Layout Basics

This topic covers the basics of the form layout. Read on to learn about how to adjust caption widths, padding and alignment and how to create multi column layouts.

Understanding Global Form Layout Properties and Field Level Properties

It is important to understand that the Layout & Alignment properties can be set at the form (global) level or at the element level. Settings made at the form level will apply to all of elements within the form, except for those elements to which you apply element-level layout changes. If you want to change, for example, the layout alignment to show your labels above the fields on your form, you would make this setting change at the top level so that it cascades down to all form fields.

Form (Global) Layout & Alignment Properties

To edit the Form (Global) layout & alignment properties:

Click the root (topmost) form node in the Form Outline Panel.
Click the Form Layout & Alignment Properties tab in the General Form Properties panel, just below the Form Outline Panel.

The settings shown here apply to you entire form (except for fields that have settings applied to them directly).

Field Layout & Alignment Properties

Follow these steps to override the settings global settings for a particular element:

Either in the Form Outline Panel or the Form Workspace, click the element for which you want to change the layout settings.
In the Field Layout & Alignment Properties tab of the Element Properties panel, click the Theme property.

Note: In the Field Layout & Appearance Property Grid, settings that are inheriting from the Form (Global) settings are shown in gray. Any settings that are set at the element (field) level and override the global settings are shown in black.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I set the placement of captions or labels to above the form elements?

You can change the caption or label placement above each form element by changing the alignment property to vertical. This can be done at the form level or at the individual field level.

How do I get rid of the margins and padding around my form?

Through the page theme, you can adjust the Margins and Paddings of the form or the document body. To access the page theme settings:

Click the Themes & Styles menu button in the Form Designer Toolbar.
Click Page for the Sub Theme Type
Expand the Page (Body) Settings group.
Change the margin and padding settings.

Note: You may need to click the Show All Properties button in the bottom of the Theme & Style window to access all of the margin and padding settings.

How do I set the form width?

It's quite easy. Simply follow these steps:

Click the Themes & Styles menu button in the Form Designer Toolbar.
Click Page for the Sub Theme Type
Expand the Outer Container group.
Change the Width setting.