Columns

[Khandro]

I want to write a page with two columns and to type first a few lines of something in the l.h. column and then move straight over horizontally to the r.h. column and type in the translation there before returning to the l.h to repeat the process. How do I do this please. If I set the page to have two columns it appears that I have to fill the first l.h to the bottom of the page and only then does it continue in the r.h one.
Going bananas! (I'm using Libre Office)

[bhg481]

I usually do that with a 2-column table. Start a new row for each topic.

[Toorak]

I would do a table too - then if you don't want lines/table outline you can get rid of them

[Buenchico]

My own preference would be to use a desktop publishing program, rather than a word processor. (e.g. the mighty Scribus: https://www.scribus.net ).

If you want to stick with LibreWriter, you might need to use frames:
https://ask.libreoffice.org/en/question/55855/how-can-i-get-two-separate-columns-of-text-in-librewriter/

[Khandro]

Thanks, I'll try it in the morning.

[Khandro]

The mention of frames gave me the idea of doing it in Microsoft Office Publisher. I have put two text boxes next to one another down the page and it is just about working, the main problem is that both boxes are independent of one another, so getting both texts to line up horizontally is a bit of a struggle.
Oh for a secretary!

[bhg481]

A 2-column table won't have that problem.

[Khandro]

bhg; What exactly is a 2 column table please?

[bhg481]

In a Word document:

Table > insert table and set the number of columns to "2"; the number of rows anything you like (you can add later, if necessary).
eg, type your question in column1, row 1 and the answer in column 2, row 1.
Next question in column 1, row 2, answer in column 2, row 2 etc.
The table may appear in your document with borders around each cell but you can format the table so that they don't appear if you wish.

[Khandro]

Thanks I'll give it a try

[bhg481]

Just to add - you can alter the column width by sliding with the mouse or set to a numerical value. You can also, using "Table > Properties" set the text alignment to top, centre of bottom of the cells (you will want "top", I guess, which is the default.

[Khandro]

managed to get the two columns, will it print the lines, how do you remove them please?

[bhg481]

With the cursor inside the table:

Format > Borders and Shading.

You can then choose which borders show and the type of line you want.
eg, you can have double-line borders around the edge with sigle-line cell separators OR no visible borders at all./

[Khandro]

Cheers!