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Lew32093916a23q
Lew32093916a23q
Participant
October 6, 2023
Answered

Can't convert unwanted 2 column layout in freshly-generated TOC to one column

  • October 6, 2023
  • 3 replies
  • 299 views

Hi:

I know this wording is unseemly, but I'm just so tired of some of FrameMaker's pompous, unnecessary nonsense. 

I generated a TOC based on an .fm document. 

I didn't ask the silly thing to make the TOC two columns. 

Having at least half a brain, I went into Format > Page Layout > Column Layout and received this gratuitous abuse. 

 

Next, I specifically went Unrotated the pages. The unpleasant dialog box above reappeared. 

Any ideas, anyone? 

 

Annoyed, but grateful for any help from any quarter,

Lew Yedwab

Resideo

 

    This topic has been closed for replies.
    Correct answer Barb Binder

    Hi Lew:

     

    I see that you are new here. Welcome. As a heads up, the Adobe Community Forums are user-to-user forums. You may think that you are expressing your anger to Adobe employees, but most of us on here are users like you, who volunteer to help others solve FrameMaker issues in their spare time. We are always happy to help, and kindness goes a long way when working with volunteers.

     

    So this is a stand-alone TOC, generated from a single FrameMaker file (and not a book TOC)? In that scenario, FrameMaker will use a copy of that FrameMaker file for the TOC. If the file has two columns, than the TOC will have two columns until you change them. Rotated pages in FrameMaker documents are fairly rare and probably not necessary for the TOC. Can you just remove the two rotated master pages and then see if you change the columns using Format > Page Layout > Column Layout? Alternatively, navigate to the Right Master, control-click to select the template frame and use Format > Customize Layout > Customize Text Frame > Text Frame > Columns Number: 1. Repeat for the Left Master. When you return to the body pages, they should be 1 column.

     

    If neither works, we will need a little more information about how the original file was set up.

     

    ~Barb

     

     

    3 replies

    Barb Binder
    Community Expert
    Barb BinderCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    October 9, 2023

    Hi Lew:

     

    It looks like one of my recommendations worked for you? Glad you are back on track.

     

    Come back and see us when you have additional questions. While I truly don't think FrameMaker is hard to use once you are over the learning curve, it is a very tough application to teach yourself. We are always happy answer your questions when you hit an obstacle in your workflow.

     

    ~Barb

    ~Barb at Rocky Mountain Training
    Barb Binder
    Community Expert
    Barb BinderCommunity ExpertCorrect answer
    Community Expert
    October 6, 2023

    Hi Lew:

     

    I see that you are new here. Welcome. As a heads up, the Adobe Community Forums are user-to-user forums. You may think that you are expressing your anger to Adobe employees, but most of us on here are users like you, who volunteer to help others solve FrameMaker issues in their spare time. We are always happy to help, and kindness goes a long way when working with volunteers.

     

    So this is a stand-alone TOC, generated from a single FrameMaker file (and not a book TOC)? In that scenario, FrameMaker will use a copy of that FrameMaker file for the TOC. If the file has two columns, than the TOC will have two columns until you change them. Rotated pages in FrameMaker documents are fairly rare and probably not necessary for the TOC. Can you just remove the two rotated master pages and then see if you change the columns using Format > Page Layout > Column Layout? Alternatively, navigate to the Right Master, control-click to select the template frame and use Format > Customize Layout > Customize Text Frame > Text Frame > Columns Number: 1. Repeat for the Left Master. When you return to the body pages, they should be 1 column.

     

    If neither works, we will need a little more information about how the original file was set up.

     

    ~Barb

     

     

    ~Barb at Rocky Mountain Training
      Lew32093916a23q
      Lew32093916a23qAuthor
      Participant
      October 7, 2023

      Hi,  Barb:

      Point well taken, really.

      I didn't even think I was griping at Adobe itself, just blowing off steam. (And I'd never gripe at our fellow community members.)

      I will try your suggestions first thing Monday. 

      THANK YOU, seriously!

       

       

        Jeff_Coatsworth
        Community Expert
        Jeff_CoatsworthCommunity Expert
        Community Expert
        October 6, 2023

        Import the formats from a TOC design you like?

        Lew32093916a23q
        Lew32093916a23qAuthor
        Participant
        October 6, 2023

        Thank you, Jeff! First thing I'll try on Monday morning!

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