Word can place a vertical dividing line between newspaper-style columns by enabling the Line between option in the Columns dialog. This works with Word’s page-column layout; it is different from adding borders between table columns.
Steps
Step 1: Select the text if only part of the document needs columns
Highlight the section that should use the multi-column layout. If the whole document should use columns, you can leave the cursor in the document instead.
Step 2: Open the Columns dialog
Open the Layout tab, choose Columns, and select More Columns.
Step 3: Choose the number of columns
Select Two, Three, or another supported column arrangement.
Step 4: Turn on the divider
Select the Line between checkbox.
Step 5: Choose where the setting applies
Use the Apply to option to control whether the columns affect the selected text, current section, or document as appropriate, then choose OK.
What Happens Next
Word adds a vertical rule in the space between the page columns. The line follows the column layout rather than being a manually drawn shape.
Troubleshooting and Useful Details
If Line between is unavailable, make sure you selected more than one column. For only part of a document, Word may create section breaks to isolate the column formatting; show formatting marks if later layout changes behave unexpectedly.
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.