Mirroring Forms (RTL)
Forms that have been defined in a left-to-right language do not change their direction when they are translated. The texts are simply translated and formatted according to the BIDI algorithm. The arrangement of subforms and table columns remains unchanged. The automatic layout mirroring feature mirrors the page structure.
The first time the form is called after translation at runtime, that is, to generate a PDF or to print the form, it is mirrored. The mirrored form is then saved in the forms repository.
The following figure illustrates the process described above:
Automatic mirroring takes place when the original language of a form has a left-to-right structure (languages such as German, English, and so on) and the direction of the required language is right-to-left (Hebrew, Arabic). The mirroring changes the position of layout elements such as subforms, tables, and graphics. The direction of the text is already dealt with by the BIDI algorithm.
During document generation, the forms runtime checks whether a mirrored form layout is required and whether all the abovementioned prerequisites are met. If this is the case, the form layout is mirrored and the finished document (PDF or print output) has a right-to-left format. If a prerequisite is not met, the layout remains left-to-right.
You can use the test report FP_TEST_MIRRORING_SERVICE to test mirroring for a form. If you use the Form Builder option, the mirrored layout is saved in the form repository. If you open the Form Builder and are logged on in the target language, for example, Hebrew, you can see the mirrored form.
Enhancement Spot for Deactivating Mirroring
You can deactivate automatic mirroring. The enhancement spot FP_EXTENSION_LAYOUT_MIRRORING is provided for this purpose. The interface IF_BADI_FP_EXT_MLAYOUT_REQUEST of the BAdI definition FP_EXTENSION_MLAYOUT_REQUEST provides the static method IS_MIRRORED_LAYOUT_REQUESTED. The following input parameters are specified for this method: the form name (IV_FORMNAME), the required language (IV_LANGU), and the original language of the form (IV_MLANGU). The implementation must set the changing parameter CV_MIRRORED_LAYOUT_REQUESTED (Boolean). When the BAdI is called, this changing parameter already has the value as determined by the form runtime environment. The BAdI implementation can override this value.
The following restrictions apply to mirrored forms:
ADS with SAP NetWeaver AS for Java 7.31, ABAP 7.31, Designer 9.8 and higher, Reader 10 and higher
If forms were created with a Designer version older than 9.8, they must be opened in the original language with the Form Builder (Adobe LiveCycle Designer Version 9.8 or higher must be installed) and saved, otherwise they cannot be mirrored. If you do not do this, they are treated as before, that is, the direction remains left-to-right.
Problems occur with mirroring if subforms are wider than the page.
Layout information specified in rich text (XHTML attributes) cannot be mirrored.
You cannot make changes to a form once it has been mirrored. This restriction applies irrespective of whether the form has been translated, since object changes are only possible in the original language.
SAP Note 1539317
