Word: 2 column layout that spans pages 1

[awaresoft]

Is it possible to create a Word document that is composed of 2 columns - with both columns spanning multiple pages vs. column content wrapping to the next column on page?

Imagine each of the following lines is a page and the digits 1 and 2 correspond to columns 1 and 2. I would like to be able to have my column 1 content flow from col 1 of page 1 to col 1 of the last page of my document and likewise for col 2 - without either column wrapping to the next column on page breaks.

1 - 2
1 - 2
1 - 2
1 - 2

I would use a 2 column table, but I would like to insert the equivalent of "page breaks" in each of my columns so that these breaks would force new content - for the current column only - to the next page.

Any ideas?

Malcolm

 

[sawedoff]

Consider inserting a 2 column table, which can break across pages, and put all your column 1 info into one column, and all your column 2 info into the other.

The typical Word columns are designed to fill the pages first, before spilling over.

Another option would be to use Excel to eiter enter all your info, or to insert an Excel table into Word.

Sawedoff

 

[awaresoft]

Sawedoff,

Thanks for the reply. Any ideas if I can force a page break in one column without affecting the other column?

Malcolm

 

[sawedoff]

No, sorry, I think you're stuck with Word's ideas on how columns should behave. Wish I could be more help.

Sawedoff

 

[fumei]

You can sort of, but it is a little tricky, and you MUST plan it out in advance.

1. Set it up for two columns.
2. Type whatever it is you want in columns A.
3. BEFORE you get to the end of the first page (of columns)
insert a manual page break.
4. Keep typing. You will still be in column A.

5. Repeat as much as you like. I just did a test of 8 pages, all with column A - no column B.

Now depending on whether you FILLED the pages with paragraph marks, or not...

6 a) You did NOT fill it with paragraphs: you can type or enter stuff into column A UNTIL you reach the end of THAT page. It will then automatically make column B for that page.

6 b) You DID fill the page with paragraph marks until just before the end of the page. Insert > Break > Column break will create column B.

NOTE: this only works to continue column A across page breaks. It does not work for column B (BY ITSELF). In other words, you can have column A going on and on and on, with no column B. You can NOT have column B go on and on. Even with manula page breaks, it will go to be column A on a new page.

Gerry

 

[awaresoft]

Sawedoff,

Thanks for your help anyway. I've discovered another technique that may help people with a similar requirements - Word's textboxes can be linked together to simulate parallel (vs. snaking) columns.

WordPerfect also has a feature called Parallel Columns that supports the functionality I described in my initial post.

Malcolm

 

[awaresoft]

Gerry,

Thanks for those ideas. Very close - but I still need the ability to have page breaks in parallel columns so that one column can break to the next page (staying in the same column vs. snaking) while the other column continues away without breaking.

Malcolm

 

[sawedoff]

Try this again, insert a table with 2 columns

Sawedoff

 

[awaresoft]

Sawedoff,

Thanks - tried again with Word 2003. I need the ability for each column to page break independently of the other column, in other words, the first column may have a paragraph, page break to the next page, while the second column is filled with content that flows (vs. snakes) to 2nd column column on the next page.

Am I missing something?

Thanks again for your help,

Malcolm

 

[BenRowe]

The only way I can thing of is to format each side as a separate doc and then print the second one using the paper the first one printed on.

 

[awaresoft]

Ben,

Your solution is very clever but I don't think my users will accept this option.

Thank you,

Malcolm

 

[sawedoff]

Insert a 2 column table, and set all row heights to "Exactly" the size allowed on the page. Then uncheck the "Allow row to break across pages" box.

Now you can put as much or as little as you want into each cell, up to the page length. You won't be able to have it all, so maybe this would keep your users happy. At least they can see what's where.

Sawedoff

 

[awaresoft]

Sawedoff,

Cool! I think that may work.

Thank you very much!

Malcolm

 

[sawedoff]

Hope it helps. Nothing like having users breathe down your back.

Sawedoff