The Columns element allows you to present formatted text, inclusive of things like images, files, hyperlinks and more, within two columns.
By default, plain text without any formatting, files or images, appears as per the following screenshot.
This can introduce more variety to your topics and articles than only using the standard Text element which presents text in a single column across the page.
A variety of other options for displaying text can be explored here.
Expand the following sections to learn more about the Columns element.
Steps to add columns of text to a course
Steps to add columns of text to a course
Add the element to your topic or article by selecting the 'Columns' option from the Content box, then follow these steps:
Add your text into the two columns.
Note: As a best practice when copying-and-pasting content from other sources, we strongly recommend using the 'paste as plain text' option (typically available when you right-click your mouse when pasting). This will prevent unwanted formatting to be carried across which may not be visible in edit mode. Alternatively, highlight the text after pasting it in and use the 'Clear Formatting' option.
Use the rich-text editor to format your text and optionally add hyperlinks, images, files for learners to download, tables, and emojis and other symbols. For more information about formatting text, see this support article.
Click out of the element box when ready.
Your content is auto-saved.
Font settings
Font settings
By default, the font used in the Columns element is Gentium (size 21), a serif font which has been proven to be easier for most people when reading long form text on screen.
You can modify the font including font family and size, however, we recommend keeping the default options where possible for readability and accessibility purposes.
Other default fonts used in Tribal Habits
In addition to Gentium, which is used for long form text in the Columns and Text elements, the following fonts are also used by default:
Open Sans for short form text and headings. This is a san serif font used in interactions and some headings, selected for readability and to provide some differentiation on the screen.
Karla for buttons. A bold and easy to read font generally used on all buttons.
You can customise the default fonts used in your topics - please see this article here for more details.
Video demonstration
Video demonstration
In the following video, we show you how to add text to a topic or article. Please note, certain aspects of the UI may have changed since the video was recorded.