Group Suppression in Infigo Invent | IV_023

This tutorial will take a look at group suppression. This is a piece of functionality where fields on a dynamic template can be set to move based on the bahaviour of other fields.

In our example, we'll take a look at a business card, where users have the ability to enter:

  • A phone number

  • A mobile number

  • None

  • Both

In each of these scenarios, the bahaviour of the surrounding text fields is to change.

  1. 1. Our initial example

    We have two form fields controlling two matching fields on the artwork.

    Our initial example

  2. 2. Horizontal spread

    When we remove the phone number, both the number itself and the corresponding letter "T" are removed.

    In addition, the Mobile number fields move to fill the space.

    Horizontal spread

  3. 3. Horizontal spread

    The removal of the mobile number removes both the number and the corresponding "M" from the artwork.

    The telephone section is not set to move here, as it is already in position. This is accomplished using Horizontal suppression (covered later).

    Horizontal spread

  4. 4. Horizontal and Vertical spread

    Removal of both phone numbers means a large empty space would be present. The template has been configured so that, in this instance, the address moves upwards to full the void when neither phone number is entered.

    Horizontal and Vertical spread

Let's take a look at how this is done

  1. 5. Our main tools

    Our main tools for configuring this functionality are:

    • The main artwork

    • The Infigo Invent screen

    • The Layers screen

    Our main tools

  2. 6. The secret to group suppression

    The secret to group suppression in Invent is in the name, groups. This is an InDesign piece of functionality where fields on the artwork can be grouped together.

    Infigo Invent utilises these groups to control their behaviour. We'll see how to create groups later.

    It's a great idea to rename your groups and individual fields in the Layers tab. This isn't strictly necessary, but will make your life a lot easier going forwards.

    The secret to group suppression

  3. 7. Nested groups

    Groups can be created containing other groups. We use these within Infigo Invent to fine tune the behaviour of different parts of our template.

    For example, in our example we have several groups controlling the behaviour mentioned at the start of this tutorial:

    • Telephone group | contains the "T" and the telephone number. Allows us to ensure both will disappear when the number is not entered.

    • Mobile group | contains the "M" and the mobile number. Allows us to ensure both will disappear when the number is not entered.

    • The combined telephone group | contains the telephone group and mobile group. Allows us to ensure one group will be repositioned when the other is not displayed.

    • The "main" group | contains the combined telephone group and the address field. Allows us to ensure the address moves up if no telephone numbers are entered.

    Nested groups

  4. 8. These groups can all be selected and renamed in the Layers window

    These groups can all be selected and renamed in the Layers window

  5. 9. Properties

    In order for a group to be controlled by Infigo Invent, EVERYTHING within that group must be set to enabled in the Invent Properties tab. This includes all individual fields and all contained groups.

    This gives us access to spread behaviour and "Master" behaviour, which we'll cover shortly.

    Properties

Let's take a look at applying some of this behaviour to the top section of the business card

  1. 10. Reconfigured business card

    For the continuation of this example, our business card has been reconfigured slightly.

    Two additional variables have been created for Title and Email, and are also linked to the appropriate fields on the canvas.

    In addition, we have added an "E" field, which we will control along with the email address itself.

    Reconfigured business card

  2. 11. Begin by creating our Email group

    Select both the "E" and email address field.

    Begin by creating our Email group

  3. 12. Right click and click Group

    Right click and click Group

  4. 13. Click twice on the newly created group in the Layers window and enter a relevant name

    Click twice on the newly created group in the Layers window and enter a relevant name

  5. 14. With the group still selected, click the Properties tab in the Invent window.

    With the group still selected, click the Properties tab in the Invent window.

  6. 15. Click to enable the group

    You will not be able to do this unless all individual fields within the group are also enabled in Invent.

    Click to enable the group

  7. 16. Set a group Master

    Setting a group master means that the behaviour of the Master field will be mimicked by the other fields in the group.

    So here, by setting the Email field to group master and checking "hide is placeholder is empty", we can ensure that should no text be input in the Email field, both it and the "E" field will be removed.

    Set a group Master

  8. 17. Next, create a larger group by multi-selecting them

    This group will contain the following fields:

    • Email group

    • Name

    • Title

    Next, create a larger group by multi-selecting them

  9. 18. Right click and select Group

    Remember, groups can contain other groups.

    Right click and select Group

  10. 19. Rename the group in the Layers window

    Rename the group in the Layers window

  11. 20. Enable the group

    Enable the group

  12. 21. Spread behaviour

    Here, the behaviour we wish to achieve is that fields reposition on the artwork if space is available.

    In this case, we wish for the email group to move upwards if the Title field is not present.

    This is controlled using spread behaviour, where you can select vertical, horizontal or both.

    This option will ensure the fields can move in the selected axes if the space is available.

    Here, for example, we will select Spread Vertically. This is because our required range of motion is a vertical movement only.

    Spread behaviour

  13. 22. Export the template and import it as a MegaEdit product

    Export the template and import it as a MegaEdit product