Different Layout for a Portion of a Page

Ian is creating a tri-fold document in Word. His page orientation (obviously) is landscape and he has no problem creating the first two columns on the page. Ian can't figure out how handle the third column, however. That column needs to be rotated 90 degrees counter-clockwise from the other two columns., and Ian wonders about the best way to do this.

There are a couple of ways you can approach this design issue. Each technique involves either the use of a table or a text box, as Word allows you to rotate the orientation of text in either a text cell or a text box, independent from the orientation in the rest of the document.

The first method involves the use of a table. Starting with a blank page, with a landscape orientation, you could place a three-cell table on the page. Each cell will represent a different panel in your tri-fold layout. In each cell type the information that you want to appear on that panel. (Don't worry about orientation on the third panel just yet.)

The text-box approach is similar; type information in the first two panels as you normally would, but then use a text box to create the third panel. Size the text box to whatever you require, and make sure that it contains the text to appear on the panel. Format the text box so that there is no border around it.

Now, regardless of whether you are using the table or text-box approach, you are ready to change the orientation of the third panel. Place the insertion point within either the third table cell or the text box. If you are using a version of Word prior to Word 2007, follow these steps:

1. Choose the Text Direction option from the Format menu. Word displays the Text Direction dialog box. (Click here to see a related figure.)
2. Choose an orientation from those offered.
3. Click OK.

If you are using Word 2007, then things are a bit different. When you placed the insertion point in the table cell or text box, you should have noticed some new ribbon tabs appear. These tabs are specific to whatever device you are using—tables or text boxes. Select the ribbon tab and look for a control named Text Direction. (If it is not visible on the ribbon tab, check to see if there are two special ribbon tabs for the table or text box. If so, chances are good that the Text Direction control is on the other tab.) Click the Text Direction control, and the text in the object is rotated to a different direction. Keep clicking, and Word steps through the available orientations until you get to the one you want.