SharePoint Document Issues

How to Create a Four-Column SharePoint Page Layout

Elise Williams Sep 28, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user wants to create a four-column section layout on a SharePoint page, but the option is missing in the standard page editor.

How to Create a Four-Column SharePoint Page Layout

Product: SharePoint Online
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Designing and structuring content on a SharePoint Online modern site page.
Observed behavior: SharePoint only offers up to three columns natively; a four-column layout option is not available out-of-the-box.

Before you start

Ensure you have Edit permissions for the SharePoint page you want to modify. Keep in mind that modern SharePoint pages natively support a maximum of three standard columns per section.

Solution 1Recommended

Utilize Alternative Built-in Section Layouts

Since a four-column layout is not natively available, use a combination of three-column layouts or a vertical section to organize your content effectively.

While you cannot select a four-column layout directly, SharePoint provides flexible alternatives like the Three-column layout and the Vertical Section. Combining these can help you achieve a similar visual distribution of your content.

Edit the SharePoint page

Navigate to your SharePoint site, open the target page, and click 'Edit' in the top right corner.

Add a new section

Hover over the left margin of the page canvas to reveal the '+' icon. Click it to add a new section.

Select a multi-column layout

Choose 'Three columns' to divide your content horizontally into three equal parts.

Add a vertical section

To add a fourth column area, click the '+' icon at the top right of the page section area and select 'Vertical section'. This creates a persistent column on the right side of the page.

Utilize Alternative Built-in Section Layouts

Visual Workaround: Using a three-column section alongside a vertical section effectively creates a four-column visual experience on large screens.

Solution 2

Develop a Custom SharePoint Framework (SPFx) Web Part

For strict design requirements where four true columns are mandatory, a custom SPFx solution is required.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Try WPS Office for Seamless Document Management

While SharePoint handles intranet pages and storage, managing the actual documents hosted there requires a reliable office suite. WPS Office is a lightweight, free alternative to Microsoft Office that is fully compatible with Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files.

1. Download the software: Visit the official WPS website and download the free installation package for your operating system.
2. Install WPS Office: Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions to set up the software suite.
3. Open SharePoint documents: Launch WPS Office to easily open, edit, and format your downloaded SharePoint files.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Office formats (.docx, .xlsx, .pptx) downloaded from SharePoint.Features a familiar user interface, making the transition seamless and intuitive.Includes built-in page layout tools to easily create multi-column documents.Free and lightweight, ensuring smooth performance on Windows, Mac, and Linux.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will Microsoft add a four-column layout to SharePoint in the future?

Microsoft continually updates SharePoint Online based on user feedback. While not currently available, you can submit or vote for a four-column layout request on the official Microsoft Feedback Portal.

Can I use HTML/CSS to force a four-column layout on a modern SharePoint page?

No, modern SharePoint pages do not support custom HTML/CSS injections (like the old Script Editor web part in classic pages) for security and responsiveness reasons. You must use SPFx for custom code.

How do I submit a feature request to Microsoft?

You can submit feature requests by visiting the Microsoft Feedback Portal online, selecting SharePoint, and detailing your need for a native four-column page layout.

Document & File Issues