# \columnseprule closer to one of the columns (in multicol package)

Consider a two column document (via multicol package). Does multicol package provide a mechanism to make the \columnseprule not exactly in the middle of the columns, but shifted a little bit (say 4pts) to the left or right?

You can use the following template (MWE):

\documentclass[]{article}
\usepackage{multicol}
\usepackage{lipsum}
\setlength{\columnsep}{1.5cm}
\setlength{\columnseprule}{0.4pt}

\begin{document}
\begin{multicols}{2}
\lipsum[20]
\end{multicols}
\end{document}


Not exactly but

the package executes \columnseprulecolor before the rule, and if you don't mind abusing Frank's interface, you can make this do anything...

%       \hss{\columnseprulecolor\vrule
%              \@width\columnseprule}\hss}%

\documentclass[]{article}
\usepackage{multicol}
\usepackage{lipsum}
\setlength{\columnsep}{1.5cm}
\setlength{\columnseprule}{0.4pt}

\renewcommand\columnseprulecolor{\hspace{-20pt}}
\begin{document}
\begin{multicols}{2}
\lipsum[20]
\end{multicols}
\end{document}

• I don't mind abusing it at all :). Thank you. – balcinus Sep 16 '17 at 19:21
• @balcinus as long as you don't moan if the interface stays but the internals change :-) – Frank Mittelbach Sep 17 '17 at 19:48
• @FrankMittelbach No problem sir: then I'll abuse the new version :) – balcinus Sep 17 '17 at 19:58