Columns in a frame? Other PM Features. Serif PagePlus.

[scottdev]

I've been using Serif PagePlus for years, but have recently started using PageMaker (The first dtp program I learned). The biggest issue I had with PagePlus was the lack of service bureau support - eps and ps files were unstable to send.

I like Pagemaker because it is a bit more robust than PagePlus - but there are so many more features in PagePlus. I was told by someone that Pagemaker now supports many similar features, but I don't see them:

Some features I'd like to know more about in PageMaker - comments greatly welcome:

• Ability to add columns to a text frame.

• Select and convert a group of objects and convert them into an image?

• Ability to change text attributes by selecting the text frame without needing to actually select the text with the text tool.

• Ability to set image opacity in PM.

• Ability to set image background transparency in PM.

Scott

 

[angler2229]

Scott,

>>Ability to add columns to a text frame

Use the text tool to draw a text frame. I like to set column guides first. Drag them from the ruler to where you want the columns to appear on the page. Paste the text. When there is more text than the text frame can hold, a red arrow appears at the bottom of the text frame. Click on it. The tool changes to paste the continuous text. Place that tool against the column guide in the next column and drag a new text frame. The text appears. You can adjust the text with the + at the bottom of each text frame. The text frame can be moved up or down to adjust the baseline of the two columns.

>>Select and convert a group of objects and convert them into an image

I am not sure what you mean here. I think you want to group items into one image that moves together. Click on a item you want to group, then hold down the Shift key and select another item. Both now have handles. Do a Ctrl + G. The two items become a group and move together. You can also group graphics with text frames.

>>Select and convert a group of objects and convert them into an image.

Make sure your Styles palette is showing. If it isn't, go to Window> Show Styles. Then double click on Body Text. A dialog box appears. Click on Char... button to set your specific Character Specifications (select Loose or Very Loose option to avoid some funky printing problems that can arise later). Click OK. Now select the Para.. button to set alignment, first line indents, etc. Click OK. Then click OK again. Now when you place the text tool in the text frame and click on Body text in the Styles palette, the text in the frame changes to the settings you have made.

Change any of the styles on this palette to suit your needs. You can also add styles to the palette. You could have a body text in Helvetica, one in Times Roman, and one in Americana. Just click the arrow in the upper right-hand corner of the Styles Palette and select New Style. Name the style and repeat the above steps. When you become confident, use some of the other features of the Styles dialog box.

You can also import the Styles palette from document into another. While a new document is open Go to the arrow of the Styles palette and select Import Styles. A dialog box will appear. Select a document where you have already customized the Styles palette and click Open. The custom styles now reside in both layouts. Before I import, I always delete the styles in the palette except [No Style]. This keeps the palette neater.

And welcome to PM. Once you get the hang of it, you will love it!

Daniel

 

[angler2229]

Scott,

Sorry, the last question I answered was "Ability to change text attributes by selecting the text frame without needing to actually select the text with the text tool."

Daniel