# FAQ index

> An editorial inquiry index structured as full-width ruled rows. An airy header band leads into five numbered ledger rows. Each row is a three-way horizontal distribution: a bold index numeral in the left rail, the question set prominent at reading scale in the centre, and the answer permanently open in the right column at a clean reading measure. States no colour and no font of its own.

Canonical: https://patternpaste.com/pattern/faq-index.html
Section: FAQ
Access: Included in Pattern Paste access.
Needs: Requires a block theme on WordPress 6.7 to 7.0. Classic themes and page builders are outside our supported setup. Adaptive patterns use the block theme’s colour, spacing and typography presets; styled variations declare their own colours or type.
Blocks: column, columns, group, heading, paragraph, separator
Keywords: faq, questions, answers, index, numbered, ledger, reference

## Variations (2)

### Index ledger (the default)

Identical markup in every theme.

Five numbered ledger rows across three columns: numeral, question, and answer. All answers permanently open, with hairlines in currentColor following your theme's type.

### Night index

Identical markup in every theme.

The same numbered index inverted: your contrast ground with your base type and hairlines following in currentColor. Arrives everywhere because every block theme provides both slugs.


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## The signature moment: the numeral anchors the question and the answer is always open

The section discards the interactive accordion click in favour of an open editorial
ledger. Each row is bound by full-width `currentColor` hairlines and structured into
three synchronized columns: a prominent two-digit index numeral (`01` through `05`)
at display scale in the left rail, the question set in the middle 38% column, and
the answer packed in the right 50% column at a comfortable 32rem measure.

The numeral anchors the row visually, allowing visitors to scan topics quickly
without layout reflow or state toggles.

## Mechanics worth knowing

- **Three-column asymmetric ledger.** Uses `core/columns` with 12%, 38%, and 50%
  basis splits. At desktop and tablet, the numeral, question, and answer align
  horizontally across the row. On mobile viewports below 782px, WordPress stacks
  the columns naturally into a coherent vertical sequence.
- **Hairlines in `currentColor`.** The wide separators between rows use
  `is-style-wide` and inherit the active text ink, ensuring they adapt
  automatically across light and dark theme modes without custom CSS.
- **Bounded reading measure.** The answer paragraph applies
  `padding-right: max(0rem, 100% - 32rem)`, maintaining optimal line length on
  wide screens while releasing fully on smaller displays.

## The variations

- **Night index.** Complete inversion of the base pattern: your theme's `contrast`
  ground with `base` type and hairlines following in `currentColor`.

## What it inherits from your theme

- **Typeface.** Inherits default theme typography for all headings and copy.
- **Palette.** Built strictly on `base` and `contrast` token fallback chains.
- **Spacing presets.** Uses standard core spacing presets (`spacing|80`, `spacing|60`, `spacing|50`, `spacing|40`, `spacing|30`) for responsive padding and gaps.

## What it decides for itself

- **The three-way column distribution.** 12% numeral rail, 38% question column, 50% answer column.
- **Typographic hierarchy.** Display clamp for index numerals, `large` preset chain for questions, and `medium` preset chain for answers.
- **Reading measure.** 32rem right-padding clamp on answer text.

## What you change first

1. **The questions and answers.** Five direct pairs covering your core commercial or technical policies.
2. **The count.** Duplicate or remove any `core/columns` row along with its preceding separator.
3. **The header.** Adjust the section title and lede paragraph to match your page context.

## Contrast

All text and numerals meet or exceed WCAG 2.1 AA standards (4.5:1 for body copy and 3:1 for large display numerals) across stock themes and inverted modes.