Using the drawing canvas

When you access Form Designer to create a new form, you are provided with a drawing canvas on which you build the form.

To work effectively with the canvas, you should know the following:

  • The structure of the canvas.
  • How to size your forms on the canvas.
  • How to position multiple objects.

The canvas contains a grid to which all design objects are referenced. Click Grid Preview to see the grid.

  • The grid coordinates start at (0,0) in the top left corner of the canvas. The X (horizontal) coordinates increase as you move to the right. The Y (vertical) coordinates increase as you move down.
  • There is approximately a 3 to 1 ratio between X units and Y units. For example, 30 X units cover approximately the same amount of space as 10 Y units.
  • For best results, try to use even X Y coordinates for objects you place on the canvas. The space required to display one character is 2x2 and, overall, the client displays better when you use even coordinates.