'line between' in columns (Word97/SR2)

[chrisgreaves]

It seems that the line between option in columns (Format, Columns, Two) doesn't kick in until a second column is started.

I can force the line to appear by the ugly method of repeating the enter key until Column1 overflows, or presumably by a column break.

Is there anyway to force the line to appear regardless of how much (indeed "if any") text appears in Column1?

[Phil Rabichow]

Hi Chris:
I can find a way to "fake" it.
1. Make two columns, using line between.
2. Fill enough text to see the line.
3. Use the Draw toolbar to draw a vertical line as close as possible to the automatic one.
4. Holding down the Alt key, drag it over the automatic line until it covers it.
5. Cut it.
6. Open up the Header.
7. Paste it.
8. Remove the "line between" in the columns dialog box.

When you paste it, it should show up on every page & in the same spot.

Hope this helps.

[chrisgreaves]

Thanks, Phil. (I'm almost sorry I asked!). A simple 8-step procedure. Right. (grin)

I guess I'm going to think about this. It seems that the "line between" must be considered as related to the text, and not related to the page.

Phil(!)osophically, you can't have a "line between" unless you have two things for it to be "between".

If I have only one columns-worth of text, I can't have anything between. I could only have "alongside".


Hmmmmm.

[Phil Rabichow]

That's why I said I could fake it. An alongside posing as a between. <img src=/S/laugh.gif border=0 alt=laugh width=15 height=15>

[fburg]

Chris,

depending on what you're trying to do, another way to fake it is to use a table. If you're never going to have text in the 2nd col, use a 1 row x 1 col table and just make the col width narrow to be the width of a column. If you are, than a 1 row by 2 col table. The right border of the left (or only) col is turned on, all other borders are off. This gives the added flexibility of being able to choose the type of border you want for your column line.

Fred