# .columns set command

The .columns set command specifies the
column heading, column width, and column spacing.

**Synonyms:** .columns

## Syntax

```
.columns {set} heading1,width1,space1
;heading2,width2,space2{;...}
;heading7,width7,space7
```

## Description

The columns are turned off by
using the Output processor .xcolumns command. The
headings can contain Output processor commands and are output at the
start of the columns and at the top of each subsequent page until
columns are turned off.

The .col command
uses the column headings and spacing specified with the last .columns set or .variable columns command
to determine the position of the specified column number. If the column
number is less than the previous column number, the columns are printed
and a new paragraph begins. A maximum of seven columns are available.

## Example(s)

```
.columns set heading1,10,5;heading2,10,1
.col1 one .col2 two
```

## See also

- [.variable columns command](https://d3codex.com/output-processor/dot-variable-columns-command/)
- [Output processor commands](https://d3codex.com/output-processor/output-processor-commands/)
- [Output processor overview](https://d3codex.com/output-processor/output-processor-overview/)

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Source: https://d3codex.com/output-processor/dot-columns-set-command/ - part of the D3Codex reference.