Document 646

The LaTeX parallel package

Version: 5.5 - Scientific WorkPlace & Scientific Word

The parallel package creates an environment that aligns text in two columns or on facing pages.

You can adjust the column width and separate the columns with a vertical line. Options are available to format footnotes that occur in the text within the environment; the footnotes are typeset at the end of the environment.

After adding the package, you enter the environment and all the text within it in TeX fields in the body of your document. The package is useful for comparing two texts, as in translation projects.

1. Add the parallel package to your document.

2. Modify the package options to select the footnote format you want. See the package documentation for details.

3. Place the insertion point where you want the parallel environment to begin.

4. Enter an encapsulated TeX field.

5. In the entry area, type \begin{Parallel}[option]{left-width}{right-width} where option is one of these commands:

   option	Effect
   c	print aligned text in columns (default)
   v	print a vertical line between columns
   p	print text on two facing pages

   If the width parameters are left empty, the package sets each one to about half the width of the text on the page.

6. Type these lines:

   \ParallelLText{text that is to appear on the left}

   \ParallelRText{text that is to appear on the right}

   \end{Parallel}

7. Choose OK.

Note that a blank page can result if LaTeX has to skip a page in order to place the parallel text on facing pages. Also, large size differences in the right and left text can result in unattractive output.

The package is installed in the TCITeX/TeX/LaTeX/contrib/parallel directory.

Last revised 05/17/06