Chapter 19: How to Use the Columns Function in Microsoft Word
The columns function in Microsoft Word is a useful tool for creating documents with multicolumn text formatting, such as magazine articles, newsletters, or newspaper-style documents. In this chapter, we'll explore how to use this function, from the basics to more advanced features.
Configuring Columns
To start using the columns function, first open the Word document you want to work on. In the top menu, click on the 'Layout' option. Then you will see an option called 'Columns'. Click it and a drop-down menu will appear with several options for the number of columns you can have in your document, ranging from one to three, plus a 'More Columns' option for more custom options.
Select the number of columns you want and Word will automatically format your document into columns. It's important to note that when you select the number of columns, Word applies that formatting to the entire document. If you only want a section of the document to be formatted in columns, first select the text you want to format before choosing the number of columns.
Advanced Column Options
For more advanced column options, click 'More columns' in the column drop-down menu. This will open a window with more column formatting options. Here, you can choose the exact number of columns you want, up to a maximum of 13, and you can also adjust the width and spacing of each column individually.
In addition, there is also the option to add a line between columns for better visual distinction. Simply check the 'Line between' box to add this line. When you've finished adjusting your column settings, click 'OK' to apply the changes to your document.
Changing Column Configuration
If you want to change the column settings for a section of your document after the initial application, simply select the text you want to change and follow the same process to adjust the column settings. Remember, any changes you make will only apply to the selected text.
Working with Columns
Once your columns are set up, you can start adding text. Word automatically fills the first column and then moves to the next column to the right when the first is full. To manually move text to the next column, you can use the 'Column break' function. To do this, place the cursor where you want the break to occur, go to the 'Layout' menu and click on 'Breaks'. From the drop-down menu, select 'Column Break'. This will move all text after the cursor to the next column.
Conclusion
The columns function in Word is a powerful tool for formatting your document in visually interesting ways. With practice, you will be able to use this function to create professional and attractive documents with ease.
