Format columns of text

You can format a document, or selected paragraphs, with two or more columns of text and graphics.

Note: If you don’t want the content in columns to flow from one column to the next, add a table with the number of columns you want to your document instead. That way, you can enter text across the page in individual table cells.

Set the number of text columns

  1. Do one of the following:

    • For specific paragraphs: Select the paragraphs you want to change.

    • For the whole document: Tap in any text in the document.

  2. Tap Format button in the toolbar, then tap Layout.

  3. Tap – or + to remove or add columns.

If you added a table to your document and want to resize columns, see Resize table rows and columns for instructions.

Force text to the top of the next column

  1. Tap where you want the previous column to end.

  2. Tap Format button in the shortcut bar above the keyboard, then tap Column Break.

When you insert a column break, Pages inserts a formatting character called an invisible. You see these formatting characters when you select text that includes them. For more information about invisibles, see About formatting symbols.

See also
Set paper size and margins
Add line, page, and column breaks
Add or delete a table