How to Add Columns in Adobe InDesign

Updated on:

April 6, 2026

By:

Madhav Bhandari

Use this interactive demo to learn how to add columns in Adobe InDesign.

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Here’s a simple and quick guide on how to add columns in Adobe InDesign:

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To add a column in Adobe InDesign, open the app and select 'New Document.'
Under Preset Details, go to 'Columns' and enter the number of columns you want. Click 'Create' when done.
A new document with columns has now been successfully created for your project.

📌 Why this matters

Adding columns transforms your document from a basic single-width layout into a professional publishing format. This foundational step enables you to create newsletters, magazines, brochures, and reports with proper text flow and visual hierarchy.

Beyond the obvious formatting benefits, columns dramatically improve readability by controlling line length—shorter lines reduce eye strain and increase comprehension rates. You're also setting up a flexible grid system that guides placement of images, headers, and other elements, making your design decisions faster and more cohesive throughout the entire project.

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