How to use Layout Update XML for someone new to M2 themes ?

[trackwerks]

Hello,

I'm very new to M2 and its themes, and I do not know XML very well at all (I know what it is, but have never had to use it directly).

However, I have a page that I want to learn to format into 2 or 3 columns, each column with different data (address/map, FAQ, and a contact us form)

I have all 3 items separately right now, but I want to combine them. 

I'm also hoping to learn how to create a Category landing page for each of my main categories (the theme that I have does not come with them natively, sadly).

Is there a good tutorial on how to use the "Layout Update XML" for M2?  Hopefully written for idiots like me. 

Any help/pointers is appreciated!

[Gabriel Guarino]

Hi @trackwerks,

You asked a very good question. There is one section in the official Magento 2 developer documentation that will teach you about layout XML in Magento 2:

http://devdocs.magento.com/guides/v2.0/frontend-dev-guide/layouts/xml-manage.html

I hope that helps.

Best regards.

Gabriel