How to Insert Columns in InDesign

Adding columns to your text frames or page layout in Adobe InDesign is a fundamental step for creating well-structured and visually appealing designs like newsletters, magazines, or brochures. Here's how you can do it, using the method described in the reference.

Adding columns allows you to break up large blocks of text, making your content easier to read and navigate. It's a key technique for enhancing readability and creating dynamic layouts.

Steps to Insert Columns Using the Layout Menu

According to the provided reference, one way to add columns, particularly affecting a selected area or the default page setup, is through the Layout menu. Follow these steps:

1. Select the text area where you want to add columns. (This might refer to selecting a text frame or setting up the page before adding text).
2. Go to the "Layout" menu at the top of your screen.
3. Find "Margins and Columns" from the "Layout" drop-down menu and select it.
4. In the "Margins and Columns" window that appears, locate the "Columns" section.
5. Enter the desired number of columns you want in the "Number" field. You can also adjust the gutter (the space between columns) here.
6. Click OK to apply the changes.

Note: Applying "Margins and Columns" from the Layout menu typically affects the margins and column setup for the document pages, influencing how text flows within frames that are set to align with page columns or setting the default for new frames. While the reference suggests selecting a text area first, applying columns directly within a specific text frame is often done via other methods like Text Frame Options (Object > Text Frame Options).

Understanding Columns in InDesign

InDesign offers flexibility in how you apply columns:

• Page Columns: Set via Layout > Margins and Columns, these define the overall grid of the page, influencing where text frames and other objects might align. Text frames can be set to span these columns or flow within them.
• Text Frame Columns: Applied directly to a selected text frame, these divide the content within that specific frame into multiple vertical columns. This is commonly done via Object > Text Frame Options (Ctrl+B or Cmd+B) or the Properties panel when a text frame is selected. You specify the number of columns and the gutter spacing just for that frame.

The method described in the reference (Layout > Margins and Columns) is primarily for setting up the page grid, though its interaction with selected text areas might vary depending on context or settings.

Practical Tips

• Adjust Gutter: Don't forget to set an appropriate gutter width. This space prevents text from feeling cramped between columns.
• Preview: Most InDesign dialog boxes have a "Preview" option. Check this box to see the changes before applying them permanently.
• Master Pages: For consistent column layouts across multiple pages, set up your Margins and Columns on your Master Pages.

By utilizing columns effectively, you can create professional, organized, and highly readable document layouts in InDesign.