Indesign Columns

[GRAFKZ:MAN]

Alrighty then...Basically once one goes to a particular page in a document and enables the layout adjustment by going to layout >layout adgustment, I am then supposed to be able to work with different column options on the control panel above.

Then when changing the number of columns the text frames and pictures are supposed to automatically resize themselves. But the options don't appear in the control panel unless I click on a text frame and then when I attempt to change the number of columns all it does is break the text frame into 2 rows of text without margins and without resizing and restructuring the whole page.

I hope that makes sense....Basically I'm working in the CS version and trying to follow the adobe indesign classroom in a book...But this portion isn't working...

If anyone has the book its on page184, lesson 4...

If you know why and can answer, please do andddd thanks in advance...

[james]

I copied this from the InDesign help window (CS3)

Note that changing options in the Layout Adjustment dialog box does not immediately change anything. Layout adjustment is triggered only by changes to page size, page orientation, margins, or column settings, or when a new master is applied. When you want to restore a layout to its previous state, you must undo the action that triggered the layout adjustment.

1. Choose Layout > Layout Adjustment.
2. Select Enable Layout Adjustment.
3. Specify the layout adjustment options, and click OK.

Not sure if that helps...

[GRAFKZ:MAN]

No, I've been able to get that far but it doesn't seem to do what the book says it should do. I appreciate that you looked that up though..Thanks!

Anybody else want to give it a whirl??

[thom0975]

I don't have it in front of me- but from memory:

Columns on the document level are done in Document Setup-
Columns on the element level are done with the element selected.

Note, though: If you create document level columns, those are just guides basically- they text isn't affected by them. You'd have to create individual text boxes and link them to flow your text. Making changes on the document level WILL NOT change the text frame size.

The more granular approach is to change it in the element options (as you have already seen.)

I guess I don't quite get what you want it to do... Do you want it to affect the actual document size? (And have it locked to the document?)

Also- ID can't resize and restructure separate elements (images, callouts, etc) unless they're placed inline with the text (which is poor form anyway- you'll want more control over it. I have issues with the CIAB series...)

Which CS are you in, btw- 2, 3, 4?

[GRAFKZ:MAN]

I want to add a scanned image of the directions but don't know how...How can I add it in this post to show you guys??

[zumojuice]

You place the images to add graphics. - There was some reason someone told me not to use a single text box with columns and instead use separate linked boxes - but can't remember why...

[GRAFKZ:MAN]

I tried to place the image as an attachment, but it never seemed to really attach. I could see it after I browsed for it and selected it, but it never stopped saying uploading image, to image uploaded. Its a pdf file..I doubt its too large...

[thom0975]

Hey- I actually got it working- I had to go to CS3 on Windows--- Don't know what you're in, etc--- but, I got it.

Under Layout>Layout Adjustment, after selecting "Enable" I also have Allow Graphics and Allow Ruler checked--- and Ignore Object checked.

Then, after making my text boxes, linking 'em up, and filling- I went to Layout>Margins and Columns and fiddled with it- and lo and behold, my text reflowed automatically. I haven't played with any anchored images, but I'd assume they would reflow, too.

(Seems kinda weedy to me- but it's the lesson they want you to learn I suppose.)

[zumojuice]

Mmmm this seems like it's over complicating the simple. But without seeing it I just can't tell.

[thom0975]

Mmmm this seems like it's over complicating the simple. But without seeing it I just can't tell.

I agree.

Frankly, I've never laid out columns this way- since ID 1.5...