How layout alternatives work
Layout alternatives are specified as separate branches in the tree of elements. Thus, instead of one Group element (namedSearchElements by default), you can create several elements, each having its own layout alternative represented by a branch of elements that describes one particular subset of documents. The layout alternatives are independent, and elements in one branch should not refer to elements in another.
The names of layout alternatives (that is, root elements) should be unique. Select descriptive names that reflect the nature of the corresponding document subset.
When matching the FlexiLayout, the program will apply the layout alternatives one by one, top to bottom. If more than one layout alternative matches a document, the first match will be used.
Image areas are specified for the blocks in each layout alternative. For more information, see Blocks.
Choose a layout alternative for debugging
When debugging the FlexiLayout, you can choose just one layout alternative. To choose a layout alternative, select either the Select Layout item from the shortcut menu of the element, or the Select Alternative Layout item from the shortcut menu of the FlexiLayout.Create a layout alternative
1
Select the root element of the layout
2
Add the alternative
Select Add FlexiLayout Alternative from the shortcut menu. The layout alternative will be added to the list.
3
Open the layout properties dialog box
Double-click the layout alternative or select Properties… from the alternative shortcut menu.
4
Specify a name and properties for the layout
The name of a layout alternative must start with a letter or an underscore, which may be followed by letters or digits. You may not use spaces or any of the following special symbols:
., ,, :, -, \, /. The name may not coincide with any of the reserved keywords.Copy a layout alternative
Select the layout alternative you want to copy. Holding down the Ctrl key and the left mouse button, drag a copy of the layout alternative to the location you want. Alternatively, you can copy a layout by selecting the Copy / Paste commands from its shortcut menu or by pressing the Ctrl+C / Ctrl+V combinations.Import layout alternatives from another FlexiLayout
1
Select the root element of the layout
2
Select Import FlexiLayout Alternatives
Select Import FlexiLayout Alternatives… from the shortcut menu.
3
Select the source FlexiLayout
Select the FlexiLayout from which you want to import layout alternatives and click Open.
When you try to import a layout alternative from a project with multiple layout alternatives, the program will prompt you to select the layout alternatives you want to import.
Import elements and blocks from another FlexiLayout
1
Select the target layout alternative
Select the layout alternative to which you want to add elements from another FlexiLayout.
2
Select Import Alternative Elements
Select Import Alternative Elements… from the shortcut menu.
3
Select the source project
In the dialog box that opens, select the project from which you want to import blocks and FlexiLayout elements and then click the Open button.
When you try to import blocks and FlexiLayout elements from a project with multiple layout alternatives, the program will prompt you to select the layout alternatives from which you want to import blocks and elements. If the name of an element or block being imported is identical to that in the current FlexiLayout, a number will be added to the name of the imported element or block.
Delete a layout alternative
1
Right-click the layout alternative
Right-click the layout alternative (that is, the branch in the tree of elements) you want to delete.
2
Select Delete
Select Delete from the shortcut menu or press Del.