Expert: Glen Demers - 12/25/2009

Question
In our newspaper, run by a bunch of Army trained amateurs, we have two problems. Our double truck (the center page spread in the middle of the newspaper that runs across two pages) we can't figure out how to change the printable area to run the text across the gutter between the two pages. Our header runs across, as do our photos, but we can't figure out how to get the columns to treat two pages as one and ignore the usual printable area margins that tell it to treat this as two pages.
Also, how do you stop a dropcap A from touching the second line of text? Thanks.

Answer
Hi Brandy,

Make sure when you create you document that facing pages is checked. Page one will be by itself but pages 2 and 3 will be together and you'll be able to drag text and graphic boxes across the spread.
I would recommend using facing pages on any multiple page job unless the final product will be single pages or perfect or spiral bound (when you need bleeds into the gutter).

I'm not sure what you mean about the drop caps. In the paragraph palette under the flyout menu in the upper right, you can specify a 2 line drop cap. You can also adjust letter kerning if the spacing is too tight.

Hope this helps,

Happy Holidays,
Glen Demers
Prepress Technician, Best Printing Online
www.bestprintingonline.com

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