Formatting Issues

How to Move to the Next Column Before Entering Text in Word

Amos Gikunda Oct 22, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user wants to manually jump to the next column in a newspaper-style multi-column layout without having to fill the first column with text.

How to Move to the Next Column Before Entering Text in Word

Product: Word
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Structuring a multi-column document layout where specific content needs to start precisely at the top of the next column.
Observed behavior: By default, Word fills the current column continuously to the bottom of the page before automatically flowing text into the adjacent column.

Before you start

Ensure your document is already formatted with newspaper-style columns via the Layout tab before attempting to insert a column break.

Solution 1Recommended

Insert a Column Break via the Layout Tab

This is the standard menu-driven method to manually force your text cursor into the next newspaper-style column.

Instead of pressing Enter repeatedly to reach the next column, inserting a formal column break keeps your document formatting clean and prevents layout issues when you add or remove text later.

Position your cursor

Click to place your blinking cursor exactly where you want the current column's text to end.

Navigate to the Layout tab

Click on the 'Layout' tab (or 'Page Layout' in older versions) located on the top ribbon.

Insert the break

Click the 'Breaks' button to open the drop-down menu, then select 'Column'. Your cursor will immediately jump to the top of the next column.

Column Type Requirement: This method applies specifically to newspaper-style document columns. It does not apply to columns inside a table.

Solution 2

Use the Column Break Keyboard Shortcut

A fast and efficient way to jump to the next column without taking your hands off the keyboard.

Efficient Document Formatting

Easily Manage Columns in WPS Writer

WPS Writer provides a highly intuitive interface for handling complex document layouts. You can effortlessly set up multiple columns and insert column breaks to structure your text exactly as needed, all while maintaining perfect compatibility with Word documents.

1. Set Up Columns: Open your document in WPS Writer, go to the 'Page Layout' tab on the ribbon, and click 'Columns' to configure your layout.
2. Position Cursor: Place your text cursor exactly where you want to break the text to move to the next column.
3. Insert Column Break: Click 'Breaks' in the 'Page Layout' tab and select 'Column Break', or use the Ctrl+Shift+Enter shortcut to instantly move over.

Seamlessly insert column and page breaks for precise formatting controlFully compatible with Microsoft Word .doc and .docx formatsFree, lightweight, and fast-performing Office suiteFamiliar ribbon interface requires zero learning curve

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my column break creating a new page instead of moving to the next column?

This usually happens if you are working within a single-column layout or if you accidentally selected 'Page Break' instead of 'Column Break'. Verify that your document is set to two or more columns by checking the 'Columns' setting under the Layout tab.

How do I remove or delete a column break?

To see the break, turn on hidden formatting symbols by clicking the 'Show/Hide ¶' button on the Home tab. Locate the dotted line labeled 'Column Break', place your cursor directly before it, and press the Delete key.

Can I use a column break to move between columns inside a table?

No, column breaks are strictly for newspaper-style page columns. To navigate between cells or columns within a table, simply press the Tab key or use your mouse to click into the desired cell.

Document & File Issues