column gutter size keeps defaulting

[hengwen]

I've been designing the same 40 page publication for years. It is set up with 4 different master pages (spreads). Every master has 2 columns with a .25 inch gutter width.

In the past, I've always been able to drag the gutter on the layout pages to change the width of each column (to match the content). But in the past year or so, every time I try to do so, it defaults to .1667 inch gutter width.

Why doesn't InDesign maintain the .25 inch gutter when I move it now? Currently I have to re-set the gutter manually using the Layout> Margins and Columns dialogue box for every page where I don't want equal columns. Very annoying!

Any help is much appreciated!

[hengwen]

Well, I finally figured this out on my own. (Sometimes a lightbulb goes for me on just by writing the question 🙂

With only the Type tool selected (but not any text boxes), go to the Paragraph options in the Control Panel. Then, in the tiny gutter box, located below the tiny columns box, you can set the gutter to the desired default width. I can now move around my column gutter on any page with no problem, even when the column box is set to 1... or any other number of columns.