# Multiple Columns

To make an *entire* document render in two columns, just pass the `twocolumn` parameter to the document class:

```
\documentclass[twocolumn]{article}
```

To achieve finer control over multiple columns, use the `multicol` package. (Extended documentation is [here](https://ctan.org/pkg/multicol?lang=en).) Just add the following to the document's preamble:

```
\usepackage{multicol}
```

The basic use is:

```
\begin{multicols}{3}

Lorem ipsum

\end{multicols}
```

To include a section which is *not* multiple columns, enclose that text in square brackets:

```
\begin{multicols}{3}

[
This line will not be in multiple columns
]

This line and all remaining text will be in three columns.

\end{multicols}
```

## Column Separation

The distance between the columns is controlled by `\columnsep` in the `\setlength` parameter in the document's preamble:

```
\setlength{\columnsep}{0.5in}
```

## Unbalanced Columns

By default, the `multicol` package will do its best to balance all the columns. If you want *unbalanced* columns, then use `multicols*` instead:

```
\begin{multicols*}{3}

This text will have unbalanced columns.

Lorem ipsum.
\end{multicols}
```

## Column Rules

To insert a vertical line between columns, pass `\columnseprule` to the `\setlength` parameter in the document's preamble:

```
\setlength{columnseprule}{1pt}
\def\columnseprulecolr{\color{blue}}
```

In order to add colors, be sure to use the `color` package by adding the following to the document's preamble:

```
\usepackage{color}
```