create template across multiple layluts

[titanium]

Hi,

In my design process, ive realized that i want to have the same basic buttons and fields across all my layouts. (or many at least) However, i also know that i will want to change names etc as time goes on.

Is their a way to create a layout on which all the other layouts (as requested) are built upon. Or, better put, can i include a layout on another. This way, if i want to updated a button or filed, i can just change it on one layout and all to which it is called will update. (i guess it would be like an include function in php, calling a menu from a single file into multiple pages)

Anyway, any ideas on the idea would be great.

[bcooney]

Welcome to the Forums!

The concept of "master layouts" has always been on my wish list. I am not aware of a way to accomplish this in FM.

You can somewhat achieve the ability to make a change affect more than one layout, by using a global field to contain an element that appears on many layouts. For example, in an Open Script, I set a global container field to the pref container field that stores the company's logo. Then, I put that global container field on each layout on which I want the logo to display. By changing the contents of the container, the logo is updated on every layout the global container appears.

So, my advice is to get your "standard" layout close to final before you "go wide." Then, duplicate that layout as needed. Remember to change the TO on which the layout is based.

[titanium]

Thanks for the input. I have gone the route you mentiond with a preference panel that allows me to update the fields i want to from one central location. A bit tricky for me as a biginer but so far so good.

Thanks again.

[bcooney]

If you are doing what I suggest, you are populating global container fields with graphics. Remember, you'll need to set these globals using Set Field in an Open Script, in a multi-user environment.