Word: Columns and Spacing

Columns

For accessibility, do not use text boxes. Additionally, for images, don't remove them from the document flow by making them in front of or behind the text. When you want text next to your image:

1. Select the text and the image.
2. On the Layout tab of the ribbon, select the Columns dropdown.
3. Select 2 or more depending on how you want your layout to look.

Tip: Click “More Columns” on the Columns dropdown menu for options to change the spacing between columns.

Space Between Paragraphs

Do not use the enter key to create extra space in between paragraphs. This can be confusing for screenreaders. Control the margin above and below paragraph using the Paragraph editor. Space can be applied to the style so that extra space is added to all instances of that style, or you can add it a single paragraph, header, etc.

Modify the Style

To make consistent space between all instances of a heading or paragraph.

1. Right click the desired style in the styles in the ribbon, or use the dropdown menu in the styles pane, and select Modify style.
2. In the bottom left corner, use the “Format” dropdown to choose paragraph.

Styles > Right Click > Modify

Format > Paragraph

Modify One Instance

1. To alter the spacing on one paragraph or heading, right click on the text and select Paragraph.

Right click in text > Paragraph

2. On the “Indents and Spacing” tab of the Paragraph window, in the Spacing section, adjust the amount of space before and/or after you paragraph.

---