IEEE Two-Column vs. Single-Column Layout: What to Submit for Peer Review
When preparing an academic paper for an IEEE journal or conference, one of the most confusing questions authors encounter is: Do I submit in the classic IEEE two-column template, or should my paper be formatted in a single column?
Submitting the wrong layout can lead to immediate delays. If you submit a dense, two-column camera-ready file to a journal that requires single-column peer review, the editorial office will unceremoniously return your manuscript. Conversely, if you submit single-column text to an IEEE conference with a strict page ceiling, it may be disqualified before review.
Direct Answer: Peer Review vs. Camera-Ready Breakdown
The Golden Rule for IEEE Submissions:
- IEEE Transactions & Journals (Initial Review): Submit in single-column, double-spaced (2.0x) layout with continuous line numbers. This is designed specifically for reviewer readability.
- IEEE Conferences (Initial & Final): Submit in two-column, single-spaced layout. Conferences have hard page ceilings (typically 4, 6, or 8 pages), so reviewers evaluate length and density immediately.
- IEEE Accepted Papers (Final Camera-Ready): Once your journal paper is accepted, you submit final files in two-column format (or IEEE production typesetters convert your single-column source).
2-Column Draft for Initial Journal Review
- Narrow lines make comments awkward
- No room for margin annotations
- Equations truncated at 3.5-inch column boundary
- Difficult to track line numbers across columns
Frequently returned by editorial staff prior to peer review.
1-Column Double-Spaced for Initial Review
- Generous 1-inch margins for editor notes
- Double line spacing (2.0x) for easy reading
- Continuous line numbering in left margin
- Wide math equations span cleanly without wrapping
Complies with IEEE Transactions editorial requirements.
Why IEEE Journals Mandate Single-Column for Review
Many authors mistakenly download the official IEEE Word Template from the IEEE Author Center and immediately begin typing into two columns. However, the official IEEE Authors Guide specifically states:
“For peer review, many IEEE journals require manuscripts to be prepared in a single-column, double-spaced format with line numbers. This facilitates the review process by allowing reviewers to add comments and reference specific line numbers.”
Reading dense, two-column, 9-point font on modern widescreen monitors is frustrating for peer reviewers. A clean, single-column manuscript with continuous line numbers in Word ensures reviewers focus on your technical novelty rather than squinting at your layout. Also ensure your references follow exact IEEE citation bracket and numbering rules.
How to Configure Two-Column Layout in Word (Without Breaking Flow)
When preparing an IEEE conference paper or final camera-ready draft, Microsoft Word often glitches when switching between single-column titles and two-column body text.
The exact steps to set up IEEE columns:
- Keep Title & Abstract Single-Column: The paper title, author names, affiliations, and abstract should remain centered across the full page width.
- Insert Continuous Section Break: Place your cursor right after the last keyword, go to Layout → Breaks → Section Breaks → Continuous.
- Configure Two Columns: Go to Layout → Columns → More Columns:
- Presets: Two
- Width: 3.5 inches (8.89 cm)
- Spacing (Gutter): 0.16 inches (0.42 cm)
- Apply to: This section
Handling Wide Figures, Tables, and Equations (Spanning 2 Columns)
Complex electrical circuit diagrams, multi-panel graphs, and long mathematical derivations cannot fit inside a 3.5-inch column. In IEEE publications, these elements are allowed to span both columns at the top or bottom of a page.
How to Span Wide Elements Without Corrupting Word Text:
- Insert a Continuous Section Break before the wide figure or table (see our tutorial on formatting 3-line academic tables in Word).
- Change the layout of that intermediate section to One Column.
- Insert your wide figure, table, or displayed equation.
- Insert a second Continuous Section Break immediately following the element.
- Set the following section back to Two Columns.
Note: Never insert a “Next Page” break here, or you will create jarring half-empty pages in the middle of your paper.
Summary Table: Which Format to Choose
| Venue / Target | Layout | Spacing | Line Numbers |
|---|---|---|---|
| IEEE Transactions (Review) | Single-column | Double (2.0x) | Continuous |
| IEEE Conference (Review) | Two-column | Single (1.0x) | None (unless specified) |
| IEEE Access (Open Access) | Single-column or template | Double (2.0x) | Continuous recommended |
| Accepted Camera-Ready (All) | Two-column (or production) | Single (1.0x) | Removed |
Generate Both IEEE Formats in One Click
Struggling with column breaks, runaway figures, and equation wrapping in Word? ScholarSpec automatically prepares both submission-ready single-column peer review drafts and pristine two-column camera-ready files from your manuscript.
Format IEEE ManuscriptFrequently Asked Questions
Should I submit an IEEE paper in single-column or two-column format?
For initial peer review submission, most IEEE Transactions and Journals prefer or mandate a single-column, double-spaced format with continuous line numbers. Two-column single-spaced layout is typically required only for IEEE conference submissions or the final camera-ready version after acceptance.
Why do reviewers prefer single-column IEEE submissions?
Two-column single-spaced text has narrow line widths that make reading difficult and leave zero space for reviewer annotations. Single-column double-spaced text with continuous line numbers allows reviewers to precisely cite lines (e.g., 'Page 5, Line 114') during peer evaluation.
How do I make a wide figure span both columns in Word?
Insert a Continuous Section Break immediately before the wide figure, set the section layout to 1 column, place your figure and caption, and then insert another Continuous Section Break immediately after it, switching back to 2 columns.
What are the exact column dimensions for IEEE camera-ready templates?
The standard IEEE two-column specification uses a column width of 3.5 inches (88 mm) per column with a column gutter (spacing between columns) of 0.16 inches (4.2 mm) on standard Letter or A4 paper.