Create Multiple Columns in WordPress

Transforming Your Wordpress Site into a Magazine Layout

For those utilizing Wordpress as their content management system, its inherent adaptability in design is well-known. It’s capable of powering not only traditional blogs, but also full-fledged websites and even social networking platforms.

Furthermore, Wordpress can be leveraged to create online newspaper or magazine-style publications. Certain features contribute to achieving this magazine aesthetic, particularly concerning the front page layout.

Implementing Multi-Column Text

A defining characteristic of magazines is the use of multiple columns of text within articles and pages. Traditional Wordpress sites typically present content in a single column, mirroring a standard blog format.

Magazines, however, frequently employ multiple columns, enhancing readability and visual appeal, as illustrated below:

Fortunately, achieving this effect within Wordpress is possible through the use of a dedicated plugin. The recommended plugin is named "Magazine Columns," readily available in the official Wordpress plugin directory.

Installation is straightforward, achievable directly through your Wordpress dashboard. Simply search for "magazine columns," ensuring the author is listed as "c.bavota" to select the correct plugin.

Utilizing the Magazine Columns Plugin

Once installed, creating multiple columns in your posts and pages is remarkably simple. Insert the code "" at the point where you wish to initiate a new column, supporting up to a maximum of five columns.

The plugin also introduces convenient buttons within the HTML editor. These "start columns" and "stop columns" buttons allow for seamless integration of text both before and after the columnized content.

The resulting layout can resemble the following example:

Here’s a demonstration of how the BloggerDoggie theme appears when utilizing multiple columns:

Is the process more complex than it appears? No, it’s remarkably straightforward.

Alternative Plugin Options

It’s worth noting that "Magazine Columns" isn’t the only plugin available for this purpose. Consider exploring these alternatives:

WP Post Columns - The plugin homepage showcases a variety of options accessible through shortcodes. This offers flexibility, though may introduce added complexity.
WP Columnize - This plugin provides buttons directly within the HTML editor, allowing you to highlight text and apply column formatting with a single click. Further details are available on the author's plugin homepage.

Regardless of the plugin you choose, you’ll unlock greater design flexibility within Wordpress. Expanding Wordpress’s functionality beyond traditional blogging becomes significantly easier.

While manual HTML table creation is an option, utilizing a dedicated plugin streamlines the process considerably.

Do you currently employ columns in your Wordpress site to move away from a blog-like appearance? What techniques do you utilize?