How to Link Text Boxes to Create Columns in Word for Mac
Question details
The user needs to flow text between two floating text boxes because the standard Columns formatting option is unavailable for text boxes in Word for Mac.
- Product
- Word for Mac
- Device & OS
- Mac
- Scenario
- Creating custom columns or specific layout designs by flowing continuous text across multiple separate floating text boxes.
- Observed behavior
- The standard 'Columns' option is grayed out or unavailable when a floating text box is selected, preventing the user from creating columns directly inside the shape.
Ensure you have inserted at least two text boxes into your Word document, and verify that the second text box you plan to link to is completely empty without any spaces or hidden paragraph marks.
Use the Create Link Feature in the Shape Format Tab
Manually linking multiple text boxes is the official workaround to flow text when the internal Columns option is disabled for floating shapes.
By linking text boxes together, you establish a chain. When the first text box reaches its text capacity, any additional text you type or paste will automatically spill over into the next linked text box, successfully simulating a multi-column layout.
Navigate to the 'Insert' tab on the ribbon and insert two separate text boxes into your document where you want your columns to appear.
Click on the border of the first text box. This action will activate the 'Shape Format' tab (sometimes labeled 'Format' depending on your Word version) on the ribbon.
In the 'Shape Format' tab, locate the Text group and click on 'Create Link'. Your mouse cursor will change into a pitcher or a link icon.
Hover the modified cursor over the second, completely empty text box. Click inside the second text box to establish the link. Text will now seamlessly flow from the first box to the second.
Link Text Boxes Seamlessly in WPS Writer
WPS Writer offers intuitive page layout and text box management tools natively optimized for Mac. You can easily link text boxes to create magazine-style columns while maintaining perfect formatting.
- 1. Insert Text Boxes: Open WPS Writer, go to the 'Insert' tab, and insert the desired number of text boxes into your document.
- 2. Select Text Box Tools: Click on your starting text box to reveal the 'Text Box Tools' or 'Drawing Tools' tab on the top menu.
- 3. Create the Link: Click the 'Create Link' button, then click on the next empty text box to establish a continuous text flow between them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the Columns option grayed out when I select a text box?
In Word for Mac, standard column formatting is not natively supported inside floating text boxes. To achieve a multi-column effect within custom shapes, you must use the 'Create Link' feature to pass text between separate text boxes.
Why can't I click the second text box after clicking Create Link?
The target text box must be completely empty to accept a link. If it contains even a single blank space, a line break, or any previously typed characters, Word will not allow you to select it as the target for the text flow.
How do I break a link between two text boxes?
To disconnect linked text boxes, select the text box that is currently passing the text forward. Go to the 'Shape Format' tab and click 'Break Link'. The text will then be pushed back and confined to the previous text boxes in the chain.
Will my linked text boxes stay linked if I convert the document to PDF?
Yes, once your text boxes are linked and the text has flowed into the correct layout, saving or exporting the document as a PDF will preserve the exact visual layout and column structure you created.
