Automatic field fitting using field tags (Form Builder) | FB_011

In this tutorial, we'll take a look at configuring fields on your MegaEdit canvas to fit the bleed, page or any margins that you have specified. This functionality is particularly useful, as these relationships will be maintained when the canvas is changed, including an aspect ratio change.

  1. 1. Begin by adding and configuring a field on your canvas

    In my example, I've created a text field with a defined background colour, to make it clear how much of the canvas the field is covering.

    Begin by adding and configuring a field on your canvas

  2. 2. Click on Custom Tab

    Assign the field a name and a type, as we have previously covered with the text field using the Form Builder.

    Click on Custom Tab

  3. 3. Add the FitToBleed field tag

    Add the FitToBleed field tag

  4. 4. When assigned to a field, it will always extend to the bleed of the canvas

    When assigned to a field, it will always extend to the bleed of the canvas

  5. 5. FitToPage

    FitToPage

  6. 6. A FitToPage Field Tag will extend the field to the page limits, but exclude the bleed

    A FitToPage Field Tag will extend the field to the page limits, but exclude the bleed

  7. 7. FitToMargin

    FitToMargin

  8. 8. This relies on any margins you have set up in the Output Type assigned to your product

    This relies on any margins you have set up in the Output Type assigned to your product

  9. 9. Check Show border controls…

    In addition to these options, we have the ability to apply borders to any of these three field tags.

    This means, for example, we could apply a 10mm border on the left side, meaning regardless of the canvas size, the field will always sit 10mm from the specified field tag.

    Check Show border controls…

  10. 10. With Show border controls specified, border options will be available in the form

    Initially these are locked, so changing one entry gives a matching value to them all. Users do have the ability to unlock these borders, so different values can be input for each edge.

    Note: mm is the default measurement for the border, however this can be switched to inches within the script config.

    With Show border controls specified, border options will be available in the form

  11. 11. Locked border example

    Locked border example

  12. 12. Unlocked border example

    Unlocked border example

  13. 13. Let's take a look at an example of a field with a FitTo tag and one without

    Let's take a look at an example of a field with a FitTo tag and one without

  14. 14. FitToBleed

    Our field with a FitTo tag is utilising FitToBleed with a 10mm border.

    In contrast, the NoFit field is in exactly the same position and is exactly the same size, but does not have a FitTo tag or associated border.

    FitToBleed

  15. 15. We will now switch between canvas options in order to change the size and the aspect ratio.

    We will now switch between canvas options in order to change the size and the aspect ratio.

  16. 16. The FitTo field maintains its relationship with the bleed

    The FitTo field maintains its relationship with the bleed

  17. 17. The NoFit field has resized, but has not maintained the relationship with the canvas size

    The NoFit field has resized, but has not maintained the relationship with the canvas size