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B_C_E_75
Inspiring
August 7, 2023
Answered

Inset document not retaining two column layout of source file.

  • August 7, 2023
  • 4 replies
  • 535 views

We are experimenting with insets so we can have multiple copies of a document in the same book. One of our parts pages has a parts list table split into 2 columns undeneath a graphic in an anchored frame. To make the 2 columns we use Format>Customize Layout>Split Text Frame. 

 

When I import this original document via the inset panel, the parts list table is placed as one column that flows onto the following page. How can I get this table to be 2 columns like the original file? I have tried splitting the text frame but that doesn't work. I've changed object properties to 2 columns, but that doesn't work either. 

    This topic has been closed for replies.
    Correct answer Bob_Niland

    In general, a Text Inset is just going to pull in the formatted text Flow, and not any meta info about the page layouts at the source.

    When you need a mix of single- and 2-column, the AAC hack might be worth a look, described in A way to label graphics?

    4 replies

    Barb Binder
    Community Expert
    Community Expert
    August 8, 2023

    Hi @B_C_E_75:

     

    I think you already have a working solution with Bob's answer?

     

    It does work the way I thought it would, though I forgot to tell you that you need unique style names for the body text in the main document and the body text in the inset, otherwise, the inset conforms with main document's styles and spans both columns. If you want more details let me know, otherwise I'll assume you are already good to go!

     

    ~Barb

    ~Barb at Rocky Mountain Training
    B_C_E_75
    B_C_E_75Author
    Inspiring
    August 11, 2023

    Barb,

     

    Yep, I think i'll experiment with the info I was given and see how it works. I won't be a huge deal if I just leave it how it is too. I was just curious if there was something I was simply ovelooking. 

     

    Thanks! 

    B_C_E_75
    B_C_E_75Author
    Inspiring
    August 7, 2023

    Ive tried setting the page to two columns and it doesn't seem to make any difference. If I go in and change the master page to 2 columns, it creates the two column layout immediately after the end of the parts table on the next page. It's weird. It's like all of the page elements are grouped together and locked. 

    Bob_Niland
    Community Expert
    Community Expert
    August 7, 2023

    Well, the Text Inset process does tag the whole block with the undocumented ‹PgfLocked=Yes, and even if you delete the block, sometimes an object is left that still has that tag.

    Barb Binder
    Community Expert
    Community Expert
    August 7, 2023

    Or change the page layout of the entire document to two columns, and set all the other paragraph styles to straddle both columns (Para Designer > Pagination > Across All Columns) so that they present as a single column, then set the inset to In Column so that it flows into both.

     

    ~Barb

    ~Barb at Rocky Mountain Training
    Bob_Niland
    Community Expert
    Bob_NilandCommunity ExpertCorrect answer
    Community Expert
    August 7, 2023

    In general, a Text Inset is just going to pull in the formatted text Flow, and not any meta info about the page layouts at the source.

    When you need a mix of single- and 2-column, the AAC hack might be worth a look, described in A way to label graphics?