Gutenberg was not loved by many people but there are many perks of it that are quite useful. One of them is the option to choose and customize the columns of the content. One feature that was not available in the Classic editor and thus it was quite easy to use. However, there are many occasions where you can utilize this Multi-Column feature. And it works pretty well on Classic Editor too, but you need to find out how.
Traditional print media has been using Multi-Column for decades. Since it easily separates the content for ease of reading. But over the web, most of the content available is in a single column. Since there is no restriction to use space on a blank webpage. You can write for as long as you want and it won’t cost you more than a nickel. However, the multi-column content is good for highlighting content and making it easier to scan and read.
Keeping that in mind, we are here to show you some ways to Add Multi-Column Content in WordPress Posts. We’ll cover both the new block editor and the old classic editor. Without further ado, let’s continue.
Adding Multi-Column Content in WordPress (Gutenberg)
Creating multi-column content in Gutenberg is easy since it is available by default. However, that was the main reason why it was no liked by many people. Though if you are new to WordPress, Gutenberg is installed in it as you install WP. So, you are kind of stuck with it, since new users have no idea about the old classic editor.
To Add a multi-column layout in the post, simply open it and then select Columns under the Layout Elements tab.
The new column will look empty at first but then you’ll see some highlighted text as you take your mouse on it.
On the right side of the screen, you’ll see the settings of the column you just added.
By default, the column block will add 2 columns, but you can choose to add more columns if you want.
Then click on the column and start adding text or media as you like.
Adding Multiple Columns in Old WordPress Classic Editor
If you haven’t updated to the new block editor and still using the Classic editor, we have a tutorial for you too. As I said earlier, there is no option for Multiple Columns in the classic editor. So, you are bound to use a plugin for that. My love for the open world on the internet is because of this, you can get anything you want.
First of all, navigate to the link and install the Lightweight Grid Columns plugin. It is also available in the WP database, so you can install it from there as well if you can’t install a plugin manually.
Activate it and either go for a new post or open an old one. You’ll see a new button “Add Columns” from the visual editor toolbar.
Click on that and you’ll see a pop-up window to add your first column. You can choose how much area your column can cover. It will be visible differently on all the platforms. Make the necessary editing to the column as you like and start adding content in the column. Then click Ok and you are good to go.
Then the plugin will create a shortcode and add it to your editor. You can add as many columns as you like and for the last one, just tick ‘Last column in row‘ box.
After that, review your post and see whether you like the settings or not. If not then go back to the editor and change accordingly.