This Netscape specific attribute allows text to be formatted in multiple columns. The <MULTICOL>
element can be nested, producing multiple column layouts within multiple column layouts. It takes the following attributes:
COLS="value"
This specifies the number of columns to be used to render the text. It accepts a numerical values. It is the only required attribute for the <MULTICOL>
element.
GUTTER="value"
If specified this setting (which accepts a pixel value) controls the amount of white space separating adjacent columns in the layout.
WIDTH="value"
This specifies the width of the entire layout and can accept a pixel value, or a percentage value (which will be calculated as a percentage value of the browser window).
NOTE : As this element is Netscape specific, it may be wise to consider using a borderless <TABLE>
based layout for the same effect. While this will not allow every available browser to view the content, it ensures a wider possible audience.
This code:
<MULTICOL COLS="3" GUTTER="25">
<P>Macromedia Visual Tools offer a range of features to support Web development tasks ranging from simple HTML editing through the building of complex dynamic Web sites. Application development in ColdFusion, JRun, and other Web languages is supported as is deployment, testing, and maintenance of site content. A highly customizable interface lets you work with these tools in the most productive way.
</MULTICOL>
produces this effect in Netscape:
Macromedia Visual Tools offer a range of features to support Web development tasks ranging from simple HTML editing through the building of complex dynamic Web sites. Application | development in ColdFusion, JRun, and other Web languages is supported as is deployment, testing, and maintenance of site content. | A highly customizable interface lets you work with these tools in the most productive way. |
NOTE : The above example display is not entirely accurate. In Netscape resizing the browser window causes the text to be broken at different points, the above example doesn't, but it gives an idea of the use of the <MULTICOL>
element.