Creating Columns and Rows, WordArt and Fontwork

Introduction

Word processing software provides tools for arranging information and adding decorative text to documents. Columns divide text into vertical sections, while rows and columns in tables organise information into a grid. WordArt and Fontwork add decorative text effects for titles, headings and posters.

This lesson explains how to create newspaper-style columns, build tables, use table navigation shortcuts, and create decorative text in Microsoft Word 2010 and LibreOffice Writer.

1. Creating Columns

What are columns?

Columns are vertical sections into which text can be divided. Instead of flowing across the full width of a page, text is arranged in one or more narrow vertical sections.

Columns are commonly used in:

• School newsletters
• Newspapers
• Brochures
• Flyers
• Magazines

A multi-column layout can make publications look organised and similar to printed newspapers.

Creating multiple columns in Microsoft Word 2010

1. Select the text that should be arranged in columns. If no text is selected, the column layout may apply to the relevant section or the document, depending on the cursor position and section settings.
2. Open the Page Layout tab.
3. Click Columns.
4. Choose the required layout, such as One, Two or Three.
5. Use More Columns when you need to adjust the number, width or spacing of columns.

The Columns dialog box can be used to: - Select a preset column layout. - Set the number of columns. - Choose equal or different column widths. - Adjust the spacing between columns. - Add a line between columns, where supported.

<ExampleLabel>{=html}Example: School Newsletter</ExampleLabel>{=html}

A school newsletter can use two columns to arrange announcements and articles. Readers can follow the text down the first column and then continue at the top of the second column.

Tips for working with columns

• Select only the text that should use the column layout when you do not want the whole document to change.
• Use Two or Three columns for newsletter and newspaper-style layouts.
• Adjust column width and spacing to keep the text readable.
• Use a section break when different parts of the same document need different column layouts.

2. Creating Rows and Tables

What are rows and columns in a table?

A table is a structure used to organise information in a grid.

• A row is a horizontal arrangement of cells.
• A column is a vertical arrangement of cells.
• A cell is an individual box formed where a row and a column intersect.

Tables are useful when information needs to be presented in an organised format, especially when comparing or recording related details.

<ExampleLabel>{=html}Example: Student Marks Table</ExampleLabel>{=html}

No. Name     Class     Mark

  1 Sahan    10A         85
  2 Nethmi   10A         78
  3 Kusal    10B         92
  4 Amaya    10B         88

Each student's details are entered in a separate row, while the headings identify the information in each column.

Creating a table in Microsoft Word 2010

1. Open the Insert tab.
2. Click Table.
3. Move across the grid to select the required number of columns and rows.
4. Click to insert the table.

For example, selecting a grid of four columns and three rows creates a table with four vertical columns and three horizontal rows.

Moving between table cells

The following keyboard shortcuts help users enter and navigate information in a table.

Shortcut Function

Tab Move to the next cell Shift + Tab Move to the previous cell Tab in the last cell Add a new row at the end of the table

Selecting rows and columns:

• To select a row, click in the left margin beside that row.
• To select a column, click at the top of the column.

Accuracy note: In Microsoft Word, pressing Tab in the last cell creates a new row. Pressing Enter inside a cell normally starts a new paragraph within that cell; it does not add a table row.

3. WordArt and Fontwork

What are WordArt and Fontwork?

WordArt in Microsoft Word and Fontwork in LibreOffice Writer are tools used to create decorative text.

They can make titles, headings and poster text more attractive by applying effects such as:

• Different colours
• Outlines
• Shadows
• Special text styles
• Decorative shapes and effects

Decorative text should be used selectively so that the document remains easy to read.

Using WordArt in Microsoft Word 2010

1. Open the Insert tab.
2. Click WordArt.
3. Choose a suitable WordArt style.
4. Type the required text.
5. Use the available formatting options to customise its appearance.

After inserting WordArt, the text can be formatted using the relevant Drawing Tools or Format options. Depending on the selected object and Word version, options may include text effects, fill, outline and other visual styles.

<ExampleLabel>{=html}Example: WordArt</ExampleLabel>{=html}

A school can use colourful WordArt for the heading "Welcome to Our School" on an event poster.

Using Fontwork in LibreOffice Writer

1. Open the Insert menu.
2. Select Fontwork.
3. Choose a Fontwork style.
4. Enter or edit the decorative text.
5. Change the font, colour, size and effects using the available formatting options.

Fontwork provides decorative text styles that can be adjusted to suit the document.

<ExampleLabel>{=html}Example: Fontwork</ExampleLabel>{=html}

A birthday invitation can use curved, colourful Fontwork text for the heading "Happy Birthday".

WordArt and Fontwork compared

Feature WordArt Fontwork

Software Microsoft Word LibreOffice Writer

Purpose Create decorative text Create decorative text

Common uses Titles, headings and Titles, headings and posters posters

Formatting Styles, colours, Styles, colours, outlines and effects outlines and effects

4. Benefits and Uses

These tools help users present information more clearly and attractively.

• Columns are useful for arranging long text in newspaper-style layouts.
• Tables organize related information into rows and columns, making comparisons easier.
• WordArt and Fontwork make titles and headings stand out.
• Appropriate layout and decorative effects improve the appearance and readability of newsletters, brochures, reports and posters.

Exam-Focused Points

Important Terms to Remember

Term Meaning

Column A vertical section of text or a table Row A horizontal arrangement of table cells Cell An individual box in a table Table A grid used to organize information WordArt A Microsoft Word feature for decorative text Fontwork A LibreOffice feature for decorative text Column spacing The space between columns Multi-column layout Text arranged in two or more vertical sections

Summary

Columns, tables and decorative text tools help users create well-organized documents.

• Columns arrange text into vertical sections for newsletters, newspapers and brochures.
• Tables organize information in horizontal rows and vertical columns.
• Tab moves to the next table cell, while Shift + Tab moves to the previous cell. Pressing Tab in the last cell adds a new row.
• WordArt in Microsoft Word and Fontwork in LibreOffice Writer create decorative text for titles, headings and posters.

Using these features appropriately makes documents clearer, more organized and more attractive.