<?columns>

Macro Language Reference > PIs > Text > <?columns>

<?columns>

Description

This command alters the layout of columns in frames with multiple columns. The layout change will apply from the point at which the first columns command appears and continue until PTC ALDencounters a second command.

Example 448. Span text over four columns

This example demonstrates how to span text across three columns. If you currently have a frame with, for example, six columns, this command will reduce the column display to four, up to the next command adjustment or nullification.

<?columns 4>...text to affect...

Example 449. Span text over three columns of a specified column width

The example below spans text over three columns with a column width of 30pica.

<?columns 1,30pc>...text to effect...

Syntax

<?columns number:n width:uh?

number	New number of columns over which to span text
width	Column width setting This parameter will have differing results depending on the setup used. If a single command is present this will set the width of the columns specified, but if a different columns command is used further down the text stream the parameter will only control the width of the first column.

Additional Information

This command cannot be used to increase the number of columns from that physically set using the tfcol command, e.g. from 1 column to 3. It can only reduce the number of physical columns set on the frame, e.g. from 6 to 4, as it simply adjusts the column spanning settings.

This command is limited to the described functionality and is not a universal columns altering mechanism. It will not work in conjunction with other features such as footnotes.