raggedcolumns
Raggedcolumns refers to a multi-column text layout in which the columns do not share a uniform bottom alignment; the bottom edges of the columns are uneven, producing a ragged edge along the column group. The term is used in print design and digital typesetting to describe a decision to not balance content vertically across columns, often for editorial or fitting constraints. It is distinct from ragged-right text alignment, which affects line endings within each column rather than column heights.
Ragged columns frequently occur when a layout uses a fixed column height and the content cannot be
Implementation in digital formats varies by technology. In CSS multicolumn layouts, the behavior is controlled by
Impact and design considerations: Ragged columns can improve readability by avoiding excessive vertical gaps in long
See also: ragged-right, balanced columns, multi-column layout, page layout.