Layout Mode/The Graphical Query Painter
Use
The graphical Query Painter is called whenever you choose to define a QuickView in layout mode. It allows you to format a list according to your wishes and is used especially for constructing basic lists.
Features
In layout mode, you can:
The Query Painter is made up of screen divided into four windows whose size may vary according to wish. The individual windows contain
The window on the upper left-hand side of you screen displays a list of all of the fields you can work with in this particular list. Further information can be found under
Selecting List Fields.List layout is simulated in the upper right-hand part of the screen. Individual fields are represented by field values. Sample data records are read from the data source. If this is not possible, dummy field values are inserted. This layout simulation corresponds to the structure of the list that will be created later. It contains the same fields, headers, colors, totals lines, etc. in the same order they will be displayed. In order to simulate the structure of a multiple-line, hierarchical list, numerous sample data records are read from the database and inserted in the list.
In addition, the layout window contains several
Toolbars for changing list layout and attributes.Many of the elements that appear in the layout window can be moved and changed using drag and drop functionality. Your cursor changes from a pointer to an index finger when positioned on one of these elements. A simple left mouse click frames all moveable objects in blue and you cursor assumes a new shape (move cursor). Now you can move the element in question within the layout window by depressing your left mouse button and dragging the object to a new position. When you release the mouse button, your element assumes its new position (if the new position is allowed). Moveable elements include:
You may also change the width of certain selected elements (windows in the list layout, toolbars) by placing your cursor on the right edge of the element and increasing or decreasing its width with the left mouse button.
If an element is selected in the layout window, information about that element is displayed in the lower left window as soon as the blue frame appears around it in the layout window. With fields, long texts, technical names, and list attributes (display line, position, display length, sort number, etc.) are displayed. You may change these attributes directly in this window. Any entry you make in this window must be confirmed using the Apply pushbutton.
You may also call a context menu for an element using your right mouse button once that element has been selected in the layout window. This context menu allows you to display general list attributes or the attributes of specific list lines in the lower left window that cannot otherwise be simulated graphically. As with the other attributes, any entries or changes you make in this window must be confirmed using the Apply pushbutton
For more information, see:
Selecting List Fields Selecting Selection Fields List Display Options List Line Output Options Field Display Options Output Options for Control Levels Toolbars