column layout mid-page

[COHAN3]

My framemaker layout needs to have space on top for an intro paragraph that is not in a 2 column layout, however below that intro paragraph I have to enter 2 columns of content and connect the 2 columns. 2 questions:

-1) How do I begin a 2 column layout after a standard intro paragraph?

-2) How do I get my FM doc to look like Word's View->Weblayout (no seperate pages)

I am looking to recreate this page with dropdown captions and bodies for the partner name drop-downs - https://www.factset.com/third-party-terms

Any advice would be great.

[Barb Binder]

Sorry. I gave an InDesign answer—I work on both forums. BRB with the FrameMaker answer.

~Barb

[Barb Binder]

I clearly need more coffee. See below for my response. 

~Barb

[Barb Binder]

For the first question, in FrameMaker, define a 2-column document. Use Paragraph Designer > Pagination Properties to set the Format: Across All Columns for the text than needs to span both columns.

As for the second question—the drop-down lists—how do you intend to publish this document?

~Barb

[COHAN3]

Hi Barb, I will be using webworks 2019 epub designer to generate the help in a reverb 2.0 skin. This will not be made into a book style pdf, it is just for a web page, which is why i was inquiring about the layout in the FM Source doc and was thinking i'd like it to reflect a web layout rather than a book layout.

Actually Id like to get your advice on this, looking at this page - https://www.factset.com/third-party-terms, to recreate the output, is it advisable to use a standard table that has 2 columns or customize the page layout in FM to be 2 columns?

-Bill

[Barb Binder]

Hi Bill. I don't have any current experience with WebWorks so I really can't address this. I would think you want to define the 2 column layout with the straddle heads (and not use a table—they were the 90s approach to web layout), but WebWorks has their own support page and it might be best to work with them on this. https://www.webworks.com/Support/

Once you have a plan, feel free to swing back here and we will be happy to help with FrameMaker side of things.

~Barb

[COHAN3]

Shall do, thanx for the advice.

Ciao for now.

-Bill