How to create two column layout bootstrap

BootstrapHow-ToBeginner · 3 min read

How to Create Two Column Layout in Bootstrap Easily

To create a two column layout in Bootstrap, use the row class to create a horizontal group and add two col classes inside it, like col-6 for equal width columns. Bootstrap's grid system automatically handles the layout and responsiveness.

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Syntax

Bootstrap uses a grid system with rows and columns. A row groups columns horizontally. Columns use classes like col-6 to take half the width (6 out of 12 parts). You can adjust column widths by changing the number after col-.

html

<div class="row">
  <div class="col-6">Column 1</div>
  <div class="col-6">Column 2</div>
</div>

Output

Two side-by-side boxes labeled 'Column 1' and 'Column 2', each taking half the container width.

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Example

This example shows a simple two column layout where each column takes half the width on all screen sizes. The columns stack vertically on very small screens automatically.

html

<!DOCTYPE html>
<html lang="en">
<head>
  <meta charset="UTF-8">
  <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1">
  <title>Bootstrap Two Column Layout</title>
  <link href="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/npm/bootstrap@5.3.0/dist/css/bootstrap.min.css" rel="stylesheet">
</head>
<body>
  <div class="container mt-4">
    <div class="row">
      <div class="col-6 bg-primary text-white p-3">Column 1</div>
      <div class="col-6 bg-secondary text-white p-3">Column 2</div>
    </div>
  </div>
</body>
</html>

Output

A page with two colored boxes side by side labeled 'Column 1' and 'Column 2', each occupying half the width on desktop and stacking on small screens.

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Common Pitfalls

Not wrapping columns inside a row can break the layout.
Using column widths that add up to more than 12 causes wrapping or overflow.
For responsiveness, use breakpoint prefixes like col-md-6 to control when columns stack.

html

<!-- Wrong: columns not inside a row -->
<div class="col-6">Column 1</div>
<div class="col-6">Column 2</div>

<!-- Right: columns inside a row -->
<div class="row">
  <div class="col-6">Column 1</div>
  <div class="col-6">Column 2</div>
</div>

Output

The wrong code shows columns stacked vertically without proper spacing; the right code shows two columns side by side.

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Quick Reference

Class	Description
row	Container for columns, creates horizontal group
col-6	Column that takes 6/12 (half) width on all screen sizes
col-md-6	Column takes half width on medium screens and up, stacks on smaller
container	Centers content and adds horizontal padding
p-3	Padding utility for spacing inside columns

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Key Takeaways

Wrap columns inside a row to create a proper grid layout.

Use col-6 to create two equal-width columns in Bootstrap's 12-column grid.

Add responsive prefixes like col-md-6 to control layout on different screen sizes.

Ensure column widths add up to 12 or less to avoid layout issues.

Use Bootstrap utility classes like p-3 for spacing inside columns.