How to Make Columns in Google Docs
Short Answer
How do you make columns in Google Docs?
Select the text, click Format › Columns, and pick the number of columns. More options lets you fine-tune them, and 1 column removes them. With the ShortieCuts extension, you can also press Alt (Option on Mac), then P J 2.
Add to Chrome (14 Days Free)In ShortieCuts' key-tip menu: Layout › Two Columns. On a Mac, press Option instead of Alt.
Using the Menus
- Select the text you want in columns.
- Click Format › Columns.
- Pick the number of columns, or click More options to adjust them.
- To push the next text to the top of the next column, click Insert › Break › Column break.
To remove columns, select them and click Format › Columns › 1 column. Columns aren't available in pageless documents.
Google's keyboard shortcut list for Google Docs has no shortcut for this.
The Word-Style ALT Shortcut
- Add the ShortieCuts extension to Chrome and open any Google Docs document.
- Select the text you want in columns.
- Press Alt (or Option on Mac). Word-style key-tips appear.
- Press P, J, then 2. ShortieCuts runs “Two Columns”.
| Keys | Also in ShortieCuts |
|---|---|
| Alt PJ1 | One ColumnLayout key-tips |
| Alt PJ3 | Three ColumnsLayout key-tips |
| Alt PJM | More ColumnsLayout key-tips |
| Alt PBC | Column BreakLayout key-tips |
When the ALT route helps: Columns is Alt, P, J on Word's Layout tab. ShortieCuts adds the number you want (Alt, P, J, 2 for two columns), and Alt, P, B, C adds a column break, as in Word.
More Google Docs How-Tos
| Keys | How To |
|---|---|
| Alt HFP | Paint FormatBuilt-in: Ctrl + Alt + C |
| Alt HAC | Align TextBuilt-in: Ctrl + Shift + E |
| Alt SF | FootnoteBuilt-in: Ctrl + Alt + F |
| Alt HL1 | HeadingsBuilt-in: Ctrl + Alt + 1–6 |
| Alt HKD | Line Spacing |
| Alt RW | Word CountBuilt-in: Ctrl + Shift + C |
FAQ
Is there a keyboard shortcut to make columns in Google Docs?
Google's keyboard shortcut list for Google Docs doesn't include one. Select the text, click Format › Columns, and pick the number of columns. More options lets you fine-tune them, and 1 column removes them. With the ShortieCuts extension, you can also press Alt (Option on Mac), then P, then J, then 2.
Does Alt + P + J + 2 work in Google Docs?
Not on its own. Google Docs has no ribbon key-tips, so typing Alt + P + J + 2 there won't make columns. With the ShortieCuts Chrome extension installed, press Alt (Option on Mac), then P, then J, then 2, and ShortieCuts runs its "Two Columns" command.
How do I make columns in Google Docs on a Mac?
The steps above work the same way on a Mac. With ShortieCuts, press Option instead of Alt, then P, then J, then 2.
Is ShortieCuts free?
ShortieCuts has a free 14-day trial with no credit card needed. After the trial, Pro is $7.99 a month or $69.99 a year.