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Len_Jacobson's avatar
Len_Jacobson
Copper Contributor
Jul 15, 2026

Word Document Using Columns Not Modified, But Suddenly Displays Differently

I am using MS Word on my Windows 11 desktop.  I have been using a Word document that I created a couple of years ago.  The document uses Columns. The last time I modified it was a year ago.  I tend ...
office 365
word
Doug_Robbins_Word_MVP's avatar
Doug_Robbins_Word_MVP
MVP
Jul 21, 2026

This is how your document appears when accessed on-line via the link that you provided

When the document is downloaded and opened in Word in Microsoft 365 Apps for enterprise, Version 2607 (Build 20226.20078 Click-to-RUn) Current Channel, the document appears as:

Note that the Column Breaks inherit the border from the paragraphs at the top of the next column.  If the border is removed from the Column Break, it is also removed from the three paragraphs in the next column and if it is removed from those three paragraphs, it is also removed from the preceding Column Break

Here, wher the document is saved as a PDF, the Column Breaks, being not-printing characters, do NOT appear and Neither do the borders that appear either side of the Column Breaks when the document is viewed in Word.

 

Given that the situaton created in your document is rather unique, it is unlikely that Microsoft will do anything about it, but if you want to, bring it to their attention via the Feedback facility under the Help tab of the Ribbon.  Rightly or wrongly, the Microsoft Product Teams do not really follow this forum.