Difference between revisions of "Page Layout"

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__TOC__
  
 
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This page focuses on '''Basics of page design and layout'''. It will allow you to continue on [[#Further reading|further topics]] like [[Presentations|Presentations layout]], [[Visual_Debugging|Visual debugging]], [[Floating Objects]], [[Columns]], [[Layers]], [[Grid typesetting]], [[PDF Boxes]]. But first, one needs to understand the basics of page layout by ConTeXt.
This page focus on '''Basics of page design and layout'''. You can also be interested in:
 
* '''[http://context.aanhet.net/svn/contextman/context-reference/en/co-pagedesign.pdf Layout and page design manual chapter]''' to go into more detail
 
* '''[[Presentations]]''' and associated features, widgets, multimedia
 
* '''[[Layers]]''' (absolute positioning etc.)
 
* '''[[PaperSetup | Paper setup]]'''
 
* '''[[Imposition]]''', making booklets,  to arrange pages in proper order for printing.
 
* '''[[Working on Grid]]''' (working with fixed distances)
 
* '''[[Alternating backgrounds and repeating layers]]''' like Watermarks
 
* [[Columns]]
 
* [[Visual Debugging]]
 
* [[Floating_Objects|Floating objects]]
 
* [[Hiding Content]]
 
* '''Examples'''
 
** [[A Very Simple Cover Page]]
 
** [[Simple Cover Page]]
 
** [[Example photo page layout]]
 
 
 
  
 
= Typesetting areas =
 
= Typesetting areas =
Line 34: Line 18:
 
Positioning the areas is by setting the following dimensions using {{cmd|setuplayout|[backspace=5cm,...]}}. The dimensions are mentioned in order of how ‘primitive’ they are: e.g. altering the {{code|topspace}} pushes around all other vertical dimensions, but altering the {{code|header}} affects only the {{code|headerdistance}} and the {{code|textheight}}.
 
Positioning the areas is by setting the following dimensions using {{cmd|setuplayout|[backspace=5cm,...]}}. The dimensions are mentioned in order of how ‘primitive’ they are: e.g. altering the {{code|topspace}} pushes around all other vertical dimensions, but altering the {{code|header}} affects only the {{code|headerdistance}} and the {{code|textheight}}.
  
You always define a right page; if you use a double page layout, 'right' and 'left' values are mirrored on a left page. Doublesided typesetting is activated with {{cmd|setuppagenumbering|[alternative=doublesided]}}.
+
When you define a page layout, it's always a right page that you're defining; if you use a double page layout, 'right' and 'left' values are mirrored on a left page. Doublesided typesetting is activated with {{cmd|setuppagenumbering|[alternative=doublesided]}}.
  
 
# Set the {{code|backspace}} and {{code|width}}, and the {{code|topspace}} and {{code|height}}. The {{code|width}} is the width of the main typesetting area; the {{code|backspace}} is its distance from the left edge of the page. The {{code|height}} is the distance ''from the top of the header to the bottom of the footer''; the {{code|topspace}} is the distance from the top edge of the page to the top of the header.
 
# Set the {{code|backspace}} and {{code|width}}, and the {{code|topspace}} and {{code|height}}. The {{code|width}} is the width of the main typesetting area; the {{code|backspace}} is its distance from the left edge of the page. The {{code|height}} is the distance ''from the top of the header to the bottom of the footer''; the {{code|topspace}} is the distance from the top edge of the page to the top of the header.
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= Paper size =
 
= Paper size =
  
Page size and paper size are set with {{cmd|setuppapersize}}. Many paper sizes are already defined by name; see the list in this [[PaperSetup#Predefined_Paper_Sizes|Paper setup section]] and [[Paper sizes]] for theirs actuals dimensions in mm. To define a new paper size, use {{cmd|definepapersize}}.
+
See the dedicated page [[PaperSetup|Paper setup]], it includes details on:
 
+
* {{cmd|setuppapersize}}, to set the page size and paper size
{{todo | Merge with [[PaperSetup]] }}
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* {{cmd|definepapersize}}, to define a new paper size,
 +
* the [[PaperSetup#Predefined_Paper_Sizes|many paper sizes already defined by name]]. Their actual dimensions in mm are given by [[Paper sizes]] page.
 +
* [[PaperSetup#Changing paper setup mid-document|Changing paper setup mid-document]]
 +
* [[PaperSetup#Setting print size|Setting print size]]
 +
* [[PaperSetup#Fitting pages to their content|Fitting pages to their content]]
  
 
= Example layout =
 
= Example layout =
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     height=250mm]
 
     height=250mm]
 
</texcode>
 
</texcode>
 +
 +
== Let's gather examples here ==
 +
 +
; Cover pages
 +
* [[Example MetaFun Cover Page]] (2019) with MetaFun
 +
* [[Simple Cover Page]] (2013)
 +
* [[A Very Simple Cover Page]] (2009)
 +
; Other
 +
* [[Example photo page layout]] (2010)
 +
 +
= [[Imposition]] =
 +
 +
Imposition is a prepress printing process. It consists of the arrangement of the printed product’s pages on the printer’s sheet, in order to obtain faster printing, simplify binding and reduce paper waste ([https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Imposition wikipedia]).
 +
 +
We built a dedicated page about '''[[Imposition]]''', because making booklets, to arrange pages in proper order for printing it's a topic in itself. This is where you will use {{cmd|setuppaper}} and {{cmd|setuparranging}}.
  
 
= Multiple layouts =
 
= Multiple layouts =
Line 64: Line 67:
 
If you need to use different layouts in some parts of the document, you can set up a global layout, and then define additional named layouts for the deviating parts. You only need to specify the dimensions that differ: unspecified dimensions will be inherited from the global layout.
 
If you need to use different layouts in some parts of the document, you can set up a global layout, and then define additional named layouts for the deviating parts. You only need to specify the dimensions that differ: unspecified dimensions will be inherited from the global layout.
  
To switch to a different layout, call it up in the appropriate place in the document. To revert back to the global layout, use {{cmd|setuplayout|[reset]}}.
+
To switch to a different layout, call it up in the appropriate place in the document. To revert back to the global layout, use {{cmd|setuplayout}}|[reset].
  
 
<texcode>
 
<texcode>
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</texcode>
 
</texcode>
  
To specify in advance that you want to change layouts starting from page 4 (e.g.), use {{cmd|definelayout|[4][...]}}. Resetting the layout must be done explicitly; else, the new layout will be used until the end of the document.
+
To specify in advance that you want to change layouts starting from page 4 (e.g.), use {{cmd|definelayout}}|[4][...]. Resetting the layout must be done explicitly; else, the new layout will be used until the end of the document.
  
 
<texcode>
 
<texcode>
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For more details and actual state see mailing list and [http://wiki.contextgarden.net/User_talk:Zenlima Bug Layoutchange inside page while duplexmode].
 
For more details and actual state see mailing list and [http://wiki.contextgarden.net/User_talk:Zenlima Bug Layoutchange inside page while duplexmode].
 
</div>
 
</div>
 
= Advanced features =
 
 
* To allow Acrobat Reader users (among others?) to make layers visible/invisible at will, add the following command at the start of your file:
 
<texcode>
 
\showlayoutcomponents
 
</texcode>
 
 
* If you have a certain run of text that you want to keep together, you can test for the number of lines available on the current page with {{cmd|testpage|[''n'']}}, where ''n'' is the number of lines required.  If there are not ''n'' lines available, a page break will be inserted at the location of the {{cmd|testpage}} command.
 
 
* If you need absolute positioning  of objects (text, pictures) on the page, but ad-hoc rather than systematic, the [[Layers]] mechanism is more suitable.
 
 
* For layout from a [[Formatting Objects|XML/FO]] perspective, with some descriptive pictures, see At [http://getfo.sourceforge.net/context_xml/index.html Paul Tremblay's] [[XML]] ConTeXt site.
 
  
 
= Table of Parameters =
 
= Table of Parameters =
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'''Note:'''
 
'''Note:'''
  
*width=middle
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* width=middle
<code>
+
<texcode>
 
     if cutspace == 0pt then
 
     if cutspace == 0pt then
 
         cutspace = backspace
 
         cutspace = backspace
 
     end
 
     end
 
     makeupwidth =  paperwidth- backspace -cutspace
 
     makeupwidth =  paperwidth- backspace -cutspace
</code>
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</texcode>
*width=fit
+
 
<code>   
+
* width=fit
 +
<texcode>   
 
       if cutspace == 0pt then
 
       if cutspace == 0pt then
 
           cutspace = backspace
 
           cutspace = backspace
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       end
 
       end
 
       makeupwidth = makeupwidth - rightmargindistance-rightmarginwidth- rightedgedistance-rightedgewidth- scratchdimen
 
       makeupwidth = makeupwidth - rightmargindistance-rightmarginwidth- rightedgedistance-rightedgewidth- scratchdimen
</code>
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</texcode>
 +
 
 
* otherwise:
 
* otherwise:
<code>
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<texcode>
 
       makeupwidth=width
 
       makeupwidth=width
 
       if cutspace == 0pt then
 
       if cutspace == 0pt then
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       pass  
 
       pass  
 
       end
 
       end
</code>
+
</texcode>
 
(From {{src|page-lay.mkiv}}.)
 
(From {{src|page-lay.mkiv}}.)
  
{{Getting started navbox}}
 
  
[[Category:ConTeXt-Issues]]
+
= Further reading =
 +
 
 +
 
 +
* '''[[Presentations]]''': specifics requirements, specific pages (widgets, multimedia, ...)
 +
* [[Documentation|Manuals about layout]], and noticeably:
 +
** The basics with '''[http://context.aanhet.net/svn/contextman/context-reference/en/co-pagedesign.pdf Page design & Layout chapter]''' from the reference manual (2011)
 +
** The more advance '''[http://www.pragma-ade.com/general/manuals/details.pdf It's in the Details]''' manual (2015), including grid typesetting.
 +
* '''[[Visual Debugging#Layout|Visual Debugging]]''': can greatly facilitate the set up of your layout.
 +
* After the layout, we can usually focus on the following subjects:
 +
** '''[[Floating Objects]]'''
 +
** '''[[Columns]]'''
 +
** '''[[Layers]]''', for absolute positioning of objects on the page, background, foreground etc.)
 +
** '''[[Grid typesetting]]''' (working with fixed distances)
 +
** '''[[Delimiter]]''', master line break and page break
 +
** '''[[Hiding Content]]'''
 +
* About PDF format
 +
** [[PDF Boxes]]: the size of PDF pages can have different meanings – e.g. the visible page, the printed page, the cropped printed page. ConTeXt can define the set of boxes defined by the PDF standard
 +
** [[PDF Print Options]]
 +
** [[Viewer Layers]] PDF has a concept of layers that you can enable and disable (at least in a few viewers). This has nothing to do with ConTeXt’s [[Layers]].
 +
** [[PDF/A]], ConTeXt can create PDF/A compliant outputs
 +
** [[PDFX]], ConTeXt can create PDF/X compliant outputs, the ISO standard.
 +
* For layout from a [[Formatting Objects|XML/FO]] perspective, with some descriptive pictures, see At [http://getfo.sourceforge.net/context_xml/index.html Paul Tremblay's] [[XML]] ConTeXt site.
 +
 
 +
 
 +
[[Category:Layout]]

Revision as of 04:06, 16 June 2020

This page focuses on Basics of page design and layout. It will allow you to continue on further topics like Presentations layout, Visual debugging, Floating Objects, Columns, Layers, Grid typesetting, PDF Boxes. But first, one needs to understand the basics of page layout by ConTeXt.

Typesetting areas

The 25 typesetting areas of a ConTeXt page are divided into 5 columns and 5 rows. From left to right, one encounters leftedge, leftmargin, text, rightmargin, and rightedge. From top to bottom, the areas are called: top, header, text, footer, bottom. E.g. leftmargin is the margin area to the left of the main text area; {leftmargin,bottom} is below it, at the same height as the bottom area. In between the two lies the area {leftmargin,footer}.

The graphic below illustrates the areas and dimensions. The row and column names are written along the edges of the page. The arrows correspond to layout dimensions; the more important a dimension is (i.e. the more of the layout is pushed around when you change it), the thicker its arrow and the larger its name.

Diagram of \setuplayout[] dimensions

Defining the layout

Positioning the areas is by setting the following dimensions using \setuplayout. The dimensions are mentioned in order of how ‘primitive’ they are: e.g. altering the topspace pushes around all other vertical dimensions, but altering the header affects only the headerdistance and the textheight.

When you define a page layout, it's always a right page that you're defining; if you use a double page layout, 'right' and 'left' values are mirrored on a left page. Doublesided typesetting is activated with \setuppagenumbering.

  1. Set the backspace and width, and the topspace and height. The width is the width of the main typesetting area; the backspace is its distance from the left edge of the page. The height is the distance from the top of the header to the bottom of the footer; the topspace is the distance from the top edge of the page to the top of the header.
  2. Set the header and headerdistance, and the footer and footerdistance. The header is the vertical size of the header area; the headerdistance is the distance from the header area to the text area. The footer and footerdistance work likewise.
  3. Once the header(distance) and footer(distance) are subtracted from the height, what remains is the textheight: the height of the main typesetting area. Although it would be very useful, you cannot set this dimension directly.
  4. If you want to typeset anything above the header, define topdistance (the distance from the top of the header to the bottom of the topmost typesetting area) and top (the height of the topmost typesetting area). For typesetting below the footer, define bottomdistance and bottom.
  5. As for the horizontal dimensions apart from the width: starting at the left edge of the main text area, and moving away from the center, one first sets the leftmargindistance; then one sets the width leftmargin of the margin typesetting area; then one sets the leftedgedistance; and then there is the leftedge typesetting area. On the right: rightmargindistance, rightmargin, rightedgedistance, rightedge.

Paper size

See the dedicated page Paper setup, it includes details on:

Example layout

\setuppapersize[A4][A4] % this is the default and may be omitted
\setuplayout[backspace=20mm,
    width=160mm,
    topspace=20mm,
    header=0mm,
    footer=0mm,
    height=250mm]

Let's gather examples here

Cover pages
Other

Imposition

Imposition is a prepress printing process. It consists of the arrangement of the printed product’s pages on the printer’s sheet, in order to obtain faster printing, simplify binding and reduce paper waste (wikipedia).

We built a dedicated page about Imposition, because making booklets, to arrange pages in proper order for printing it's a topic in itself. This is where you will use \setuppaper and \setuparranging.

Multiple layouts

If you need to use different layouts in some parts of the document, you can set up a global layout, and then define additional named layouts for the deviating parts. You only need to specify the dimensions that differ: unspecified dimensions will be inherited from the global layout.

To switch to a different layout, call it up in the appropriate place in the document. To revert back to the global layout, use \setuplayout|[reset].

\setuplayout[...] % global layout
\definelayout[wide][...] % layout of the first page

\setuplayout[wide]  % switch to layout called 'wide'
\setuplayout[reset] % switch back to the global layout

To specify in advance that you want to change layouts starting from page 4 (e.g.), use \definelayout|[4][...]. Resetting the layout must be done explicitly; else, the new layout will be used until the end of the document.

% different layout for first two pages
\definelayout[1][wide]
\definelayout[3][reset]

For the page numbers you can use absolute numbers (as above), relative numbers (like +1, -2) or the keywords odd, even, first and last.

\setuplayout[ % default layout (right page)
...
]
\definelayout[even][ % different layout on left pages
...
]

If you define additional layouts in a doublepage (duplex) setup, remember to think mirrored: leftmargin defines the right margin, backspace is the distance from the spine to the right edge of the text area etc.

.

Warning!

At the moment a layoutchange (setuplayout) inside a page is not proper working in mkiv duplex mode. For more details and actual state see mailing list and Bug Layoutchange inside page while duplexmode.

Table of Parameters

The first colum is the name by which the variable is set in \setuplayout. The second column is the name by which TeX stores the variable. This name is usually the same, but sometimes different; knowing it allows you to invoke it with code like The paper's height is \the\paperheight. Any remarks (usually a short description) are given in the third column.

\setuplayout[...] dimension Remarks
paperheight \paperheight height of paper page
paperwidth \paperwidth width of paper page
printpaperheight \printpaperheight differs from paperheight when using Imposition (arranging)
printpaperwidth \printpaperwidth differs from paperwidth when using Imposition (arranging)
topspace \topspace above header: from top rim of paper to to top rim of header
backspace \backspace from left rim of paper to left rim of main text area
height \makeupheight sum of heights of text area, header and footer (plus distances)
width \makeupwidth width of the main text area. \makeupwidth is normally same as \textwidth, but it can be different, for example in columns
top \topheight height of the top area
topdistance \topdistance between top and header
header \headerheight height of header area
headerdistance \headerdistance between header and text
textheight \textheight height of text area
footerdistance \footerdistance between text and footer
footer \footerheight height of footer area
bottomdistance \bottomdistance between footer and bottom
bottom \bottomheight space below footer (but isn't calculated automatically)
bottomspace \bottomspace space from bottom footer to bottom rim of paper
cutspace \cutspace from right rim of paper to right rim of main text area
leftedge \leftedgewidth from left rim of paper to left rim of left margin
leftedgedistance \leftedgedistance between leftegde and left margin
leftmargin \leftmarginwidth width of left margin (marginals space)
leftmargindistance \leftmargindistance between left margin and text
textwidth \textwidth width of text area. when columns are used, the value of \textwidth can differ from \makeupwidth
rightmargindistance \rightmargindistance between text area and right margin
rightmargin \rightmarginwidth width of right margin (marginals area)
rightedgedistance \rightedgedistance between right margin and right edge
rightedge \rightedgewidth from right margin to right rim of paper
horoffset ? bleed from left of paper
voroffset ? bleed from top of paper

Note:

  • width=middle
     if cutspace == 0pt then
        cutspace = backspace
     end
     makeupwidth =  paperwidth- backspace -cutspace
  • width=fit
   
       if cutspace == 0pt then
          cutspace = backspace
       end
       makeupwidth = paperwidth-cutspace
       scratchdimen = backspace - leftedgewidth-leftedgedistance-leftmarginwidth-leftmargindistance
       if scratchdimen< 0pt then
          scratchdimen = 0pt
       end
       makeupwidth = makeupwidth - rightmargindistance-rightmarginwidth- rightedgedistance-rightedgewidth- scratchdimen
  • otherwise:
       makeupwidth=width
       if cutspace == 0pt then
          cutspace = paperwidth-makeupwidth-backspace
       else
            % A kind of inconsistent specification, but used
            % in for instance s-pre-19.tex; the cutspace is
            % used only for determining some kind of right
            % margin; don't use this in doublesided mode
       pass 
       end

(From page-lay.mkiv.)


Further reading

  • Presentations: specifics requirements, specific pages (widgets, multimedia, ...)
  • Manuals about layout, and noticeably:
  • Visual Debugging: can greatly facilitate the set up of your layout.
  • After the layout, we can usually focus on the following subjects:
  • About PDF format
    • PDF Boxes: the size of PDF pages can have different meanings – e.g. the visible page, the printed page, the cropped printed page. ConTeXt can define the set of boxes defined by the PDF standard
    • PDF Print Options
    • Viewer Layers PDF has a concept of layers that you can enable and disable (at least in a few viewers). This has nothing to do with ConTeXt’s Layers.
    • PDF/A, ConTeXt can create PDF/A compliant outputs
    • PDFX, ConTeXt can create PDF/X compliant outputs, the ISO standard.
  • For layout from a XML/FO perspective, with some descriptive pictures, see At Paul Tremblay's XML ConTeXt site.