About the Text Columns Formatter
A long list takes up a lot of vertical space. This tool arranges it into columns, so twenty items become three columns of seven. You choose the number of columns, the spaces between them and whether to fill down each column first or across each row first. A second mode lines up text that is separated by commas, tabs or pipes, padding each column to the widest entry so that it reads like a table. The result needs a fixed-width font to look aligned. It works in your browser and nothing is uploaded.
Updated October 2026
How to use the Text Columns Formatter
- 1Paste your list, one item per line, or your separated text.
- 2Choose what to do: arrange the list into columns, or line up text separated by a character.
- 3Set the number of columns and the gap for lists.
- 4Choose whether to fill down or across.
- 5Copy the result and paste it somewhere that uses a fixed-width font.
Why columns
Long lists, such as ingredient lists, name lists, commands or vocabulary, waste space when written one per line. Setting them into columns makes them compact and easier to scan, and it fits more on a page or screen. In READMEs and terminal output, a column layout can show a whole list without scrolling.
The second mode helps with data that was dumped as separated text and is hard to read, because it lines up each field.
Down or across
Alphabetical lists read best down each column, like a dictionary page. Items with a rank or order, such as steps or positions, read best across each row. The tool supports both so you choose what suits the list.
- Down: A B C in the first column
- Across: A B C in the first row
Tips for good alignment
Choose a gap of at least two spaces so that columns do not touch. Keep items short; a single very long item makes every column wide. For tables with borders, use the ASCII Table Generator, and for tables that must render on GitHub, use the Markdown Table Generator.
Examples
A list of seven items arranged into three columns filling down gives three rows: the first column holds items one to three, the second holds four to six and the last holds item seven. Filling across gives the first row with items one to three, the second with four to six and the third with item seven.
Separated text such as name,city,amount is lined up so that every value starts at the same position on each row, which makes a quick table in a plain text email.
Phone and computer
A phone usually shows text in a proportional font, so the alignment may not look right until you paste the result into a code block or a monospace app. On a computer, the output box already uses a fixed-width font. If you need even spacing in a text box, the Text Padding Tool pads each piece to the same width.
Features
- List into any number of columns
- Fill down or across
- Line up comma, tab or pipe separated text
- Adjustable spacing
- Shows how many items were arranged
- Private: nothing is uploaded
Frequently asked questions
How do I put a list into columns?
Paste the list with one item per line, choose Arrange the list into columns and set the number. The tool pads each column to its widest item so they line up.
What is the difference between filling down and across?
Down fills the first column from top to bottom, then the next, which suits alphabetical lists. Across fills the first row left to right, then the next, which suits ranked or numbered lists.
How do I align comma separated text?
Choose Line up text separated by commas. Each comma-separated field is padded to the width of the widest field in its column, giving a plain text table.
Why does the output look uneven?
Alignment only works in a fixed-width (monospace) font. In a proportional font such as most email and word processor fonts, letters have different widths. Use a code block or a font like Courier.
Can I make columns for a printout?
Yes, paste the result into a plain text editor or a word processor set to a fixed-width font, and the columns will line up on paper.
Is the text uploaded?
No. Formatting is done in your browser and your text stays on your device.