WPS Split Columns is a page layout feature in WPS Writer on iOS; this guide covers 1 core task, with 1 available without membership and 0 membership-related items.
At a Glance
| Metric | Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Core tasks | 1 | Matches the number of rows in the How-to Index |
| Available without membership | 1 | Matches the number of Free rows in the index |
| Membership-related items | 0 | Matches the number of membership-related rows in the index |
| Membership restriction | None for this feature | Split Columns can be used directly in the current feature scope |
| Version restriction | None stated | No version threshold is specified here |
About This Feature
Overview
Split Columns is a document layout feature that divides a page into two or more vertical columns. It is useful for newspaper-style layouts, academic formatting, test paper layouts, and other writing scenarios that need multi-column text.
In WPS Writer on iOS, you can open this feature from Tools → Home → Columns and choose from these preset layouts:
- One column: returns the page to a standard single-column layout.
- Two columns: suitable for common side-by-side reading layouts.
- Three columns: suitable for denser page layouts.
- Left: suitable when one side of the page needs a different column width.
- Right: suitable when the opposite side needs a different column width.
System Requirements
| Item | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Operating system | An iPhone or iPad environment that can install and run WPS Office normally |
| App version | The latest version of WPS Office for iOS is recommended |
| Network | A network connection is not required to apply columns themselves, but downloading the app and account-related services require internet access |
| Other | Open an editable Writer document in WPS before using this feature |
Download & Installation
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Official download | WPS Office Free Download |
| Installation method | Install WPS Office on your iPhone or iPad, sign in, and open a document |
| Post-install check | Launch WPS Office, open a Writer document, tap Tools, and confirm that Columns is available under the Home tab |
Source: WPS Download Center
Compare with Alternatives
| Dimension | WPS | Microsoft | Notion | Adobe | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capability Summary | Provides a Columns entry in WPS Writer on iOS with preset layouts including one, two, three, left, and right. | Word lets users apply columns to a whole document or selected paragraphs, and offers More Columns for additional formatting. | Google Docs lets users add or remove columns, change column formatting, and insert column breaks in page-format documents. | Notion supports side-by-side content columns created by drag and drop for page layout. | Adobe InDesign supports document setup with margins and columns for publication-style page design. |
| WPS Advantages | Advantage: preset column layouts are directly available in the iOS editing flow, which is convenient for quick mobile document formatting. | Compared with WPS: official guidance emphasizes broader desktop-style column controls rather than a simple mobile preset path. | Compared with WPS: supports formatting changes and column breaks, but the feature depends on page format conditions. | Compared with WPS: columns are page content blocks rather than traditional word-processing page columns. | Compared with WPS: offers deeper publication layout controls, but the workflow is more design-oriented and complex for routine document edits. |
| Official Source | — | Create multiple columns in Word | Add or delete columns in a document | Format your page | Change document setup and margins in InDesign |
Overall Conclusion
WPS Split Columns is well suited to quick multi-column document formatting on iPhone or iPad. If your priority is applying preset column layouts directly in a mobile editing flow, WPS offers a straightforward path, while desktop publishing tools remain more suitable for advanced layout control.
Use Cases
| No. | Scenario | Suitable Users | Core Need | How WPS Helps |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Newspaper-style formatting | Editors and communications staff | A single-column page feels too loose for dense reading | Use two or three columns to create a more compact layout |
| 2 | Academic document formatting | Students and researchers | A document needs a multi-column structure for a cleaner layout | Choose the required column preset from the Columns menu |
| 3 | Test paper and handout design | Teachers and trainers | A single-column page uses too much space | Use two columns or asymmetric layouts to improve page usage |
| 4 | Summary page design | Office users | Main and secondary information need clearer separation on one page | Use Left or Right layouts to emphasize one side of the page |
| 5 | Quick mobile revisions | iPhone and iPad users | Layout changes are needed away from a desktop device | Apply column settings directly from the iOS toolbar |
Membership & Benefits
Free vs WPS Premium
| Capability | Free Users | WPS Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Basic column setup | ✅ Available | ✅ Available |
| Basic document editing | ✅ Available | ✅ Available |
| Additional advanced services | Depends on the specific feature | More advanced services are available depending on the subscription plan |
| Cloud storage | 1 GB cloud space | 20 GB cloud space in some plans |
Source: WPS Office pricing page
Recommendations
| Usage Scenario | Recommended Plan | Why |
|---|---|---|
| You only need common column layouts in documents | Free | Split Columns is available without a membership requirement in this feature scope |
| You also need more cloud storage or broader advanced services | WPS Premium | Suitable for users with ongoing cross-device work and broader service needs |
How to Subscribe
- WPS membership center: Subscribe now
Source: WPS Office pricing page