resizing columns

[gpholman]

Hello, I'm looking at the expanded DTP functionality in XDP9 and have question about resizing columns.

Say I wanted 2 columns that were different widths - I would open up the 'A4 1-Column' template, selectthe Text tool, right-click inside the column, take the 'Columns...' option, increase Numer of columns to 2 then adjust each columns width as desired by dragging the red corner handles. The problem here is that it is very easy to inadvertently alter a columns height because it's very difficulty to move a mouse horizontally without wavering a little bit vetically up or down. Is there a constrainer keyboard key or some other method that ensures vertical movements are ignored? Thanks.

[gwpriester]

One of my favorite new features in Designer Pro X9 is you can resize text columns with the Selector Tool instead of the Text Tool (you can still use that method too).

So, now if you expand the width or height of the text area, the text reflows but does not distort.

Give it a try.

[Big Frank]

the ctrl is the usual constrainer
but
set a guide to the height of your control column
switch snap to guides on

[gpholman]

Thanks Gary, that was it! Previous versions of Xara used to do something like distort the text in the direction you dragged the box and I'm not sure if remained as a text box either...?

[Big Frank]

Previous versions of Xara used to do something like distort the text in the direction you dragged the box

only if you used the select tool
if you resize a text box with the text tool it works same as before (as intended)

and I'm not sure if remained as a text box either...?

it remained a text box but it didn't transfer identically onto a website becase fonts don't stretch on the web
(but they will... you wait and see)

[gpholman]

Thanks for your replies Frank. Why don't Xara just add extra control points to the text area at the mid-points for precise adjustment in a single direction?? (see attchment)

[gwpriester]

Frank - Have you tried using the Selector Tool in version 9? It does not sound as if you have.

The text on the left is the original column of text.

I selected the text area with the Selector Tool, dragged the right center control handle to the right, and the text re-flows, undistorted.

This is a new behavior with version 9.

[Big Frank]

yes
i was talking about previous versions
i dont particularly like the new way
but its just a case of getting used to it i'm sure

[tonylondon]

I'm with Gary on this one. The new way is a distinct improvement.