Working with Layers

These layers are especially helpful with complex or larger projects. For larger projects, it is suggested to relate the objects on each page (first page, following pages, last page) to their own layer. Because you can fade these layers in or out as required, every page of your project can be handled separately. Otherwise the objects of diferent pages would be overlapping and would make the treatment of single objects more difficult.

Selected objects can also be given appearance conditions in the layers window.

It can also be helpful for complex projects to relate objects with the same appearance condition to one layer. Even the most complex forms can be created without losing control of your project.

4.3.1 Defining Layers

Layers can be defined using the command Project > Layer Definitions or by using the command Layer Definitions in the context menu of Layers tool window. The defined layers apply to the current project.

Inserting, Deleting and Editing Layers

In the layers window of the List & Label Designer at least one layer is defined which is called "Basic". When new projects are created, the layers

"Basic", "First Page" and "Following Pages" are automatically defined.

- By using the "New" button you can define further layers.

Each new layer is initially presented with the name "Layer". You should enter a name for the new layer in the "Name" field that is easily identifiable. By using the Option "Layer is visible in current view" you can define whether the new layer is visible in the workspace or not.

To easily distinguish between the various layers on your workspace we recommend that you give the various layers diferent colors. All objects on one layer are then displayed in that color. The color has, of course, no efect on the actual print.

- To remove a layer that is no longer required select the corresponding layer and press the "Delete" button.

If the layer you wish to delete contains objects, they are automatically moved to the basic layer. In this manner you cannot lose any objects by deleting layers.

Appearance Conditions for Layers

You can define appearance conditions for each layer that define under which conditions the layer should be printed. These appearance conditions correspond to all objects of a particular layer.

Appearance conditions for single objects are given via the command Objects > Appearance Condition.

The appearance condition for a layer can be entered directly in the field

"Condition", as long as you are familiar with the syntax. With the "Edit"

button, however, it is possible for you to open the formula wizard, in which you can combine variables, text, and functions with any expressions.

Further information can be found in Chapter 2.8 "Variables, Formulas, and Expressions". Typical appearance conditions for layers are those that allow objects of a layer to appear only on certain pages.

Condition Description

no condition The objects on this layer always appear

Page()=1 The objects on this layer appear only on the first page.

Page()>1 The objects on this layer appear on all except the first page.

Additionally, logical expressions can be used as appearance conditions.

The function LastPage() can only be correctly analyzed when it is used within the footer of a table object or in objects that are linked to a table.

Within the data line the result of LastPage() is always "False".

Where will objects be printed?

▪ Basic objects on every page (line, rectangle, ellipse/circle, drawing, barcode, ...)

▪ Text and formatted (RTF-) text: Every page or continuous, starting on first page when Property Page Wrap = true.

▪ Table, Report Container, Crosstab: Continuous, starting on first page

4.3.2 Assigning Layers

The currently selected objects can be assigned to the diferent layers on the workspace.

Select the objects which you wish to assign to a particular layer, and then select the command Assign to Layer from the Objects menu or the context menu. A list with the defined layers will appear. Select the desired layer.

Double-click on the required layer to assign the selected objects to it.

Alternatively, you can also click on the required layer and then confirm the dialog with "OK".

The assigned objects automatically appear in the color of the corresponding layer on the workspace. This however only applies to the appearance on the workspace.

4.3.3 Copying into Layers

The Designer allows you not only to assign objects to layers but also to copy existing objects into layers.

The original object stays on its layer. A copy of the object is made on the target layer.

To copy one or more selected objects into a certain appearance layer, select the command Copy to Layer from the Objects menu or from the

context menu. This is practical, for example, when you wish to use many similar objects in various layers.

4.3.4 Switching Layers On/Off

The only objects that are displayed on the workspace are those that are assigned to layers that are turned "on".

You can turn layers on and of by double-clicking on the corresponding layer in the layers window or by clicking directly on the checkbox corresponding to the layer.

Depending on which option you have set on the card "Preview" (in the Options dialog via the option "Only Visible Layers"), either only those layers which are turned on will be displayed in the preview window, or all layers.