Dashboard Column Layout
By default, the WordPress dashboard displays two columns: a wide Main Column and a narrower Side Column. ID Dashboard Cleanup lets you extend this to 3 or 4 columns.
Changing the Column Count
- Go to Settings > Dashboard Cleanup.
- Use the Dashboard Columns dropdown at the top to select 2, 3, or 4.
- Additional columns appear immediately on the settings page — you can drag widgets into them right away.
- Click Save Changes.
Column Names
| Setting | Columns Displayed |
|---|---|
| 2 columns | Main Column, Side Column |
| 3 columns | Main Column, Side Column, Column 3 |
| 4 columns | Main Column, Side Column, Column 3, Column 4 |
Responsive Behavior
The column count you select is a maximum. WordPress automatically reduces the number of visible columns on smaller screens. For example, if you select 4 columns but a user has a narrow browser window, WordPress may display only 2 or 3 columns. There is nothing to configure for this — it is built into WordPress.
Site-Wide Enforcement
The column count is applied to every user. It overrides the per-user Screen Options column selector on the Dashboard. Users cannot change the column count individually — the plugin’s setting takes precedence.