To adjust page columns in InDesign, you can use the Margins and Columns dialog box.
Here's a step-by-step guide:
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Go to Layout > Margins and Columns. This will open the Margins and Columns dialog.
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Adjust Layout Selection: Ensure that "Adjust Layout" is selected in the Margins and Columns dialog box. This allows your text and other objects to reflow as you change the column settings.
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Modify Column Settings: In the dialog box, you can change the following settings:
- Number: Specify the number of columns you want on the page. Increase or decrease the number using the up/down arrows or by typing directly into the box.
- Gutter: Set the space between the columns. A larger gutter provides more visual separation between columns of text.
- Margins: Adjust the top, bottom, left, and right margins of the page. Keep in mind that this will affect the overall text area and how it relates to your columns.
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Preview Your Changes: Ensure the "Preview" box is checked to see the changes reflected directly on your InDesign page before applying them. This allows you to make adjustments and fine-tune the layout.
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Apply the Changes: Once you're satisfied with the column settings, click "OK" to apply the changes to the page or spread.
Important Considerations:
- Master Pages: Adjusting columns on master pages will affect all document pages that use that master page. This is the recommended approach for consistent column settings throughout your document.
- Specific Pages: You can override master page settings on individual pages by selecting the page in the Pages panel and then going to Layout > Margins and Columns. Changes made this way only affect the selected page.
- Text Frames: Columns apply to the page itself and not necessarily to individual text frames. You can further divide text frames into columns independently using the Text Frame Options (Object > Text Frame Options). This allows for even more layout flexibility.
- Adjust Layout: Selecting "Adjust Layout" is highly recommended as InDesign will try to intelligently reflow content as you change the number and size of columns.
