How to create two columns in Word but keep the text independent

It's easy enough to add columns in Word but they are very *linked*. Sometimes you want to be able to write something on the left column and something on the right and for the two bits of text to be separate and independent, rather than a continuous string of text that stretches from the left column into the right. I've spent far too long using the enter and backspace keys to force blank space into the columns to make things line up - text boxes solves this (Insert » Text Box).

You can insert a text box from either the main Word file menu or the on-screen 'ribbon'. Then you just click and drag to form its size and shape. It can be repositioned anywhere on the page (you can also select the box you've drawn and Ctrl+C / Ctrl+V to copy and paste another one to duplicate). You can also edit the box outline (here I've made it bright green and thick but you can also just have 'no outline' so it looks like you have two regular columns).

These 'columns' can be any width and position so you can use this for a bit of basic layout, though Word isn't really intended for page layout - but it's what I have on my laptop, and it works. For fiddlier stuff I recommend PowerPoint and for even more fiddly stuff you can't beat Inkscape (which is free, available for Windows and Mac, but does take a bit of time to learn). I have had also had a go at LaTeX which is very precise but a bit overengineered for most of my uses. People also use Scribus and I'm sure there's an infinite number of alternatives. Word will do fine for my purposes in this instance though :)
#MildlyUsefulInfo #word #columns #textbox #howto #tipsandtricks