There are two main ways to create columns in Word: columns and tables. 1. The column segmentation is suitable for horizontal layout of text content. The operation steps are to select content → click "Layout" → select "Column" and set the number of columns; note that "section breaking characters" need to be inserted to limit the scope of column segmentation. 2. Tables are suitable for structured data display. The number of rows and columns is set through "Insert" → "Table", and the style can be adjusted to display comparison information or lists. Choose the appropriate method according to your needs: use columns to type beautifully, and use tables to logical data. You can also use them in combination if necessary.

It is actually not difficult to create columns in Word. The key is to know whether you are "dividing columns" or using "tables". Although these two functions can implement multi-column layout, their uses and operation methods are different. Next, I will talk about how to use it and when to choose which method.

Column: Horizontal typography suitable for text content

If you want to divide a paragraph of text into two or more columns, such as newspaper-style layout, resume or flyer, you can use the column function.

The operation steps are as follows:

• Open Word document and select the text content you want to sub-column
• Click "Layout" in the top menu (or the old version is called "Page Layout")
• Find the Column button in the Page Settings area
• Select the preset two columns and three columns, or click "More Columns" to customize width and spacing

Note: Split columns will affect the layout of the entire paragraph. If you only want to divide some content into columns, remember to insert the "section breaking character" before and after the column, otherwise the subsequent content will also change.

Table: Suitable for structured data display

If you want to create neat columns like tables, such as product price lists, score lists, etc., then you need to use the function of inserting tables .

The operation is very simple:

• Click the "Insert" menu
• Select "Table", then drag the mouse to select the number of rows and columns, or directly enter the number of rows and columns.
• After insertion, you can adjust the column width, merge cells, add borders, etc.

Tips: If you just want to draw a few vertical lines to separate the content, you can also insert a table without an outer border, leaving only the vertical lines in the middle, which looks like a column.

When to use columns and when to use tables?

This question is very common, but the judgment criteria are quite simple:

• If it is for the purpose of beautiful layout, such as making the text more readable and saving paper space, use columns
• If you need to display data with logical relationships, such as comparison information and numbered lists, use a table

Sometimes it can even be used in combination, such as inserting a small table into a columned document to display key data.

Basically that's it. Both methods are not complicated, but you won’t make any mistakes by choosing the right tool according to your specific needs.

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