Working with Layout Regions

Layout regions are used in forms and subforms. They allow precise control of the placement of the fields, text, and graphics. What makes layout regions special is the ability to place objects on top of one another. Layout regions are generally used to create dialog box displays. This feature was introduced in release 4.

Note

Layout regions are not supported in Web or mobile applications. However, starting with Lotus Notes release 6, you can utilize layers as an alternative to layout regions.

For example, Figure 4.20 shows a layout region in Designer for a repeating calendar reservation. Because the design of the repeating calendar entry allows for many different options, the fields are overlapped. These fields are then selectively displayed in the database and therefore do not appear as jumbled text. In other words, depending on the option selected, fields are either displayed or hidden from the user. This allows the developer to steer the user through the various configuration settings. In this example, there are 16 fields within the layout region, many of which are stacked on top of each other.

Figure 4.20. Example layout region in Designer

Figure 4.21 illustrates the same repeating calendar reservation as displayed in the Notes client. You'll notice that four fields are displayed. However, additional fields will be displayed or hidden based on the option selected in the Repeat field.

Figure 4.21. Example layout region in Lotus Notes

 

Creating a Layout Region

The following describes how to create a layout region on a form or subform.

1.	Either open an existing form or create a new form, and then position the cursor on the form where the layout region should be created.
2.	Select menu options Create > Layout Region > New Layout Region. This will add the object to the form. A rectangular box will frame the area that comprises the region.
3.	Like a form, add other design elementssuch as fields, text, or graphicsto manage the display and capture of information.

Tip

Use the properties dialog to display a grid and to snap objects to the grid. By default these display options are disabled.

Note

Layout regions can also be used to create background graphics or graphic buttons for a form or subform.

Note

Although you can cut and paste a field into a layout region in the Designer client, you cannot cut and paste from a layout region to the rest of the form.

Working with Sections