# How to Expertly Add Columns in Adobe InDesign for Enhanced Readability

- Canonical: https://33rdsquare.com/how-to-expertly-add-columns-in-adobe-indesign-for-enhanced-readability/
- Published: 2024-03-10
- Author: Jordan Brown
- Categories: [Software & APP](https://33rdsquare.com/category/software-app/)

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As a designer, one of the most powerful tools at your disposal for creating professional, polished layouts is the strategic use of columns. Far from simply being a way to cram more text onto a page, columns are essential for guiding the reader‘s eye, improving comprehension, and creating visual hierarchy. In fact, studies have shown that shorter line lengths, like those created by columns, can increase reading speed by up to 30% compared to long, uninterrupted lines of text.

While columns are a staple of print media like newspapers and magazines, they‘re equally valuable for a wide range of digital and print documents, from annual reports and eBooks to brochures and newsletters. The key is knowing how and when to use them for maximum impact. Luckily, Adobe InDesign provides a robust set of features for adding and customizing columns to fit any layout. In this expert guide, we‘ll walk through three methods for harnessing the power of columns in InDesign, complete with pro tips and best practices gleaned from years of experience. Let‘s get started!

## Method 1: Adding Columns to Individual Text Frames

The quickest and simplest way to add columns in InDesign is within a single text frame using the Text Frame Options dialog. This method is ideal for short documents or when you want different column configurations on different pages. Here‘s how to do it:

1. Create a text frame with the Type tool and add your text (or use Type > Fill with Placeholder Text).
2. With the text frame selected, go to Object > Text Frame Options (or press Command/Ctrl + B).
3. In the Columns tab, specify the following:
  - Number of columns
  - Gutter width (space between columns)
  - Column type (Fixed, Flexible, or Fixed Width)
4. For a balanced appearance, enable Balance Columns to distribute text evenly.
5. Check Preview to see the results, then click OK.

![InDesign Text Frame Options dialog box](https://33rdsquare.com/text-frame-options-dialog.png)

When choosing column settings, there are a few key considerations. First, the more columns you add, the narrower each one will be, so it‘s important to strike a balance between the number of columns and readable line lengths. A good rule of thumb is to aim for 40-60 characters per line (including spaces) for optimum readability. This means that for a standard 8.5×11" page with 1" margins, 2-3 columns is usually ideal.

As for gutter width, aim for at least 0.25" between columns to provide adequate separation and prevent the eye from jumping lines. Wider gutters can create more visual breathing room but also reduce available space for text.

One unique advantage of the single text frame method is the ability to thread multiple frames together while maintaining different column configurations in each. Simply click the out port of one text frame and click the next frame to link them. Each frame‘s column settings will be preserved, allowing for more varied and dynamic layouts.

## Method 2: Configuring Document-Wide Column Guides

For longer documents where you want consistent columns on every page, the most efficient approach is to set up document-wide column guides. These non-printing guides provide a framework for your layout and can be applied to Parent Pages for automatic consistency. Here‘s how:

1. Go to File > New > Document.
2. In the New Document dialog, find the Columns section.
3. Enter the Number of columns and Gutter width.
4. Decide whether to enable the Primary Text Frame option:
  - Enabled: Automatically adds a text frame with your column settings to each Parent Page.
  - Disabled: Columns appear as guides only; you‘ll add text frames manually.
5. Click Create.

![InDesign New Document dialog box](https://33rdsquare.com/indesign-new-document-dialog.png)

The key advantage of this method is that by applying columns on Parent Pages, they‘ll automatically appear on any pages based on that parent in your document. This means you can have different column configurations on different Parent Pages, providing a consistent underlying grid while still allowing flexibility.

To add or edit document-wide columns on existing Parent Pages, simply double-click the Parent Page icon in the Pages panel to edit it directly. You can also override Parent Page column guides on individual pages by unlocking and editing the guides with the Selection tool.

![Example of 1, 2 and 3 column layouts on InDesign Parent Pages](https://33rdsquare.com/indesign-parent-page-columns.png)

When deciding on document-wide column settings, consider the type of content you‘ll be working with. For text-heavy pages, 1-2 columns usually provide the best readability, while image-heavy or feature pages may benefit from more columns for added flexibility. It‘s also a good idea to create multiple Parent Pages with different column configurations to accommodate different section or content needs throughout your document.

## Method 3: Designing with Multi-Column Grids

For the ultimate in layout flexibility and visual consistency, many designers rely on multi-column grid systems. Made famous by Swiss designers like Josef Müller-Brockmann in the 1940s and 50s, grid-based design uses a greater number of columns (often 6, 9 or 12) as a guide for placing page elements, rather than always filling them with text.

![Example of Josef Müller\-Brockmann's famous grid\-based poster designs](https://33rdsquare.com/muller-brockmann-grid.png)

The key benefit of a multi-column grid is that it provides a consistent underlying structure while still allowing for variation and creativity in the placement of text, images, and other graphic elements. For example, a headline might span 3 columns, a pull quote 2 columns, and body text 4 columns, all within the same 12-column grid.

To set up a multi-column grid in InDesign:

1. Create a new document and set your desired number of columns in the New Document dialog.
2. Enable the Layout Grid feature (View > Grids & Guides > Show Layout Grid).
3. Customize the Layout Grid settings to match your column widths and gutters.
4. Use the Rectangle Frame tool to create elements that snap to the grid columns.

![Example of a 12\-column layout grid in InDesign](https://33rdsquare.com/indesign-12-column-grid.png)

When designing with a multi-column grid, there are a few best practices to keep in mind:

- Choose a column count that‘s easily divisible for maximum flexibility (e.g. 12 columns can become 2, 3, 4 or 6).
- Consider the ideal characters per line for your font size when choosing column widths (aim for 40-60 CPL).
- Use paragraph styles to maintain consistent text formatting and alignment to the baseline grid.
- Avoid spanning odd numbers of columns with text for a more balanced appearance.
- Align edges of images and graphic elements to the grid for a cleaner look.

While multi-column grids require more planning and discipline to use effectively, the results are often well worth the effort. By establishing a consistent rhythm and structure across your pages, you create a more cohesive and professional design that‘s easier for readers to navigate and engage with.

## Conclusion

As we‘ve seen, InDesign provides a wealth of tools and techniques for incorporating columns into your design layouts, from simple single-frame columns to complex multi-column grids. By mastering these methods and understanding the principles behind effective column usage, you can take your designs to the next level and create documents that are as readable as they are visually appealing.

Ultimately, the key to success is matching the right column configuration to the content and purpose of your document. Single text frame columns are perfect for short, simple layouts, while document-wide columns provide consistency for longer publications. And for the greatest level of flexibility and visual interest, multi-column grids are a powerful tool for any designer‘s arsenal.

As with any design skill, the best way to master columns in InDesign is through practice and experimentation. Don‘t be afraid to try different configurations, gutter widths, and text frame options to find the perfect balance for your projects. And above all, remember that good design is about more than just aesthetics—it‘s about creating documents that are easy to read, navigate, and understand. By prioritizing readability and accessibility in your column choices, you‘ll be well on your way to creating designs that truly shine.

So go forth and embrace the power of columns in your InDesign layouts—your readers (and your clients) will thank you!

Further Reading:

- The Elements of Typographic Style by Robert Bringhurst
- Grid Systems in Graphic Design by Josef Müller-Brockmann
- Making and Breaking the Grid by Timothy Samara

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Source: [How to Expertly Add Columns in Adobe InDesign for Enhanced Readability](https://33rdsquare.com/how-to-expertly-add-columns-in-adobe-indesign-for-enhanced-readability/)