multi-column grid for PDF index

[_yaNIck_]

I'm trying to create an index that uses 3 columns in PDF output. However, when I generate the PDF, the index only displays a single column.

I've set up a 3 column grid in Page Layout Editor (Add "Normal" page, select "Properties" and type "3" in the Columns > Columns pane). I've created an HTML topic called "Index.html" and inserted an "Output Index Proxy" into it. I've even set the "mc-column-count" attribute in the "MadCap | IndexProxy" style of the CSS to "3".

What am I missing? This is driving me bonkers!

[LTinker68]

Did you set the index.html file in the TOC to use the page layout you created of the index page? That is, edit the TOC entry for the index.html file. You'll need to set it as either a new chapter break or a new page layout break, then select the appropriate page layout file and page layout type, if necessary. If you didn't do this step, then the index.html file will use the page layout that was last defined in the TOC.

[_yaNIck_]

Hi Lisa,
I think I've set it correctly.
Here's my setting in the TOC properties for the index.htm file: Index.png

index.png

And then here's the page layout for UG showing a page of the type "Normal" with a 3 col grid: page layout.png

page layout.png

[LTinker68]

I recommend changing the page name from Index back to Normal. I don't know for sure that that's the issue, but I have seen problems in the past with changing the name, to the point where people have asked what the purpose of that field is when it doesn't work as its name implies. I generally leave the page name set to be the same as the page type.

[_yaNIck_]

Thanks Lisa,
I gave it a try, but no luck. I will keep your suggestion in mind about not changing the default page names in general though.

[Nita Beck]

If I understand things correctly, you've got the UG.flpgl to support left and right pages, and you're using that page layout file not only for the main part of your print document but also for the index. Do you expect the index to also print out on left and right pages?

My solution is to have a separate page layout file entirely that I use just for the index, which is produced as two columns in my case. I've got First, Left, and Right pages, each with two columns, and then an Empty page. The TOC item for the index is set to have a chapter break and to use the First page, and thereafter will use the Left and Right pages.

I wonder if having a separate page layout file for your index would work?

[_yaNIck_]

Nita,
You're brilliant!
Thank You

[olgad]

I had the same problem and Nita's variant worked fine for me, as well.
However, I've got another issue instead. Now the Index heading is displayed in the left column of the two-column index page, whereas I need need it to be displayed as a normal header, in the center of the page.
Have you, guys, happened to have such problem?