How do I change the widths of a two-column, one-page document?

Question

Hello,     I'm setting-up a one-page news-release that has two columns,but can't seem to find a way to change the widths of the columns.     Thank you,        Morty

Barb Binder · Accepted Answer

Ditto on my just-sent reply to you, Rob.

—Morty

Hi Morty—

1) I only wanted two columns, but you're suggesting I make two out of 3 (?)

An easy way to divide the page equally is to use the page margins as a grid. If that is confusing, don't worry about the grid. Just draw the frames. The one on the left should be narrower than the one on the right. Keep it simple.

2) But then I'm typing above the page margin if I can't draw the text frame within the margin
—and why couldn't I?
ACTUALLY, even with the text frame above the page margin, I can begin typing WITHIN the page margin. I that okay, then?

You should be able to draw the frames to align on the margins (pink) and columns (purple). But if you are having trouble, you can select the text frames with the Selection tool and tug on the handles until they snap to the guides. Once the frames are in the right place, just start typing. Here I encourage you to look at margin and column guides as well, guides. They guide you, but you can always pull frames outside of the guides to make things fit. The printer doesn't care if your text falls inside or outside of the margin or column guides. Just make it fit, make it pretty, and don't get too close to the edge of the page.

3) No—I could delete the text in the left text frame, but not in the right…
Yes, the right text frame is on the body page…
No, the right text frame is not locked.

You have two frames in your screen shot. A narrow one on the left, and a wider one on the right. They are outined in blue. I don't see anything in your left frame. It is completely empty in your screen shot.

I do see two columns of text in the wider frame on the right. To remove the contents of that frame, click on the text in either column, choose Edit > Select All and then press Delete on your Mac keyboard. Then you can start over. Or delete the frame, and redraw it, in case there are settings in there that are causing the problem.

Now, knowing that this is your very last project, here is a link to a template that mimics the page you are trying to create: Dropbox - Morty. I've included the .indd file if you have 2017, and an .idml file if you are on a early version. Replace the text, add images in the frames with Xs, modify the frame widths if you like, and you should be done in no time.

You can use it, modify it or ignore it. Whatever you like!

~Barb

Barb Binder · Answer

Hey Morty: Let's step back for a moment. Are you clear how to define columns?

Via File > New
On the master pages with Layout > Margins and Columns
On an individual body page with Layout > Margins and Columns

Designers are trained to design on a grid. Columns represent the grid, and they draw frames on top. For more info on the concept, see:

https://designschool.canva.com/blog/grid-design/

Alternatively, you can simply move the exisiting guides anywhere you like. There are three steps:

Unlock the column guides
Select the Move tool Selection tool!
Place the Move tool Selection tool! right on a purple guide (note the confirmation of placement—it's the small black rectangle under the cursor when you are in the right location to move them.)

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