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Dashboard Columns

By Polygon Themes

Site Administration & Utilities / Site Health & Diagnostics

Reviewed by Omar Dabbas

Trusted WordPress expert with 20+ years of experience evaluating plugins for the WP ecosystem.

Dashboard Columns Review - In-Depth Analysis

Customize the number of columns in your WordPress dashboard easily. Choose from 1 to 4 columns on large screens.

Performance Overview

WPS Score

6.51/10

User Rating

5/5 (based on 2+ reviews)

Active Installations

1,000+

Update Frequency

Below Average It is calculated using the weighted average of same category plugins.

Security Score

1 / 10 (Very Low Risk) It is calculated using the weighted average of all versions.

What It Does

The option to change the number of columns of the main WordPress Dashboard was removed in WordPress 3.8 in favor of a more dynamic responsive approach. For most people, this change is great because it simplifies the UI. But for those who like more control over how their admin dashboard looks like, this feels restrictive.

With the help of Dashboard Columns you can now easily change the number of columns in your admin dashboard. By selecting your preferred layout from the Screen Options menu you can now better customize the look and feel of your widgets. And all that without compromising the responsive UI.

On large screens you have the option to choose between 1, 2, 3 or 4 columns. On medium screens you have the option to choose between 1 or 2 columns. On small screens everything is displayed using 1 column.

This plugin doesn’t have an options page. Just set it and forget it!

Comparing to Alternatives

Dashboard Columns stands alone in its category with no close direct alternatives available, making it a unique choice for users seeking this functionality.

Top alternatives

Strengths

Allows widgets to be spread out effectively on the dashboard
Simple and easy to use
Highly rated with perfect scores
No known security vulnerabilities
Lightweight with no pro version complexity

Weaknesses

Limited to basic functionality without advanced customization
No pro version means no additional premium features
Lack of alternatives may limit user options for comparison

User Sentiment Analysis

With a perfect 5-star rating from all reviewers, user sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, highlighting ease of use and effective functionality.

Positive highlights

'Works perfectly!' — Anonymous User
'Simple and great!' — vexshad

Common complaints

Weaknesses

Limited feature set due to absence of a pro version
No advanced customization options

Who Should Use This?

Best for

Users looking for a straightforward, no-frills plugin to manage dashboard widget layouts easily and effectively.

Not ideal for

Those seeking advanced customization options or premium features, as this plugin offers only basic functionality without a paid upgrade path.

Pricing & Value

Free version includes

The free version provides all available features, allowing users to spread out dashboard widgets without restrictions.

Final Verdict

Dashboard Columns is a simple yet effective plugin that fulfills its purpose with high user satisfaction and no security concerns. Its uniqueness in the market makes it a valuable tool for users wanting to customize their dashboard layout without complexity.

However, the lack of a pro version and advanced features may limit its appeal to power users. Overall, it is a reliable choice for those needing straightforward dashboard widget management.