Liquid Layout 2 > 1 column

[keithconover]

I have a textbook with two columns of text on each page (set by the master page). I would like to repurpose this for smartphones and the like. I can see how to use Liquid Layout and Text Frame Options > Columns > Flexible Width > Maximum to repurpose for a larger format with more columns, but was wondering if there is a way to repurpose this text to only one column?

[rob day · Accepted solution]

If you setup your 2-column text as a Primary Text Frame on the Masters, you should be able to change to 1 column from the master pages. So if the initial doc setup was this:

Then:

[keithconover]

So you are suggesting a work process like this:

Open document

Change text frame on master page from 2 > 1 column

Export for use for cellphones and the like

Switch the text frame on master page back to 2 columns, or perhaps just close the document without saving to preserve the initial two-column setup for print/PDF?

[rob day]

Change text frame on master page from 2 > 1 column

That would work if the 2-column text frame is on a master, and you haven’t moved or resized any of the text frames on the pages that are associated with the master. If the there are multiple masters sharing the text frame, the frame would have to be setup as the Primary Text Frame.

If you are constantly making edits it doesn’t seem like you want two docs—the change to the 1-column version could be scripted, but you would have to watchout for overridden frames that have been moved. You could also probably do it with an text frame Object Style.

[rob day]

A one column Object Style works if you don’t need to resize or reposition the frame:

[BobLevine]

And what output format are you referring to. There is no responsive format that you're going to get out of InDesign.

[keithconover]

Well, the bottom line is to repurpose a print/PDF document, one that will be updated often, for use on mobile devices. Using Liquid Layout and/or Alternate Layout and something like Ajar IN5, perhaps.

[keithconover]

Not sure what "responsive format" means, could you elaborate? Thank you.

[keithconover · Accepted solution]

Actually this thread explains it quite well:

https://community.adobe.com/t5/indesign/responsive-layouts-using-indesign-publish-online-and-liquid-...