On Dec 31, 2007 2:39 AM, Mary <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > I am using version 1.1.0 of Open Office. I am trying to prepare a > document which should have something similar to a header and then two > columns of differing widths on the first page. The problem is that I don't > want any header on the subsequent pages and I want to format two columns of > equal width on subsequent pages. When I try to format page 2, it > automatically puts the header at the top and changes everything to the equal > column width. > > Will later versions of Open Office correct this problem? If so, would it > copy over this old version, or would I have to uninstall the old and > download the newer version. Also, what about the files I have already > created? > > I particularly like the feature of being able to export files in .pdf > format. > > Mary A. Bland
Hello Mary, I do not know if it is already possible to solve your problem with version 1.1.0 (I started using OOo when it was 1.4.0), but it is possible to do what you want with the latest version of the software (that is 2.3.1) which I strongly encourage you to download and install. There are two ways to solve the problem (some very high level instructions follos, if you need more details let me know): 1) in a new document, with the cursor somewhere on the first page, press F11, press the fourth icon from the left in the window that opens, then double click on First page: now the style of the first page is "First Page". 2) Select format > page, go to the columns tab and uncheck the autowidth box. then select manually the width of the columns. 3) the second page and subsequent pages will be automatically "default" styled pages. Note: You can jump to the second page by inserting a manual break at any time Insert > break > manual then select page and Default in the drop down box. 4) when you reach the second page of your document repeat the command format > page, columns and this time just leave the automatic settings. Now the columns issue is sorted out. The header/title now. 5) go back to the first page and insert a frame that acts as a heading. Insert >Frame. Horizontal size should be the same as the margin, horizontal alignment should be centered in the *page*, vertical alignment top of the margin. If you don't like the border just remove it by accessing the properties of the frame before pressing OK. 6) alternatively, as the headers of the First page and of the "default" page are independent, you can indeed create your header as a Insert > Header > First Page. Move the cursor to the header area and format it as you want. To modify the size of the header go back to the window that opened when you pressed F11, right click on First Page in the list of page styles, then go to the header page and override the automatic size. The second mechanism uses sections and it is a bit more advanced, so unless there is something you are dissatisfied with using the method above I will not describe it. Note: that if you want to create several documents with the same properties it pays to create a template or to add two Page Styles to your default template. Note: All this and much more is explained in the OOoAuthors Writer Guide. Check out chapters 4, 6 and 7 (http://www.oooauthors.org). Cheers, Michele
