User Interface Objects Within Containers

[LaurenKuhlman]

Currently, I have a user interface that contains several gradient images.

I tend to use the same base project management system for different clients and retool it for each. I am trying to update that base system and provide some clients updates to their existing system. Also, I just want to have a better base to work with.

Now, my question:

I created containers and placed all the layout objects in them. I can't seem to get the gradient pieces to line up.

Picture 7 is what the images that are pasted on the layout look like.

Picture 6 is what the images look like in containers.

I created the images with OmniGraffle and then exported them. I set the sizes of the images in OmniGraffle and containers in Filemaker to the respective sizes of the images on the layouts but they aren't lining up just right.

When I export the image from OmniGraffle, I can save it as a PDF vector, TIFF bitmap, PNG bitmap, GIF, JPEG, EPS, HTML image map, PICT vector, Photoshop or BMP Bitmap. I need the images to be transparent. For most image types I can set the DPI (Dots per inch) or per cm.

Also, I have tried different graphic format options include resize image to fit frame options, maintain original proportions and alignment to no avail.

Any assistance that can be provided would be much appreciated.

Thanks!

Edited September 30, 2008 by Guest

[Lee Smith]

Hi Lauren,

You might want to watch this video Link and download a demo of the Theme Library that he descusses.

HTH

Lee

[LaurenKuhlman]

I think I may not have been specific enough. I have all the user graphic user interface elements placed on my layouts happily. It looks just as I want it to. Now, I want to be able to change colors quickly by just dragging the newly colored image into a container and Voila! I have seen this done in almost all the Filemaker Sample Files I have seen. For example, the examples provided in the Filemaker Training Series and in the Creative Pro Starter Kit.

So, I want to take a gradient image, remove it, put a container in its place, place the same image in this container. The problem is, I can't get these same images to line up right as the existing images do.

I created a sample file to illustrate:

http://www.box.net/shared/q0spjvk8u5

If it prompts you for a password it is Admin and blank.

[Lee Smith]

I'm not following everything you are trying to do, but you set the container fields to align by using the Graphic Format. These options include Top, Center, Bottom, and Left, Center, and Right, Combined any two of these may be the solution to what you are trying to do.

BTW, you access this is an option for Container Fields in Layout Mode. Select the Container, and then Format >> Graphic.

[comment]

Well, it might be easier if the graphics you want to align horizontally had the same vertical dimensions - see attached.

Note that (a) this is not likely to work well under Windows, due to the transparency issues there, and ( it's quite difficult to position semi-transparent graphics EXACTLY side-by-side, without getting a visible overlap.

bars.zip

[LaurenKuhlman]

Maybe, I will just leave the colors as is and put in the time each time to change the graphic objects as necessary. Thanks for the help!