How do I create a 2-column format?

[Jessie2020]

How do I change a one-column page that is in the middle of a long document that has all 2-column pages?

This page for some reason doesn't have the 2-column format, and I don't understand why.

I've checked Format> layout> column layout, but am perplexed b/c the settings are the SAME for the two-column pages and for this one random one-column page. I thought if I noticed different numbers I could change the numbers for this page to what the 2-col pages display. I also noticed that the ruler tabs for this weird page are set to the far left and far right so that the text reads all the way across the one column instead of being broken up into 2 columns. I've played with the tabs as well. Oh, and also checked the master pages -- there are 2 and both are 2-column formatted. How can I have a page that is one-column in the middle of a doc that is all 2-column formatted? Don't the master pgs dictate what the body pages will be?

I did not create this doc; just going in and trying to fix it up.

Thank you so much!

[Arnis Gubins · Accepted solution]

Jessie,

It sounds like there's an override on that particular body page. This could have been done by either applying a diferent master page or manually tweaking the text frame properties to have only a single column.

You can re-apply the default master pages (Right/Left) using the Format > Page Layout > Master Page Usage options.

It's also possible that a Master Page Mapping rule is being applied to a specific paratag on that page that automatically (re)applies a specific master page whenever that paratag is encountered.

[Jessie2020]

Thank you, Arnis! I was able to just change it to a 2-column. I really appreciate it!

Now, if I DID want a 1-column (at the end of the chapters I'm working on there is study guide, which I want to be 1-col format), do I Create New Master Page and apply that to the study guide page?

Thanks for your time and help!

[Van Kurtz]

Jessie,

do I Create New Master Page and apply that to the study guide page?

Yes, unless there already a one-column master page in the document. If so, you can apply that one to the page. There is no need to create one if one already exists.

Van

[Jessie2020]

Van,

I created a Master Page called OneColumn so that I could use it for the study guide page. However, when I go to Format>Pg Layout>Master page usage to apply it, I don't see anything in the Master Page Usage box that allows me to select the master page I just created.

Where is it?

Thank you...I got a ways to go with learning this program.

[Jessie2020]

I realized what just happened -- I made the master page in one chapter, but went to a different chapter in the same book to apply it and it's not an option

there (but I did find it in the chapter where I created it). So I guess this is not across the board.

[Bob_Niland]

In book menu:

1. open chapter that has MP format OneColumn defined
2. in book menu select all other chapters
3. File > Import > Formats
   Import from Document: [defining chapter file name]
   
4. [Deselect All]
6. Page Layouts
7. [Import]

Now all chapters have that MP.

_____

Master Page Mapping Table could be the next challenge

[Jessie2020]

THANKS! The step-by-step instruction is great.

Again, I really appreciate the help. When you're sitting in front of the computer reading the manual and you just can't find the answer, this is a great place to go to for that extra help.

Have a great day, everyone!

[Bob_Niland]

>> Now all chapters have that MP.

I might caveat that the selected chapters now have ALL the MPs from the defining chapter.

This can cause:

• no problems
• MP view pollution
• unintended destruction of intentionally different MPs with the same name, because at the very least, Left and Right are going to be replaced.