Wrong column balancing (Second column data is more than the first)

[Shiv Allva]

Usually on a “Frame to Content” fit, the first column will have more lines than the second column (check first image)

But on the below case (check second image), why the second column is having more lines than first? It seems like the keep logics applied to the number list does this. 

Please let me know how to prevent this and always have first column more lines? Do we really need a scripting support here? Have attached the DEMO indesign file.

[Willi Adelberger]

Make the Affilation Author with rule and email span columns.

Maybe, the rule should be part of Article note, not of Affiliation Author.

[Brad @ Roaring Mouse]

It's because of the Keep options on your paragraph style for the numbered items. It will not break any paragraph into less than two lines. This forces the last item in the first column to the top of the second column.

 

You could turn it off, but having single lines is bad typography.

"Usually on a “Frame to Content” fit, the first column will have more lines than the second column"

No. It will make the text box the smallest. In this case, that means putting the extra item in the second column.

[Eugene Tyson · Accepted solution]

The reason is that there not enough space for the no.3 bullet to fit in that space.

You have to reduce the paragraph spacing to 0p2 to fit it in

Or reduce space elsewhere

Or increase the size of your text frame and for No. 3 - set it to keep with previous

Then fit frame to content works

[Shiv Allva]

ok, thanks for your valuable info.

I took the last solution what you provided and created a script, works good!

Script logic:
1. If secondcolumn_firstline_baseline goes shorter than firstcolumn_firstline_baseline, then apply keepWithPrev for secondColumn firstPara
2. And do a fit

-- here is the working JS code ---
function frameBalance(frame){
    if(frame.textColumns[1].lines[0].baseline < frame.textColumns[0].lines[0].baseline){
        frame.textColumns[1].lines[0].paragraphs[0].keepWithPrevious = true;
        frame.fit(FitOptions.frameToContent);
    }
}

Output:

[Eugene Tyson]

Did you intend on the text on the right column not to go to the top of the frame?

[Shiv Allva]

Yes, i've the frame's vertical justification set to bottom!