Automatic Layout

You can use the automatic mask layout function to automatically arrange fields.

For further details, see Automatic Layout Rules.

This function is not available for masks that contain lists or tables.

To use the automatic mask layout function:

  1. Select Options > Automatic Layout from the menu or enable the Automatic Layout option in the Mask Properties window.

    The current mask is automatically converted. "automatic layout" is displayed in the status bar.

    You cannot move mask elements using the mouse or keyboard or edit the mask size if the automatic layout option is enabled.

  2. Edit the current mask or create a new mask, see Layout Settings and Creating a Mask Using the Automatic Layout Function.
  3. Disable the Automatic Layout option once the mask has been converted.

Automatic Layout Rules

The following rules apply to the automatic mask layout function:

  • Automatic layout mode uses one main tab in the upper portion of the mask and a tab group in the lower portion.

    If the upper portion of the mask includes several tabs positioned next to one another, these tabs are grouped together in a single tab. The contents of the original tabs are separated by an empty line between them.

    Note: The structure used by the Company+Person level, which uses two main tabs, is retained.
  • All fields must be assigned to a tab group.
  • Fields are arranged in two columns:
    • If a field is positioned entirely to the left of the center of a tab, it is assigned to the left-hand column.
    • If a field is positioned entirely to the right of the center of a tab, it is assigned to the right-hand column.
    • If the field spans the center of the tab, it spans both columns.
    • If several fields are next to each other in the same column (e.g. Postal Code and City), these fields are displayed over several lines, one above the other.
  • Fields exceeding a certain length are either displayed spanning both columns or spanning several lines, see Layout Settings.
  • All fields in summary index cards occupy a single column.
  • Check boxes are displayed in their default size as a box.
  • You cannot use icons or text elements.
  • Icons used to indicate field contents are always added to a fixed pane to the right of the mask.
  • A single text field can be added per mask for descriptions (information field, see Text Fields for Descriptions). This field is displayed to the right of any icons.
  • No buttons are displayed; all options are available from the context menu only.

Creating a Mask Using the Automatic Layout Function

To create a new mask using the automatic layout function:

  1. Switch to the level you wish to define a new mask for, and open the Mask Generator, see Defining a New Mask.
  2. Select Options > Automatic Layout from the menu.
  3. Select File > New Mask from the menu.

    A new mask is created that contains two tabs.

  4. Click on (Field).

  5. Enable the check boxes next to the fields you wish to display in the mask. Up to 15 fields can be added to a tab.
  6. Click on OK and click on the desired tab.

    The fields are automatically laid out on the tab, see Automatic Layout Rules.

  7. Make any further settings, see Layout Settings and Automatic Layout Field Properties.
  8. Save the mask.