The function Multilayout allows you to combine different self-contained documents with their own layout to build one document together, for example a catalogue with a title, product descriptions and price lists. Create each layout completely first and save it in the folder XSLfast/input. You will need at least basic XSL/XPath knowledge for this feature. This is a different technique than shaping a document with regions. In a multilayout you can use independent files, which can quickly be replaced by other files.
If you want to create a document, which combines several layouts, open the window Multi layout manager. You will find it in the menu Extras:
Select the files to be processed in the Multilayout via the file explorer in the right window one by one in the desired order and add them by clicking the button "Add". It is also possible to sort entries in the left window by drag and drop. To delete an entry select it and click "Remove".
All files that you chose for the Multilayout are displayed in italics in the right window.
The entry fields Selection and Expression are used for XSL or XPath expressions. They are set to the first node of the XML file and "1" by default. If you have the corresponding skills you can enter more commands here.
Please note: All entries in the field Expression are XSL/XPath expressions resulting in a Boolean value. Of course further XPath expressions are possible. With these expressions, you have a much wider range of control and options for the output.
In the area Sequence conditions you have the chance to combine several layouts together form one layout, which follows certain conditions (e.g. even and odd pages, like using regions inside one document).
Select every layout file that should belong to the group in the Layout list and enter the group name into the matching field. Make sure all layouts belonging together have the same group name.
Determine whether the selected layout should be used as body of the document or as header, footer, left or right margin.
Note: Once the function "body" is assigned; it is only possible to use the other layouts as margins.
It is also possible to assign a position to the layouts, like in the regions function. There are two categories. You can assign layouts to apply to every page, the first page, the last page and all other pages. The other category determines if a layout should apply to al pages, all odd or all even pages.
The button "Generate" starts the creation of the Multilayout document; "Close" aborts the operation.