Single Column columns-1

Force content into a single column layout, preventing multi-column flow for focused reading experience.

Quick Reference

CSS Property

columns: 1;

Use Case

Single column text flow

Responsive

md:columns-1

Live Examples

Basic Single Column Layout

This is a single column layout. All content flows in one continuous column, making it perfect for articles, blog posts, and focused reading experiences.

Unlike multi-column layouts, single column ensures that content maintains its natural flow without breaking across multiple columns, which can sometimes interrupt the reading experience.

Single column layouts are particularly effective for mobile devices and when you want to maintain complete control over content flow and line breaks.

Highlighted Content

This callout box stays intact in the single column layout.

The single column approach is ideal when readability and content hierarchy are more important than space efficiency.

<div class="columns-1">
  <p>Content flows in a single column...</p>
  <p>All paragraphs stay in one column...</p>
</div>

Single vs Multi-Column Comparison

Single Column (columns-1)

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua.

Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat.

Callout stays together

Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur.

Multi-Column (columns-2)

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua.

Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat.

Callout may break across columns

Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur.

<!-- Single column -->
<div class="columns-1">Content</div>

<!-- Multi-column -->
<div class="columns-2">Content</div>

Responsive Single Column

This layout uses responsive column classes. On mobile (default), it shows 2 columns, but on medium screens and up, it switches to a single column for better readability.

This approach is useful when you want to maximize space usage on smaller screens but prefer focused reading on larger displays.

Responsive Tip

Resize your browser to see the column change!

The responsive approach gives you the best of both worlds - efficient space usage and optimal reading experience.

<div class="columns-2 md:columns-1">
  2 columns on mobile, 1 column on medium+ screens
</div>

Article Layout Example

The Benefits of Single Column Design

Published on March 15, 2024

Single column layouts have become increasingly popular in modern web design, particularly for content-focused websites and applications. This design approach prioritizes readability and user experience over space efficiency.

"The best interface is no interface, and the best column layout is often the simplest one."

Research shows that single column layouts reduce cognitive load and improve reading comprehension, especially on mobile devices where screen real estate is limited.

Key Benefits

  • Improved readability and focus
  • Better mobile experience
  • Easier content management
  • Reduced visual complexity

When implementing single column layouts, consider the content width, line height, and typography to create an optimal reading experience that keeps users engaged throughout their journey.

<article class="columns-1 max-w-4xl mx-auto">
  <header>Article header</header>
  <div>Article content flows in single column</div>
</article>

When to Use Single Column

📖 Articles & Blogs

Perfect for long-form content where reading flow is crucial.

<article class="columns-1 prose">

📱 Mobile-First

Ensures optimal mobile reading experience across all devices.

<div class="columns-1 sm:columns-2">

🎯 Focus Content

When you want users to focus on one piece of content at a time.

<section class="columns-1 text-center">

📋 Forms & Lists

Maintain logical flow for forms and sequential content.

<form class="columns-1 space-y-4">

🖼️ Media Content

Prevent images and media from breaking across columns.

<div class="columns-1 space-y-6">

🔄 Override Multi-Column

Reset multi-column layouts at specific breakpoints.

<div class="columns-3 lg:columns-1">

Best Practices

✅ Do

  • • Use for content that needs sequential reading
  • • Combine with max-width for optimal line length
  • • Consider responsive column changes
  • • Use for mobile-first designs
  • • Apply to articles and blog posts
  • • Maintain proper typography and spacing

❌ Don't

  • • Use when space efficiency is critical
  • • Apply to short content that could benefit from columns
  • • Forget to consider larger screen layouts
  • • Use without proper content width constraints
  • • Apply to grid-like content that needs structure
  • • Ignore the natural content flow