The present invention is directed to a method and system for scrolling in a document having multiple columns. A method for scrolling in a page of a document having multiple columns, includes: displaying a plurality of the columns in a display window; associating a different scrollbar with each of the plurality of displayed columns; and selectively enabling a synchronous or independent operation of each of the scrollbars; wherein in synchronous operation, a use of any of the scrollbars results in a corresponding scrolling of the page within the display window, and wherein in independent operation, a use of a selected one of the scrollbars results only in a corresponding scrolling of the column of the page associated with that scrollbar within the display window.