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w:cols (Column Layout)

Defines multi-column layout for the section, specifying column count, spacing, and widths.

Parent elements

Child elements

Description

w:cols controls the multi-column layout for a section. It is defined in ECMA-376 Part 1 §17.6.4.

When w:equalWidth is true (default), all columns share the same width, derived from w:num and w:space. When equal width is disabled, individual w:col elements define widths. A vertical line between columns is drawn when w:sep is set.

Attributes

Attribute Type Possible Values Description
w:num xsd:integer Positive integer (default: 1). Number of text columns in the section.
w:space ST_TwipsMeasure Positive integer (twips). Gap between equal-width columns (default: 720, i.e. 0.5 in).
w:equalWidth ST_OnOff true / false (default: true). Whether all columns are equal width.
w:sep ST_OnOff true / false Draw a vertical line between columns.

Examples

<!-- Two equal-width columns with 0.5-inch gap and separator -->
<w:cols w:num="2" w:space="720" w:sep="true"/>
<!-- Three columns with individual widths -->
<w:cols w:num="3" w:equalWidth="false" w:space="720">
  <w:col w:w="1440"/>
  <w:col w:w="1440" w:space="720"/>
  <w:col w:w="1440" w:space="720"/>
</w:cols>

Notes

  • Default: Single column (no layout applied) when w:num is omitted.
  • Equal Width: When w:equalWidth="true", all columns share equal width regardless of individual w:col settings.
  • Spacing: w:space in twips; 720 = 0.5 inch between columns.
  • Separator Line: w:sep="true" draws vertical rule between columns.
  • Text Flow: Flows top-to-bottom in first column, then continues at top of next column.
  • Section-Specific: Layout applies to the entire section; different sections can have different column counts.
  • RTL Documents: Columns flow according to text direction (right-to-left for RTL).
  • Compatibility: Multi-column layouts render consistently across Office versions.