns."

4. Tell Microsoft Word how many columns you want and how wide to make each one. The preview box will show you what it will look like.

5. Click OK. Your document will be formatted in columns.

Tips & Warnings

• A quick way to create columns is to click on the "Columns" button on the Standard toolbar. Roll your mouse over the number of columns you want and click.