Static (Grid) vs Dynamic Layout

Designing a Static Layout is straight-forward--you place and size Label and Data Cells on the Design Pad as required. A Dynamic Layout is more difficult to create because you have to account for the way Cells grow or shrink.

Before we get into Dynamic design, let's look at some tips to make the task easier.

Design Tips

To begin, place all the Data Cells and Labels you'll need onto the Design Pad.

It doesn't matter much where you put them, as this step is all about general appearance. If your Product Descriptions are long, increase the field size to roughly what you think you'll need.

Next, click the Preview button on the Navigation Panel to produce a PDF.

If your Browser is properly configured, the PDF will open in a new Tab. But it doesn't have to stay there. To save time as you develop your Layout, drag that Tab to create a new Window. Now, every time you click the Preview button, your PDF will be updated in that separate Window.

The next Tip is to place a border around all the elements on the Design Pad using the Border Selector on the Format Tab. This will help you determine their final size.

Use the All Labels and All Fields controls to make this step easier. Some elements, such as Photos, must be selected individually. Click the Preview button again.

The updated preview reveals that most cells must be resized. For example, the images of the books are shortened because the space created for them is not wide enough.

The first row of non-HTML text will print even if a cell is too short, but you'll find it easier to work out the proper spacing if you set the cell heights closer to what is needed.

Based on the Preview, adjust the cell heights and positions as required. Click Preview again.

Lastly, use the various formatting controls to change fonts, add color, and fine-tune the appearance of your layout. Remember to remove the cell borders.