A method includes: displaying simultaneously a plurality of columns in a multi-column application that comprises: a first column that includes user-modifiable content items; and a second column that includes user-selectable items; detecting a first input that corresponds to a request to enter an edit mode for the first column; in response to detecting the first input: entering the edit mode for the first column; and deactivating the user-selectable items in the second column; while in the edit mode for the first column: detecting one or more edit inputs; and in response to detecting the edit inputs, editing one or more of the user-modifiable content items in the first column; detecting a second input that corresponds to a request to exit the edit mode for the first column; and in response to detecting the second input: exiting the edit mode, and reactivating the user-selectable items in the second column.