Different Column Widths (Template)
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Hello,
I am trying to setup a template where the first page is in a 2 column format but the columns are a different width (Left -> 18 pica / Right -> 16 Pica).
When I try to do this in Format -> Page Layout -> Column Layout it moves the left margin in instead of changing the left columns width.
Does anyone know how I can achieve the layout I need?
Thank you for your help!
Framemaker 13.0.1
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In Format > Page Layout > Column Layout, when you specify the number of columns, FrameMaker divides the template frame into equal columns. That can't be changed. To get the look you are after:
- View > Master pages
- Select the left template frame with the Object Selection tool
- Use Graphics > Object Properties to set the width to 18 pc
- Alt drag the frame to the right: make sure the template frame is set to Flow A (or your primary flow tag)
- This message confirms that the duplicate frame is connected to the first one. Click OK.
- Set up the width (16 pc) and position (same top offset) with Graphics > Object Properties.
- Still using the Object Selection tool, select the template frame on the right page and delete it.
- Copy the two frames from the left page, click on the right page and Edit > Paste
- Confirm positions and width with Graphics > Object Properties.
- View > Body Pages and test the flow.
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10. View > Body Pages and test the flow.
Indeed. Anyone using this work-around needs to realize that you have to start with a single-column layout, and that FM thinks the resulting connected-columns document is still single-column. Paragraph property Across-All-Columns, for example, won't work.
Before using the user-defined layout dodge, make sure that Side Heads won't do the job.
There are other hacks for unbalanced columns, but they are much uglier than Barb's.
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Thank you for your help with Barb and that worked out perfectly. The only issue I am still having is that when I apply it to a document with a one column format it still keeps the single column frame while layering the new frames on top if them. Is there a way to stop this from happening?
Thank you again for your help with this!
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when I apply it to a document with a one column format it still keeps the single column frame while layering the new frames on top if them.
Yes, but first tell me how are you applying it to a document with a 1-col format?
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File -> Import -> Formats
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Hmmm. That's not happening to me. What happens when you check Remove Overrides in the Import Formats dialog box?
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It still gives me the same issue. I forgot to mention that I have to change the Master Page type to the new one after applying the template to the document. Once I do all of this I am also unable to select the text.
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I have to change the Master Page type to the new one
Still clarifying... do you mean Format > Page Layout > Apply Master pages?
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Yes that is what I mean.
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Ok, so to summarize: you are trying to import the new columns from a template file into an existing document that uses the default L/R master pages, along with one or more custom master pages?
Here's how I would approach this:
- Test File > Import > Formats on a new document (Portrait or Custom). Make sure it's working like it should. Close and don't save the file.
- Once you see that it is working, open the first chapter in the book.
- Save it before you begin (and better yet, save a copy).
- Because you are already having difficulty, I would suggest assigning the default R/L masters to the entire chapter.
- Then import the new master pages and make sure all the body pages are picking up the 2-column format.
- From there, reassign the updated custom master pages.
It's more steps than might be necessary, but you will be able to see where, if anywhere, you are running into trouble.
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