Formatting Issues

How to Create Multiple Columns in Word Without Changing Page Numbering

Ayan Masood Oct 12, 2026 871 views

Question details

The user wants to format sections of a Word document into multiple columns without disrupting the continuous page numbering.

How to Create Multiple Columns in Word Without Changing Page Numbering

Product: Word
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Applying different column layouts to specific parts of a document that require uninterrupted page numbers.
Observed behavior: Creating columns automatically introduces section breaks, which can sometimes restart or disconnect page numbering if not configured correctly.

Before you start

Ensure your document already has basic page numbers inserted. It is highly recommended to turn on formatting marks (Show/Hide ¶) on the Home tab so you can easily see where section breaks are placed.

Solution 1Recommended

Use Layout Columns and Adjust Page Numbering Settings

This is the standard method for creating multiple columns while ensuring page numbers continue seamlessly across the new section breaks.

Word automatically uses section breaks to apply different column layouts within the same document. These breaks store formatting data but do not strictly require a change in page numbering.

Select the Text and Apply Columns

Highlight the specific text you want to format into multiple columns. Go to the Layout tab, click on Columns, and select your desired layout (e.g., Two or Three). Word will automatically insert continuous section breaks around your selection.

Access the Header or Footer

Double-click the top or bottom of the page to open the Header & Footer tools. Click on the header or footer of the newly created section.

Link to Previous Section

In the Header & Footer menu, ensure that 'Link to Previous' is highlighted or selected. This connects the formatting of the current section's header or footer to the previous one.

Set Page Numbering to Continue

Go to Page Number > Format Page Numbers. In the dialog box, under Page numbering, select 'Continue from previous section' and click OK.

Use Layout Columns and Adjust Page Numbering Settings

Tracking Sections: In documents with multiple sections, you can right-click the status bar at the bottom of the Word window and check 'Section' to display the current section number and keep track of them easily.

Solution 2

Insert a Multi-Column Table as an Alternative

Use a borderless table if you want side-by-side text without inserting section breaks, ideal for static content that doesn't need to flow automatically.

Efficient Document Formatting

Easily Manage Columns and Layouts with WPS Office

WPS Writer offers intuitive page layout tools, allowing you to create complex multi-column designs while keeping full control over page numbering and section breaks.

1. Select Text: Highlight the text you want to divide into columns.
2. Apply Columns: Navigate to the Page Layout tab, click on Columns, and choose your preferred number of columns.
3. Format Page Numbers: Go to the Insert tab, click Page Number, choose Format Page Numbers, and select 'Continue from previous section' to maintain numbering continuity.

Free and lightweight word processorSeamlessly compatible with Microsoft Word (.docx) formatsIntuitive section break and page numbering controlsAdvanced layout options for professional documents

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my page number restart at 1 after creating columns?

When you apply columns to a specific text selection, a new section break is created. By default, some document settings might restart page numbering for new sections. You can fix this by going to Page Number Format and selecting 'Continue from previous section'.

How do I see the hidden section breaks in my document?

You can view hidden formatting marks, including section breaks, by navigating to the Home tab and clicking the 'Show/Hide ¶' icon. This makes it much easier to see where your column formatting begins and ends.

Can I have columns on only one part of a page?

Yes. By selecting only a specific block of text before applying the column layout, continuous section breaks are added automatically before and after your selection, allowing single-column and multi-column text to coexist on the exact same page.

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