Formatting Issues

How to Add Text Boxes and Lines to the Middle Column in Word

Maira Mehtab Sep 22, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user needs to correctly insert and position text boxes and shapes (like lines) specifically in the middle column of a three-column Word document, resolving issues where objects jump to the wrong location.

Product: Microsoft Word
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Editing a multi-column document and attempting to overlay or insert graphical elements securely into the middle column without layout shifts.
Observed behavior: Text boxes and lines may appear in the wrong location or jump to other columns due to incorrect page layout settings, anchoring issues, or hidden table structures.

Before you start

Determine whether your three-column layout was created using the built-in Columns feature (newspaper-style) or by inserting a three-column table without visible borders, as this dictates how objects behave when inserted.

Solution 1Recommended

Adjust Object Anchoring and Text Wrapping

Change the text wrapping style and lock the object's anchor to ensure it stays in the specific middle column paragraph.

When you insert a text box or shape in Word, it is anchored to a specific paragraph. If the anchor moves, the object moves. Locking the anchor prevents the text box from jumping to adjacent columns.

Select the Object

Click on the text box or line you inserted into the middle column to reveal the 'Layout Options' icon next to it.

Change Text Wrapping

Click the 'Layout Options' icon and change the Text Wrapping to 'In Front of Text' or 'Square', depending on your desired layout style.

Lock the Anchor

Click 'See more' at the bottom of the layout options popup (or right-click the object and select 'More Layout Options'). Go to the 'Position' tab, check the box for 'Lock anchor', and click 'OK' to bind the object to the middle column.

Solution 2

Verify and Adjust the Column Structure

If objects keep shifting, verify if you are using a table or standard columns, and adjust your insertion method accordingly.

Efficient Document Formatting

Easily Manage Columns and Text Boxes with WPS Writer

WPS Office offers intuitive layout tools that make inserting text boxes, lines, and shapes into multi-column documents straightforward, eliminating frustrating layout shifts.

1. Open your Document: Launch WPS Writer and open your multi-column document.
2. Insert the Object: Navigate to the 'Insert' tab on the top ribbon, select 'Text Box' or 'Shapes', and draw it exactly where you want it in the middle column.
3. Adjust Wrapping: Click the 'Wrap Text' icon that appears next to the inserted object and choose 'In Front of Text'.
4. Lock the Anchor: Right-click the object, select 'More Layout Options', navigate to the 'Position' tab, and check 'Lock Anchor' to keep it permanently fixed in the middle column.

Easily lock shape anchors to specific columns or paragraphs.Seamlessly compatible with Microsoft Word (.docx) formats.Intuitive layout options for precise object positioning.Free and lightweight alternative for complex document creation.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my text box jump to the next page or adjacent column?

This happens because the text box is anchored to a paragraph on a different page or column. To fix this, enable paragraph marks on the Home tab, drag the anchor icon to the correct paragraph in the middle column, and lock the anchor in the layout options.

What is the difference between newspaper-style columns and table columns for shapes?

Newspaper-style columns flow text automatically from one column to the next, which can cause floating shapes to shift if text is added or removed. Table columns isolate content into cells, making it easier to keep shapes fixed 'In Line with Text' within a specific column space.

Can I add a vertical line between columns automatically without drawing shapes?

Yes. Go to the 'Layout' tab, click 'Columns', choose 'More Columns', and check the 'Line between' box. This automatically inserts a neat vertical line between your text columns without the need to draw or anchor shape lines manually.

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