using text columns

[steves]

I'm using NWP 1.0.3. I want to use 2 columns for the purpose of doing interlinear translation, one language in the left column, a different language in the right column. Therefore I need to keep the columns separate. However, the left column keeps snaking into the right column causing all kinds of formatting problems.

Are there any solutions?

On the last page the left and right column want to balance. I don't want them to, I want one language in the left and a different language in the right.

Are there any solutions?

[martin]

At the current time there is no way for columns to flow beside each with no snaking between pages. Your best work around is to use tables and set the cell borders to "none".

However, even that has a possible issue: a single table cell may not become taller than the page/paper. Thus, depending on your writing, you may have to artificially split content between cells. A way to work around this is to add a column of cells that do nothing but sub-divide your primary cell, eg:

1. Insert a table with 3 columns and 10 rows.
2. Merge all rows in the second column into one big cell. This becomes the cell that holds your left hand translation.
3. Repeat step 2 for the third column. This holds your right hand translation.
4. Minimize the width of the first column and set the cell borders to "none".

Now your big translation cells can span up to 10 pages without worry, since they really span 10 underlying rows.

I realize this is all rather convoluted, but I thought it better to outline all the options.

[steves]

Thanks Martin,

I tried using tables and ran into spacing problems, but I understand the work around.