5 Steps to Create Crisp, Professional Columns in InDesign

Creating Master Pages for Columns

Master pages serve as templates for designing multiple pages within a document, including those with columns. To create a master page with columns:

1. Create a New Document

Open InDesign and create a new document. Choose the desired page size and number of pages.

2. Define Column Settings on a Master Page

Click the “Pages” panel (Window > Pages). Double-click the “Master A” page to open it in edit mode.

Select the Rectangle Tool (F) and draw a text frame on the page. Right-click the text frame and choose “Text Frame Options”.

In the “Text Frame Options” dialog box, navigate to the “Columns” tab.

Enter the desired number of columns in the “Number” field.

Adjust the “Gutter” spacing between columns.

Specify the “Column Width” of each column.

Choose whether to apply the columns to the entire text frame or only a portion of it using the “Apply to:” options.

Click “OK” to save the column settings.

3. Apply the Master Page to Document Pages

To apply the master page with columns to specific pages in the document, select the pages in the “Pages” panel and choose “Apply Master” from the panel menu.

Select the “Master A” page to apply it to the selected pages.

Typesetting Text into Columns

InDesign offers a powerful tool for organizing and structuring text content: columns. By dividing your text into multiple columns, you can enhance readability, create visual appeal, and control the flow of information.

Creating Columns in a New Document

To create columns in a new document, follow these steps:

1. Choose File > New.
2. In the New Document dialog box, select the desired page size and click OK.
3. Go to Type > Text Frame Options.
4. In the Columns section, specify the number of columns you want.
5. Adjust the gutter width to control the spacing between columns.
6. Click OK to create the columns.

Creating Columns in an Existing Document

If you already have an existing document, you can create columns by using the following method:

1. Select the text frame you want to divide into columns.
2. Go to Type > Text Frame Options.
3. In the Columns section, specify the number of columns you want.
4. Adjust the gutter width to control the spacing between columns.
5. Click OK to create the columns.

Advanced Column Options

InDesign offers a range of advanced column options that provide greater control over the appearance and behavior of your columns:

Column Rule

A column rule is a vertical line that separates columns. You can customize the rule’s weight, color, and position within the gutter.

Column Span

This option allows you to group or span multiple columns together to create a wider area for text content. It’s useful for creating large headlines or other special effects.

Uneven Columns

InDesign supports creating uneven columns, where each column has a different width. This feature provides flexibility for creating unique layouts and visual interest.

Column Balancing

This option helps evenly distribute text content across columns, ensuring the text flows smoothly and without large gaps or uneven distribution.

Adjusting Column Width and Spacing

Once you’ve created your columns, you can adjust their width and spacing to suit your design needs. Here’s how:

Column Width

To adjust the width of a column, simply click on the left or right edge of the column and drag it to the desired width. You can also enter a specific width in the Column Width field in the Paragraph Styles panel.

Keep in mind that the total width of all columns, plus the gutter spacing between them, should equal the width of the page.

Column Spacing

To adjust the spacing between columns, click on the gutter between two columns and drag it to the desired width. You can also enter a specific gutter width in the Gutter Width field in the Paragraph Styles panel.

Advanced Column Spacing Options

In addition to adjusting the width of the gutter, you can also control the space before and after each column. These settings are found in the Paragraph Styles panel, under the Column Spacing tab.

The Space Before Column setting controls the amount of space between the left edge of the column and the text inside it. The Space After Column setting controls the amount of space between the right edge of the column and the text inside it.

Managing Column Breaks

Creating columns in InDesign involves managing column breaks, which are necessary for defining the boundaries of each column. There are several methods for managing column breaks:

1. Using the Column Break Tool

The Column Break Tool, located in the Utilities panel, allows you to manually insert column breaks at specific points within the text. After clicking the tool, place the cursor at the desired location and click to create the break.

2. Inserting a Column Break Character

You can also insert a column break character using a shortcut. Place the cursor at the desired position, then press Ctrl+Enter (Windows) or Cmd+Enter (Mac) to create the break.

3. Using Keep Options

Keep options can be used to control how text flows around column breaks. In the Paragraph Panel, select the “Keep Options” dropdown menu and choose the desired options, such as “Keep with Next” or “Keep Lines Together.”

4. Adjusting Column Balance

InDesign automatically balances the columns to ensure even distribution of text. However, you can manually adjust the balance by selecting the “Columns” panel and dragging the vertical lines between columns.

5. Using Table Grids

Table grids provide another way to manage column breaks. Create a table with the desired number of columns, then flow text into the table. The columns will be automatically created based on the table grid.

Customizing Column Rules

In addition to basic column settings, InDesign offers advanced options for customizing column rules. These settings allow you to control the appearance, style, and offset of the vertical lines that separate columns.

Rule Type

Choose the type of rule you want to display between columns. Options include:

• No rule
• Single rule
• Double rule
• Inset rule
• Outset rule

Rule Weight

Set the thickness of the column rule in points or millimeters.

Rule Color

Select the color of the column rule using the Swatches panel or color picker.

Rule Tint

Adjust the transparency of the column rule. A higher tint value makes the rule more transparent.

Rule Offset

Offset the column rule by a specified distance from the column’s edge. A positive value moves the rule outward, while a negative value moves it inward.

Rule Gap

Add space between multiple column rules using the Rule Gap setting. This option is only available for certain rule types.

Rule Alignment

Align the column rule to the top, center, or bottom of the column. This setting is only relevant for outset and inset rules.

Linking Columns Across Pages

To link columns across pages, you can use the “Master Pages” feature. A master page is a template that contains the basic layout of your document, including the columns. By linking a page to a master page, you can ensure that the columns will be consistent throughout the document.

To create a master page, go to “Layout” > “Master Pages”. In the “Master Pages” panel, click the “New Master Page” button. In the “New Master Page” dialog box, enter a name for the master page and click “OK”.

To apply a master page to a page, go to “Layout” > “Master Pages” and select the master page from the list. Then, click the “Apply Master Page” button.

Creating and Adjusting the Master Page

Once you have created a master page, you can start adding columns. To do this, go to “Layout” > “Columns” and select the number of columns you want. You can also adjust the width and spacing of the columns.

To link columns across pages, you need to create a “threading” thread. A threading thread is a line that connects the columns on different pages. To create a threading thread, go to “Type” > “Threaded Text”.

To link columns using a threading thread, place the insertion point in the first column of the first page. Then, go to “Type” > “Threaded Text” > “Create Threading Thread”. This will create a threading thread that connects the first column on the first page to the first column on the second page.

To continue linking columns, place the insertion point in the last column of the first page and go to “Type” > “Threaded Text” > “Extend Threading Thread”. This will extend the threading thread to the last column on the second page.

You can continue to extend the threading thread to link columns across as many pages as you need.

Here is a table summarizing the steps for linking columns across pages:

Using the Paragraph Panel to Control Columns

The Paragraph panel provides comprehensive control over column settings in InDesign. To access the Paragraph panel, go to Window > Type & Tables > Paragraph.

Number of Columns

In the Paragraph panel, you’ll find the “Columns” section, which allows you to specify the number of columns in a given text frame. To create columns:

1. Select the text frame or paragraph you want to apply columns to.
2. In the Paragraph panel, click on the “Columns” section and enter the desired number of columns in the “Number” field.
3. Optionally, adjust the “Gutter” value (the spacing between columns) and the “Balance Columns” setting (whether columns are balanced based on vertical or horizontal alignment).

Advanced Column Customization

The Paragraph panel allows for more advanced column customization beyond simply specifying the number of columns and gutter:

• Column Width: Specify the exact width of each column in points or millimeters.
• Offset: Define the distance between the first column and the left margin of the text frame.
• Start Indent: Add an indent to the first line of each column.
• End Indent: Add an indent to the last line of each column.

By experimenting with these settings, you can create a wide variety of column layouts, from simple two-column text to complex multi-column designs.

Trouble-shooting Column Issues

Creating columns can occasionally lead to issues during the layout and design process. Here are some common problems and corresponding solutions:

Jagged Lines Between Columns

InDesign’s default settings for text alignment may not always align the text precisely, resulting in jagged lines between columns. To fix this:

• Select the text boxes containing the columns.
• Go to Window > Paragraph Styles.
• In the Paragraph Styles panel, click on the “Align” drop-down menu and select “Align Center” or “Align Right” (depending on the alignment preferred).

Columns Not Filling Evenly

Text or images may not be filling the columns evenly due to the following reasons:

• Unbalanced Text: Text may be unevenly distributed between the columns.

Solution: Adjust the text’s length or consider adding a “balanced columns” setting using “Layout” > “Columns” > “Balance Columns.”

• Objects Overlapping Columns: Objects placed outside the column boundaries may interfere with the text flow.

Solution: Reposition the objects within the column boundaries or use the “Object” > “Text Wrap” menu to adjust how text flows around the objects.

• Ineven Column Heights: The columns may have different heights due to unequal text distribution.

Solution: Adjust the text’s length or enable the “Balance Columns” setting mentioned above.

• Auto Fitting Issue: InDesign’s auto-fitting feature may not be working correctly.

Solution: Disable auto-fitting by deselecting “Auto Fit” from the “Layout” > “Columns” menu and manually adjust the column widths.

• Text Inset Issue: The text may have an inset applied, affecting its alignment.

Solution: Select the text and go to Object > Text Frame Options. Adjust the “Inset” values to 0.

• Locked Master Page Columns: In a multi-page document, the columns may be locked on the master page.

Solution: Unlock the master pages by deselecting the “Lock” checkbox in the Pages panel.

• Unwanted Paragraph Breaks: Paragraph breaks may be inserted between columns.

Solution: Select the text, find the paragraph break, and delete it to make the text flow continuously.

Optimizing Columns for Print and Digital

1. Define Your Content’s Purpose and Audience:

Start by understanding the purpose of your content and the target audience. Whether you’re creating a brochure for print or an online article, optimize the number and width of columns based on the reading habits and preferences of your audience.

2. Consider Line Length and Readability:

For easy reading, aim for line lengths between 45 and 75 characters. Adjust the column width accordingly to ensure comfortable readability.

3. Establish a Hierarchy with Column Widths:

Use varying column widths to create visual hierarchy. Wider columns can accommodate longer text passages, while narrower columns can highlight key points or callouts.

4. Utilize White Space to Enhance Visual Appeal:

Sufficient white space around columns improves readability and reduces visual clutter. Avoid overcrowding columns with text; leave generous margins and line spacing.

5. Stylize Columns for Visual Impact:

Add subtle borders or color gradients to columns to enhance their visual appeal. However, avoid distracting or overwhelming styles.

6. Optimize for Digital Accessibility:

Ensure your columns are responsive and fluid for digital display. Text should reflow smoothly and adjust to different screen sizes.

7. Consider Mobile Compatibility:

For mobile optimization, use fewer columns to avoid overwhelming the smaller screen. Single-column layouts or collapsible columns can improve readability on smartphones.

8. Enhance Legibility with Column Breaks:

Strategically place column breaks to improve readability and prevent eye strain. Page breaks should align with the end of logical text sections.

9. Use Columns for Storytelling and Impact:

Columns can be used to tell stories or convey information effectively. Create visually engaging layouts by alternating text and images, or use columns to present different perspectives.

10. Column Optimization Table:

How to Create Columns in Indesign

To create columns in Indesign, follow these steps:

1. Open your InDesign document.
2. Click on the “Layout” menu and select “Margins and Columns”.
3. In the “Columns” section, enter the number of columns you want to create.
4. Set the gutter width (the space between the columns).

   The gutter width should be at least 1/10 of the column width.

5. Click “OK” to save your changes.

People Also Ask

How do I change the column width?

To change the column width, select the columns you want to change and then click on the “Width” field in the “Columns” section of the “Margins and Columns” dialog box.

How do I add a new column?

To add a new column, click on the “Insert Column” button in the “Columns” section of the “Margins and Columns” dialog box.

How do I delete a column?

To delete a column, select the column you want to delete and then click on the “Delete Column” button in the “Columns” section of the “Margins and Columns” dialog box.