# .variable columns command

The .variable columns command specifies
parameters for formatting in variable-width multiple columns.

**Synonyms:** .vcol

## Syntax

```
.variable columns space,divisions,heading1,width1{;heading2,width2{;...; heading7,width7}}
```

## Parameter(s)

| space | Specifies the number of spaces between columns. |
| --- | --- |
| divisions | Specifies the number of sections into which the current line length is to be divided. This parameter should be equal to or greater than the sum of the width parameters or the command is ignored. |
| heading | Specifies the headings for each column. The headings are output at the current location and at the top of each page. |
| width | Specifies the number of divisions to be included in the width of each column. |
These parameters above are used by subsequent .columns set commands.

## Description

The .variable columns command is designed to be used when the actual line length is unknown.
For example, if the document is to be printed with a variety of different
printers or fonts, each with a different number of characters that
are printed on a line, the .variable columns command
guarantees that columnar material fills in the entire page width.

## See also

- [.columns set command](https://d3codex.com/output-processor/dot-columns-set-command/)
- [.xcolumns command](https://d3codex.com/output-processor/dot-xcolumns-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-variable-columns-command/ - part of the D3Codex reference.