Organizing your Outlook email into two columns helps you preview messages without opening them. If you have ever wondered how to make two columns in outlook email, you are not alone—this simple layout change can save you time and reduce inbox clutter. Instead of clicking each message individually, you can scan subjects and senders in a split view. This guide walks you through every method, from the Reading Pane to custom layout tricks, so you can work faster and stay organized.
Outlook offers several ways to create a two-column view. The most common approach uses the Reading Pane, which shows your message list on one side and the selected email on the other. You can also adjust column widths, reorder fields, or use third-party add-ins for more control. Below, we cover all these options step by step.
Why Use A Two-Column Layout In Outlook
A two-column layout boosts productivity by letting you see both your inbox and a message at the same time. You no longer need to open and close emails repeatedly. This setup is especially useful for busy professionals who handle dozens of messages daily. It reduces mouse clicks and helps you triage emails faster.
Another benefit is better focus. With the reading pane enabled, you can quickly delete, reply, or file messages without leaving the main window. The layout also works well on widescreen monitors, where a single column would waste space. Many users find that a two-column view makes their inbox feel less overwhelming.
How To Make Two Columns In Outlook Email
Now let us get into the actual steps. The primary method involves the Reading Pane, which splits your screen into two columns. You can choose where the pane appears—right side or bottom. For a true two-column feel, the right-side option works best. Follow these instructions for Outlook 2016, 2019, 2021, and Microsoft 365.
Enable The Reading Pane In Outlook Desktop
- Open Outlook on your computer.
- Go to the View tab at the top ribbon.
- In the Layout group, click Reading Pane.
- Select Right from the dropdown menu.
- Your inbox now shows two columns: the message list on the left and the selected email on the right.
That is all it takes. You can also choose Bottom if you prefer a horizontal split, but that creates a row layout rather than columns. For a classic two-column look, always pick Right.
Adjust Column Widths In The Message List
Once the Reading Pane is active, you might want to resize the columns. Outlook lets you drag the divider between the message list and the reading pane. Hover your mouse over the vertical line until the cursor changes to a double arrow. Then click and drag left or right to adjust the width. This customization ensures that your subject lines are readable while the preview area remains spacious.
You can also modify individual column headers like From, Subject, or Received. Right-click any column header and choose View Settings. Then click Columns to add, remove, or reorder fields. This does not create a second column but fine-tunes the information shown in the left pane.
Use The Compact Layout For A Cleaner Look
Outlook offers different view layouts. The Compact layout shows each email as a single line with minimal spacing. This gives you more room for the Reading Pane. To switch, go to the View tab and click Change View. Select Compact from the list. Combined with the right-side Reading Pane, this creates an efficient two-column workspace.
If you prefer more details, the Single layout shows preview text below the subject. This can make the left column taller but still works with the Reading Pane. Experiment with both to see which suits your workflow.
How To Make Two Columns In Outlook Web App
The web version of Outlook (Outlook.com or Office 365 web) also supports a two-column view. The process is slightly different but equally simple. Here is how to set it up in your browser.
Enable The Reading Pane In Outlook Web
- Log in to Outlook on the web.
- Click the Settings gear icon in the top-right corner.
- Select View all Outlook settings at the bottom.
- Go to Mail > Layout.
- Under Reading pane, choose Right.
- Click Save.
Your inbox now displays messages on the left and the selected email on the right. You can also adjust the divider between the two columns by dragging it. The web app remembers your preference across sessions.
Customize The Message List Columns
In Outlook web, you can add or remove columns from the message list. Click the View dropdown above the message list (it might say “All” or “Unread”). Select Manage views or Edit current view. From there, you can toggle columns like Attachments, Flag Status, or Categories. This helps you see key info without opening emails.
Note that the web app does not allow dragging column headers to reorder them as freely as the desktop version. But you can still customize which fields appear. This keeps your two-column layout tidy and relevant.
How To Make Two Columns In Outlook Mac
Outlook for Mac has a similar layout system. The Reading Pane is available, though the interface differs slightly. Here is the step-by-step for Mac users.
Set Up The Reading Pane On Mac
- Open Outlook on your Mac.
- Click the View menu at the top of the screen.
- Hover over Reading Pane.
- Select Right from the submenu.
- Your inbox splits into two columns immediately.
You can also choose Bottom or Off from the same menu. The right-side option gives the classic two-column layout. To adjust column widths, drag the vertical divider between the message list and the reading pane.
Use Focused Inbox With Two Columns
Outlook for Mac supports Focused Inbox, which separates important emails from others. This feature works alongside the Reading Pane. Enable it by going to View > Focused Inbox. Your message list will show two tabs—Focused and Other—but the two-column layout remains intact. This combination helps you prioritize while still previewing messages.
Advanced Tips For Two-Column Layouts
Beyond the basic Reading Pane, you can use additional tricks to optimize your two-column view. These methods work across Outlook versions and can save even more time.
Use Keyboard Shortcuts For Faster Navigation
Once your two-column layout is set, keyboard shortcuts make it even more powerful. Press Ctrl+Shift+I to go to the inbox. Use the Up and Down arrow keys to move through messages. Press Enter to open a message in the reading pane. To delete an email without opening it, hit Ctrl+D. These shortcuts keep your hands on the keyboard and off the mouse.
Create Custom Views With Multiple Columns
If you need more than two columns, you can create a custom view. Go to the View tab and click View Settings. Choose Columns and add fields like Size, Importance, or Due Date. This adds more columns to the message list, but the Reading Pane still occupies the right side. Be careful not to overcrowd the left pane—too many columns can make it hard to read.
Use Third-Party Add-Ins For Advanced Layouts
Some add-ins offer even more flexibility. Tools like Mailbutler or ClearContext let you customize the Outlook interface beyond default settings. These can create vertical splits, horizontal splits, or even three-column layouts. However, most users find the built-in Reading Pane sufficient. Only explore add-ins if you need specialized features like email tracking or project management integration.
Troubleshooting Common Two-Column Issues
Sometimes the two-column layout does not work as expected. Here are common problems and quick fixes.
Reading Pane Not Showing
If the Reading Pane is missing, check that you have not accidentally turned it off. Go to the View tab and click Reading Pane. Make sure Right or Bottom is selected, not Off. Also, verify that you are not in a folder that does not support the Reading Pane, like the Calendar or Contacts.
Columns Too Narrow Or Wide
If the message list columns are too narrow, drag the divider to the right. If the reading pane is too small, drag the divider left. You can also reset column widths by going to View > View Settings > Reset Columns. This restores default widths and lets you start fresh.
Layout Resets After Restart
Outlook usually remembers your layout preferences. If the two-column view resets after restarting, check for add-ins that might override settings. Disable suspicious add-ins by going to File > Options > Add-ins. Also, ensure your Outlook profile is not corrupted—create a new profile if problems persist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make two columns in Outlook without the Reading Pane?
Yes, you can use a custom view with multiple columns in the message list itself. However, that only splits the list into multiple fields, not a true preview pane. The Reading Pane remains the best way to get a two-column layout with message previews.
Does the two-column layout work on Outlook mobile?
Outlook mobile apps do not support a two-column layout due to screen size limits. You can swipe to preview messages, but the interface remains single-column. For a desktop-like experience, use a tablet in landscape mode with the Reading Pane enabled.
How do I remove the two-column layout?
Go to the View tab, click Reading Pane, and select Off. Your inbox will return to a single-column list. You can also choose Bottom if you want a horizontal split instead.
Can I save a two-column view as a custom layout?
Yes, you can save your current view settings. Go to View > View Settings > Save Current View As. Give it a name, and you can switch between layouts later. This is useful if you use different layouts for different folders.
Why does my two-column layout show blank on the right?
This happens when no email is selected. Click any message in the left column to populate the reading pane. If the pane remains blank, check that the Reading Pane is enabled and that the email is not corrupted. Try opening the email in a separate window to verify.
Final Thoughts On Two-Column Outlook Layouts
Setting up a two-column view in Outlook is straightforward and dramatically improves email management. Whether you use the desktop app, web version, or Mac client, the Reading Pane gives you that split-screen efficiency. Remember to adjust column widths, enable keyboard shortcuts, and experiment with different layouts to find what works best for you.
Now that you know how to make two columns in outlook email, you can declutter your inbox and process messages faster. Start with the basic Reading Pane setup, then customize it to match your daily workflow. With a little practice, you will wonder how you ever managed without it.
If you run into any issues, refer back to the troubleshooting section above. Most problems are easy to fix with a few clicks. And if you want to take it further, explore advanced views or third-party tools. The goal is to make Outlook work for you, not the other way around.
Take a moment to enable the two-column layout right now. You will see the difference immediately. Happy emailing, and enjoy your new, organized inbox.