Australian PC World - Set different column layouts on the same page

Set different column layouts on the same page

Tip
Whether you're creating a newsletter or inserting a multiple-column section into a letter, today's word processors can change column settings without jumping to a new page. Here's how to do it.
Word 6 and 7: Place the cursor where you want the new column arrangement to begin and select Format--Columns. In the Columns dialogue box, choose the number of columns, either in the Presets box or in the Number of Columns field. Click the Apply To list, select This Point Forward, and click OK to activate.
Word adds a new section with your column settings in place. Repeat the process when you're returning to the normal column configuration. When you change settings, the text in the previous section adjusts to fill the multiple columns.

To change the number of columns in a Word document, select Format-Columns

WordPerfect 6.1 and 7: Position the cursor where you want the new column arrangement to start; select Format--Columns--Define. In the Columns dialogue box, enter the number of columns in the Number of Columns field, or use the arrows. Choose a column format in the Type frame (Balanced Newspaper often works best, since it keeps the column lengths equal), then click OK to apply.
When you're ready to go back to a single-column layout, select Format--Columns--Off. Even if you just want to change the number of columns to another multiple-column format, you must select Format--Column--Off before redefining your column settings. Otherwise, your change will affect the current settings as well.
Word Pro 96: Before entering text into the new column layout, position the cursor where you want the new layout; then select Create--Parallel Columns. In the Parallel Columns dialogue box, specify the number of columns you want in the Number of parallel columns field, or click a Quick Layout button if you're using just two columns; then click OK.

In Word Pro, you must specify the new column layout before you enter your text

You can now type your text inside of the column borders. To jump to the next column, press <Ctrl>-<Enter> or click in the next column. You'll have to balance the text yourself. When you are ready to resume normal layout or when you want to set up a new number of columns, click outside the columns.
- George Campbell

Category: Word processing
Issue: May 1997
Pages: 165-166