WPS Split Columns on Android helps arrange document content into vertical columns; this guide covers 3 core tasks, with 3 available without membership and 0 membership-related items.
At a Glance
| Metric | Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Core tasks | 3 | Matches the number of rows in the How-to Index |
| Available without membership | 3 | Matches the number of Free rows in the index |
| Membership-related items | 0 | Matches the number of membership-related rows in the index |
About This Feature
Overview
Split Columns is a page layout feature in WPS Office for Android that divides document content into two or more vertical sections. It is useful for newsletter-style layouts, academic formatting, handouts, and compact text presentation on mobile devices.
Core tasks include:
- Set one, two, or three columns for common page layouts.
- Use Left or Right presets for uneven two-column layouts.
- Return the document to one column when standard reading or editing is needed.
This feature is helpful for notices, study materials, article formatting, and side-by-side content organization in WPS Office documents.
System Requirements
| Item | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Operating system | An Android device that can run WPS Office normally |
| App version | It is recommended to use the latest version of WPS Office so the full layout entry is available |
| Network | Split Columns editing does not require a constant connection, but downloading the app and account-related actions require internet access |
| Other | Open the document in editing mode in WPS Office, and keep enough screen space available to review layout changes |
Download & Installation
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Official download | WPS Office Free Download |
| Check after installation | Open WPS Office, enter document editing mode, and confirm that the Columns area is available under Tools and the Home tab |
Source: WPS download page
Compare with Alternatives
| Dimension | WPS | Microsoft | Notion | Adobe | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capability Summary | On Android, WPS provides a direct path to Tools → Home → Columns, where you can choose One, Two, Three, Left, or Right for document layout changes. | Microsoft Word support pages describe creating newsletter columns from Layout > Columns and adjusting column formatting for a whole document or selected text, mainly in desktop workflows. | Google Docs help states that documents can use columns, but the Android help page says this action is not available on Android and requires a computer. | Notion supports page columns by drag and drop, but its help center states columns are available on tablet and not on mobile phones in the same editing form. | Adobe Acrobat supports article threads and reading order for multi-column PDF content, which is useful for PDF structure and reading flow rather than direct Android document column editing. |
| WPS Advantages | Advantage: WPS offers a direct Android entry for column layout changes. Distinct: preset Left and Right options make common mobile layouts faster to apply. | Compared with WPS: official guidance focuses on desktop layout controls, so the Android-specific column workflow is less direct in the cited page. | Compared with WPS: Google officially states that this action is not available on Android. | Compared with WPS: Notion columns are page-block layout elements, and phone viewing places right-column content below the left column. | Compared with WPS: Adobe focuses on PDF reading structure and article flow instead of standard word-processing column layout on Android. |
| Official Source | — | Create newsletter columns | Add or delete columns in a document - Android | Format your page | PDF articles |
Overall Conclusion
WPS Split Columns is well suited to users who want to adjust document layout directly on Android. Its mobile entry is straightforward, and the preset column styles fit common writing and formatting tasks. Other products remain useful for desktop publishing, collaborative page design, or PDF structure work, depending on the document type.
Use Cases
| No. | Scenario | Suitable for | Main pain point | How it helps |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Newsletter-style article layout | Editors, students | Long text in one column can feel dense | Use two or three columns to improve page structure |
| 2 | Academic and study material formatting | Students, teachers | Content needs a more compact page layout | Adjust the page structure with column presets |
| 3 | Exam paper and handout design | Teachers, trainers | Questions and notes are not clearly separated | Use Left or Right columns to create clearer content areas |
| 4 | Quick mobile layout edits | Mobile office users | A computer is not available when formatting is needed | Apply basic column settings directly on Android |
| 5 | Return to standard reading layout | All users | A document needs to go back to a normal layout | Select One to restore a single-column page |
Membership & Benefits
Free vs WPS Premium
| Capability | Free | WPS Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Split Columns settings in Android documents | ✅ Available | ✅ Available |
| Basic PDF features | ✅ Available | ✅ Available with more advanced tools |
| Cloud storage | 1 GB | 20 GB |
| Template downloads | Limited | More template benefits |
| AI tools | Some features are limited | Broader access and higher usage scope |
Source: WPS Office pricing page
Recommendations
| Use case | Recommended plan | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Occasional column formatting on a phone | Free | Basic Split Columns tasks are available for light document layout work |
| Frequent cross-device document work with more storage needs | WPS Premium | Better suited to users who work with files across devices more often |
| Regular use of templates, PDF tools, and AI assistance | WPS Premium | A practical fit for higher-frequency office and content organization tasks |
How to Subscribe
- WPS membership center: Subscribe now
Source: WPS Office pricing page