When it comes to creating a visually appealing and well-organized layout in Adobe InDesign, columns play a crucial role. They help structure your content, guide the reader’s eye, and create a logical flow of information. Whether you’re designing a magazine, brochure, or any other type of publication, understanding how to create columns in InDesign is essential for achieving a polished and professional-looking result.
Creating columns in InDesign is a straightforward process that can be accomplished in a few simple steps. Begin by selecting the text frame or frames you want to divide into columns. Then, go to the “Layout” menu at the top of the screen and choose “Columns.” In the “Columns” dialog box, specify the number of columns you want to create, as well as the width and spacing between them. You can also choose to apply a gutter margin, which adds extra space between the columns for improved readability.
Once you have created your columns, you can further customize their appearance by adjusting the column width, gutters, and other settings. You can also add or remove columns as needed to achieve the desired layout. By following these steps and experimenting with different column configurations, you can create visually appealing and effective page layouts that guide your readers through your content with ease.
Getting Started with Columns
Columns are a fundamental element of page layout, organizing text and images into structured, readable content. In InDesign, creating columns is a straightforward process that empowers you to control the appearance and organization of your pages.
Before creating columns, it’s important to determine the desired number of columns, their width and spacing, and the overall page size. For readability and visual appeal, it’s generally recommended to use between two and four columns.
Keep in mind the following considerations when defining your columns:
| Aspect | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Number of Columns | 2-4 columns for optimal readability |
| Column Width | Approximately 50-80 characters per line for easy reading |
| Column Spacing | 1.5-2 times the column width for sufficient separation |
Once you have defined your column settings, you can proceed to creating columns using InDesign’s intuitive layout tools, as described in the subsequent sections.
Setting Column Widths
When creating columns in InDesign, it’s important to accurately set the column widths and gutters to achieve a visually appealing and readable layout. To set the column widths, follow these steps:
1. Select the text frame or page you want to create columns in.
2. In the Control Panel (usually located at the top of the workspace), click the “Layout” menu.
3. Choose the “Columns” option.
4. In the “Number of Columns” field, specify the desired number of columns.
5. In the “Gutter” field, enter the desired spacing between the columns.
6. Click “OK” to apply the settings.
Gutters
Gutters are the spaces between columns, and they play a crucial role in the readability and visual appeal of your layout. Here are some factors to consider when setting gutters:
Font size and leading: The size of the text and the spacing between lines (leading) can influence the appropriate gutter width. Smaller text generally requires smaller gutters, while larger text may benefit from wider gutters for better readability.
Column width: Wider columns typically necessitate wider gutters to maintain a balanced and harmonious appearance. Conversely, narrower columns may be more suitable for narrower gutters to avoid overcrowding.
Content type: The nature of the content also affects gutter size. For example, body text often requires larger gutters for readability, while tables or graphics may need narrower gutters for compactness.
Personal preference: Ultimately, the optimal gutter width may vary based on personal preference and the desired aesthetic effect. However, the general guidelines mentioned above can provide a good starting point for experimentation.
Adjusting Column Number and Spacing
To modify the number of columns in your InDesign document, click the “Page Tool” (A) in the Toolbox panel and select the text frame you want to adjust. Navigate to the “Object” menu in the main menu bar and select “Text Frame Options.”
In the “Text Frame Options” dialog box, find the “Columns” section. Here, you can set the number of columns using the “Number” field.
Spacing between columns is equally crucial. In the same “Text Frame Options” dialog box, you can adjust the “Column Gutter” value under the “Spacing” section. Increase or decrease the gutter value to modify the amount of space between columns.
Gutter Options
| Option | Function |
|---|---|
| Fixed Gutter | Maintains a consistent spacing between all columns |
| Percentage Gutter | Adjusts the spacing based on a percentage of the column width |
| Minimum Gutter | Ensures a minimum amount of spacing, even when columns are resized |
Creating Balanced Column Layouts
Using columns in design can help organize and present content in a visually appealing and readable manner. By balancing the widths and spacing of columns, you can create layouts that effectively guide readers through the information.
Number 4: Adjust Gutter and Margin Widths
The gutter width refers to the space between columns, while the margin width indicates the distance between the columns and the page edges. Fine-tuning these values can significantly enhance the readability and visual appeal of your layout:
- For readability: A wider gutter allows for more white space, improving legibility and readability, especially for texts with smaller font sizes.
- For visual balance: Adjusting the margin widths can balance the overall layout. Wider margins create a more spacious and airy feel, while narrower margins can make the layout appear more compact and cohesive.
The optimal gutter and margin widths will vary depending on the nature of the content, font size, and overall page design. Experimenting with different settings will help you find the ideal balance that meets your needs.
As a guideline, the following table provides recommended gutter and margin widths for various text sizes:
| Text Size | Gutter Width | Margin Width |
|---|---|---|
| 10-12 pt | 0.5-1 em | 1-1.5 em |
| 14-16 pt | 1-1.5 em | 1.5-2 em |
| 18-24 pt | 1.5-2 em | 2-2.5 em |
Using Column Rules and Dividers
Column rules and dividers are vertical lines that separate columns and improve the readability of your text. They can be added to existing columns or created independently.
Creating a Column Rule
- Select the Type Tool (T) and click on the page where you want the rule.
- Click on the “Column Rules” menu in the Control Panel.
- Select “Create New Rule.”
- Adjust the settings for the rule, such as thickness, color, and position.
Creating a Column Divider
Column dividers are similar to column rules but are created using the object drawing tools.
- Select the Line Tool (L) or Rectangle Tool (M).
- Draw a line or rectangle where you want the divider to appear.
- Right-click the object and select “Object” > “Convert to Column Divider.”
Customizing the Appearance of Rules and Dividers
You can customize the appearance of both column rules and dividers by using the Control Panel or Object Styles panel.
- Select the rule or divider.
- Adjust the settings in the Control Panel or Object Styles panel, such as weight, color, and stroke.
Positioning Rules and Dividers
You can precisely position column rules and dividers using the Table panel.
- Select the table that contains the rule or divider.
- Go to the Table panel (Window > Table).
- Click on the “Cell Options” button and select “Column Rule Options.”
- Adjust the settings for the rule or divider, such as offset and position.
Table for Rule and Divider Options:
| Option | Description |
|---|---|
| Thickness | The width of the rule or divider. |
| Offset | The distance from the column border to the rule or divider. |
| Color | The color of the rule or divider. |
| Stroke | The style of the rule or divider, such as solid, dotted, or dashed. |
| Position | The alignment of the rule or divider within the column, such as left, center, or right. |
Adding Text Flow
Once you’ve created your columns, you can start adding text. There are two ways to do this: manually or automatically.
Manual Text Flow: Manually adding text gives you complete control over where your text flows on the page. To do this, simply click on the Text tool (T) and start typing. The text will flow into the first column.
To move the text to another column, click on the Column Break tool (Shift+B). The cursor will change to a small black box. Click on the line where you want the text to break, and the text will flow into the next column.
Automatic Text Flow: Automatic text flow is a faster and easier way to add text to your document. To do this, simply select the text you want to flow and then click on the Text Frame tool (F). The cursor will change to a right-facing arrow. Click on the first column, and the text will flow into the column.
Fine-tune the Text Flow with Overset Options
Once the text has been added, you may need to fine-tune the text flow. This is where the overset options come in. The overset options control what happens to text that overflows from one column to the next.
There are three overset options available:
| Option | Description |
|---|---|
| Fit to Next Column | Text that overflows from one column will automatically flow into the next column. |
| Overflow to Next Page | Text that overflows from one column will be placed on the next page. |
| Span Columns | Text that overflows from one column will be distributed across the remaining columns. |
To select an overset option, click on the Paragraph Panel (Window > Type & Tables > Paragraph). The overset options are located in the Text Flow section of the panel.
Overset Text Management
When text flows beyond the boundaries of a frame or column, it is called overset text. InDesign offers several options for managing overset text, allowing you to control how it flows and where it appears.
Managing Overset Text
Here are the main options for managing overset text:
1. Autoflow
Indesign automatically flows overset text to the next available frame or column. This is the default behavior and works well for most situations.
2. Manual Flow
You can manually specify where overset text should flow by using the Overset Text Indicator. This allows you to control the flow of text more precisely, such as directing it to a specific frame or column.
3. Stop Flowing
You can prevent overset text from flowing by setting the Overflow setting to “Stop Flowing.” This will cause the text to stop flowing at the bottom of the frame or column, creating a ragged edge.
4. Chain Text Frames
Chaining text frames allows you to create a path for overset text to flow between multiple frames. This is useful for creating long columns of text that span multiple pages or sections.
5. Split Text Frames
Splitting text frames creates two separate frames from a single frame. This can be useful for breaking up a large block of text into smaller, more manageable sections.
6. Fit Text to Frame
The “Fit Text to Frame” option automatically adjusts the font size and spacing of text to fit within a specified frame or column. This can help to avoid overset text, but it can also result in text that is difficult to read.
7. Advanced Overset Text Management Techniques
Indesign also offers several advanced techniques for managing overset text, including:
- Using GREP styles to control the flow of specific types of text
- Creating custom overset text handlers to define how overset text should be displayed
- Using the Overset Text Preview panel to visualize the flow of overset text
These techniques provide even greater control over overset text, allowing you to create complex and sophisticated text layouts.
Wrapping Text Around Objects
InDesign provides precise control over text wrap around objects, allowing you to achieve professional-looking layouts with ease.
Wrap Options
Access the wrap options by selecting the object and navigating to Window > Text Wrap. The Text Wrap Panel offers a range of settings, including:
- Wrap Around Object: Enable text wrap around the object.
- Inset Spacing: Control the distance between the wrapped text and the object’s edges.
- Wrap Offset: Adjust the position of the text wrap relative to the object.
Custom Wraps
Beyond the predefined wrap options, InDesign allows you to create customized wraps. To do this:
- Select the object.
- Go to Window > Text Wrap.
- Click the “Define Custom Wrap” button.
- Use the handles and drag-and-drop to adjust the shape of the wrap.
Text Wrap Boundaries
Control the location of text wrap boundaries by adding custom wrap points or editing existing ones. To do this:
- Select the object.
- Go to Window > Text Wrap.
- Click the “Show/Hide Wrap Boundaries” button.
- Use the “Add Point” or “Edit Point” tools to modify the wrap.
Exclude Objects from Text Wrap
To exclude specific objects from text wrap, go to Window > Text Wrap and select “Exclude Frame.” This prevents text from wrapping around the excluded object.
Redefine Text Wrap
To change the wrap settings for previously applied text wrap, simply select the object and go to Window > Text Wrap. The panel will display the current settings, allowing you to make necessary adjustments.
Creating Master Pages with Columns
To create columns within a master page, follow these steps:
1. Create a New Master Page
Go to the “Pages” panel and click on the “Create New Master” button. Give the master page a name and click “OK.”
2. Add Margins and Columns
With the master page selected, go to the “Layout” menu and choose “Margins and Columns.” In the “Columns” section, adjust the settings as follows:
| Setting | Value |
|---|---|
| Number of Columns | Enter the desired number of columns. |
| Gutter | Set the space between the columns. |
| Column Width | Enter the width of each column. |
3. Adjust the Column Spacing
You can modify the spacing between the columns by adjusting the “Gutter” setting in the “Margins and Columns” dialog box. A larger gutter will create a wider space between the columns.
4. Specify the Column Margins
In the “Margins and Columns” dialog box, you can specify the margins within each column. This includes the top, bottom, left, and right margins.
5. Override Column Settings on Specific Pages
If you want to alter the column settings on a specific page, double-click on the page in the “Pages” panel. Then, make the desired changes in the “Layout” menu, under “Margins and Columns.
6. Text Flow into Columns
To ensure that text flows into the columns correctly, place your text frame on the master page. Then, select the text frame and go to the “Text” menu. Choose “Columns” to specify how the text should flow into the columns.
7. Apply the Master Page
To apply the master page with columns to your document, select the pages in the “Pages” panel. Then, go to the “Pages” menu and choose “Apply Master Page.” Select the master page you created and click “OK.
8. Edit the Columns
To modify the columns on a specific page, double-click on the page in the “Pages” panel. Then, make the desired changes in the “Layout” menu, under “Margins and Columns.”
9. Advanced Column Options
In addition to the basic column settings, you can customize several advanced options to create a more refined layout:
- Column Rule: Add a line or rule between the columns.
- Baseline Grid: Align text and objects vertically across all columns.
- Column Guides: Create non-printing guides to help align content within the columns.
- First Column Indent: Set an indent for the first column in a row of columns.
- Last Column Alignment: Align the last column in a row of columns to the left, center, or right.
- Column Span: Allow text or objects to span multiple columns.
- Gap Between Last Column and Text Frame: Adjust the spacing between the last column and the edge of the text frame.
- Allow Story Breaks Between Columns: Enable text to break across columns at story breaks.
- Balance Columns: Distribute text evenly across all columns.
Number of Columns
The optimal number of columns depends on the content and the desired layout. Generally, a maximum of two to three columns is ideal for readability.
Column Width
Column width should be visually appealing and easy to read. Avoid excessively narrow or wide columns.
Column Spacing
The space between columns enhances readability. Too little spacing can create a cluttered look, while excessive spacing can disrupt the flow of content.
Text Alignment
Left alignment is the most common for aligned text, but justified alignment can also improve readability in certain scenarios.
Hierarchy and Order
Arrange columns based on their importance, with the most significant content placed in the primary column.
Visual Interest
Vary column widths, shapes, or backgrounds to create visual interest and break up monotony.
Gutters
The vertical space between columns, known as gutters, provides a visual separation and enhances readability.
Pagination
Consider how columns will transition across pages to ensure smooth reading.
Responsiveness
In digital layouts, optimize columns for both desktop and mobile devices using responsive design techniques.
Additional Tips for Optimizing Column Design
| Tip | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Use a baseline grid | Enhances alignment and readability |
| Consider font size and leading | Optimizes the visual hierarchy and readability |
| Use different column rules | Adds visual interest and separates columns effectively |
| Experiment with column backgrounds | Creates visual appeal and highlights specific content |
| Use negative space wisely | Enhances readability and emphasizes important elements |
| Prototype your design | Tests and refines the layout for optimal readability and visual impact |
How To Create Columns In Indesign
Creating columns in Adobe InDesign is a straightforward process that can help you organize and format your text content effectively. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to create columns in InDesign:
- Open a New Document: Launch Adobe InDesign and create a new document by selecting “File” > “New” or using the keyboard shortcut “Ctrl/Cmd” + “N”.
- Set Up the Page: In the “New Document” dialog box, specify the page size, orientation, and other settings as required. Click “OK” to create the document.
- Create a Text Frame: Use the “Type Tool” (T) to create a text frame where you want to add columns. Click and drag to draw a rectangular area on the page.
- Open the Columns Panel: Go to “Window” > “Type & Tables” > “Columns” to open the Columns panel. You can also press “Ctrl/Cmd” + “F” to access the panel quickly.
- Specify Column Settings: In the Columns panel, enter the desired number of columns in the “Number” field. You can also adjust the width and spacing between columns using the “Width” and “Gutter” fields.
- Apply Columns: Click the “Apply” button in the Columns panel to apply the specified settings to the selected text frame. The text within the frame will automatically reflow into the defined columns.
People Also Ask
How do I change the column width in InDesign?
To change the column width, select the text frame and open the Columns panel. Adjust the “Width” value to the desired measurement.
How do I add a line between columns in InDesign?
To add a line between columns, go to “Layout” > “Margins and Columns” and check the “Stroke Column Separator” option. You can also adjust the settings for the line’s weight and color.
How do I create uneven columns in InDesign?
To create uneven columns, you can use the “Custom Column” option in the Columns panel. Specify the widths for each column by entering values in the “Column Widths” field, separated by commas.
How do I balance columns in InDesign?
To balance columns, go to “Type” > “Balance Columns” and select the desired balancing method. This feature adjusts the text flow to evenly distribute content across the columns.
