Ever have to create page designs with multiple unequal columns in InDesign? The program does not allow you to set up unequal column widths in any of the dialog boxes for working with margins, columns, or text frames. But you can work around this problem in a few ways.
One option, for folks who love designing on grids, is to create a bunch of narrow columns by figuring out the math so that the column guides align with all the major and minor column edges.
Then draw out the text frames as you want them, snapping the edges to the column guides.
That works, and it can also help you precisely position other items on the page for a strong overall design. But if you’re not a huge grid fan, you might find all the extra lines distracting.
Another approach (if you already know what your desired column widths and gutter space are) is to simply start with a single-column layout and draw the text frames you want.
Then, select the text frames and lock them (Command+L/Ctrl+L).
Next, choose Layout > Margins and Columns, and set the number of columns and gutter that you want in the dialog box.
Unlock the column guides by choosing View > Grids & Guides > Lock Column Guides.
Then, drag the column guides where you want them.
It’s probably also a good idea to re-lock the column guides when you’re done, so you don’t accidentally move them later on.
Finally, unlock and delete the text frames on the master page if you don’t want them there.
This article was last modified on July 2, 2024
This article was first published on July 12, 2016
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THANK YOU SO MUCH! 2nd solution is so clean, exactly what’s needed! Will need to investigate Jeff Potter’s answer too.
Wonderful page
How can the lines on the second column (in a 2column) match the 1st column alignment?
Does this mean that Indesign does not support unequal collumnwidth in text frames? (which Ventura Publisher already supported in 1990…)
I learn somthing new, thanks a lot
Another approach: create frames on a new locked layer. With Smart Guides, this will behave as though they were real column guides.