Adding Attachments to Frame Controls

Restricting Component Size

You can restrict component resizing by displaying a pop-up menu for a component while you are in define attachment mode. You can make the component size fixed absolute or fixed relative, or you can reset the fixed status of the component (remove any restrictions on resizing). There are separate horizontal and vertical settings, so it is possible to set a size restriction for a component in only one direction. By default, the size of components is not restricted.

If a component is fixed absolute, then its size may not change in the direction (either horizontal or vertical) that is fixed. If the component is fixed relative, then its size will be maintained as a certain percentage of its parent component's size in the appropriate direction.

The resize restrictions absolute and relative look similar to absolute and relative attachments.

The following figures illustrate a common use of fixed absolute and fixed relative component size restrictions.

d is fixed absolute and side attached absolutely to the right side of its parent. This attachment causes d to move with the right side of its parent and is equivalent to attaching to d's center. Using this method instead of center attachment is a matter of personal preference. a, b, and c share the expansion of the parent equally.

[d is fixed absolute and side attached absolutely to the right side of its parent. This attachment causes d to move with the right side of its parent and is equivalent to attaching to d's center. Using this method instead of center attachment is a matter of personal preference. a, b, and c share the expansion of the parent equally.]

Notice in this case that the fixed relative restrictions are required in order to achieve the desired result. If they are left off, then the right side of c will be resized, and the distance between c and b will be set correctly, but the actual size of c will be undefined.

If the right side of the parent is grown, a, b, and c grow in proportion to the parent, and their respective positions are relatively preserved. d moves along with the right side of the parent.

[If the right side of the parent is grown, a, b, and c grow in proportion to the parent, and their respective positions are relatively preserved. d moves along with the right side of the parent.]

By contrast, without any relative size restrictions on a, b, and c, resizing the parent causes the right sides of both c and d to move to the right, preserving the relative and absolute distances respectively.

[By contrast, without any relative size restrictions on a, b, and c, resizing the parent causes the right sides of both c and d to move to the right, preserving the relative and absolute distances respectively.]

However, since there are no size restrictions, the left side of each component is not relocated. The distance between b and c is adjusted, but the right side of b moves since the direction of the attachment is into b. The same effect occurs for a. The distances between the components are maintained as required due to the attachments, but the resultant component sizes are not clearly defined.

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