Trying to put text side by side in Google Docs? The right tool depends on whether you want text to flow between columns or stay in separate blocks. Here’s how to create both layouts, turn on missing column options, and arrange text on your phone.
Create two or three columns
The built-in column layouts make selected text flow from one column into the next.
Open your document in Google Docs on a computer. Select the text you want in columns. Selecting only a passage keeps the rest of the document in its existing layout.
Open Format > Columns. Choose the two-column or three-column layout. These layouts require Pages format, which you can enable below.
If columns are unavailable, switch to Pages
Open File > Page setup. Select Pages, then click OK.
Open Format > Columns. Choose the two-column or three-column layout.
Tip: Set as default in Page setup applies those page settings to new documents.
Adjust your layout or return to one column
Select the columns you want to adjust, or the text you want to return to a single column. Your selection determines which passage changes.
For layout adjustments, open Format > Columns > More options. To remove column formatting instead, choose Format > Columns > 1 column.
In More options, adjust the available settings. Click Apply to save those adjustments.
Start text at the top of the next column
Need the next passage to start at the top of a column? A column break sets that transition. Your document must use Pages format and already have at least two columns.
Place the cursor where you want the next column to begin. Then choose Insert > Break > Column break.
If the break is unavailable, switch to Pages using the steps above. If it is still unavailable in Pages format, apply a two-column or three-column layout through Format > Columns before retrying the break.
On a phone or tablet, use a table
The column option is missing because the Android, iPhone, and iPad apps do not support creating flowing text columns.
A table gives you separate side-by-side text areas. Each cell holds its own text without flowing into the next cell.
Tap the insertion location in an editable document. Open Add (+) > Table, then choose one row. Set the number of columns you need.
Tap Insert table. Enter your text in each cell.
To adjust a column’s width on Android, iPhone, or iPad, tap a cell. Open Format > Table > Column width.
Keep desktop text areas separate with a table
A table creates independent side-by-side text areas in either Pages or Pageless format.
Open Insert > Table. Select a grid with one row and the number of columns you want. Enter the content for each text area in its own cell.
For a less visible grid, select the cells. Use Border color to match the document background.
To add another table column, right-click a cell. Choose Insert column left or Insert column right.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make columns in Google Docs with the keyboard?
Yes. The document must use Pages format. Select your text. Open Format with Alt+Shift+O on Windows or ChromeOS, or Control+Option+O on macOS. Use the arrow keys to navigate to Columns. Choose a layout. Press Enter.
Can I create columns using voice commands?
Yes. Use the latest Chrome, Edge, or Safari with a working microphone. Your account and document languages must both be English, and the document must use Pages format. Select the target text. Choose Tools > Voice typing. Activate the microphone. Say “Apply 2 columns” or “Apply 3 columns.” Organizations can disable voice typing.
Can I reuse a column layout in another document?
Yes, if you have permission to copy the original document. Open the document with the layout you want. Choose File > Make a copy. Enter a name. Choose a destination. Confirm the copy. Replace the copied content while keeping the layout.
Can I paste columns from Google Sheets into Docs?
Yes, they appear as a table. Use Chrome or Firefox. Select the cells in Sheets. Choose Edit > Copy. Position your cursor in Docs. Choose Edit > Paste. Select Link to spreadsheet or Paste unlinked. Click Paste. Ranges exceeding 400 cells paste without a link.