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Absolute Layout Feature

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    Absolute Layout Feature

    This is a copy of an email that I sent to Selwyn about the Absolute Layout Feature.

    "I am particularly elated with the Absolute Layout Feature.
    The reason why is because I can now mimic forms that customers or users are used to seeing and filing out.
    My questions is: is there a way to capture the total form ( fields and image) in a report so that I can print it for a customer copy or even capture as a PDF?
    If not can this feature be added?
    If not, can this capture be done via Xbasic?"


    This is Selwyn's response:
    "unfortunately, there is no way to print an absoluteLayout. it is currently for data entry only.

    if there is enough customer demand for this we can certainly add it."



    It seems as though if there is enough positive response to this feature, there may be a possibility to have this done.

    So, I would like to get some feedback from other users as to whether this modification to this feature would be of use to anyone else.
    Please post your responses here, either positive or negative.

    Thanks.
    Sincerely,

    Clarence Martin

    #2
    Re: Absolute Layout Feature

    I absolutely (no pun intended...) need print functionality. I work on a medical app where filling in forms is a daily routine.

    The clients I serve are audited from time to time and need to submit forms to the auditor .... bringing up a form on the computer screen isn't going to cut it. It needs to be printed.

    -Mike
    Mike Brown - Contact Me
    Programmatic Technologies, LLC
    Programmatic-Technologies.com
    Independent Developer & Consultant​​

    Comment


      #3
      Re: Absolute Layout Feature

      Without the ability to print the UX, it would be useless for us. We really need this ASAP for our medical software.
      Reed Brown
      ITOT Solutions, Inc.
      Alpha v12

      Comment


        #4
        Re: Absolute Layout Feature

        This sounds like exactly the same thing we have heard on the desktop side in the past for many years. Printing a (complex) form. The usual advice is create a report that mimics the form. I'm not against improvements of any kind, just saying....
        Peter
        AlphaBase Solutions, LLC

        [email protected]
        https://www.alphabasesolutions.com


        Comment


          #5
          Re: Absolute Layout Feature

          If my clients use their actual form during data entry a report that mimics the real deal won't be good enough, they will want to print out that very same form. Alpha developed this absolute container and presented it as a great way to do forms. It would make sense to come full circle and offer a print option. I hope Alpha will do this.

          -Mike
          Mike Brown - Contact Me
          Programmatic Technologies, LLC
          Programmatic-Technologies.com
          Independent Developer & Consultant​​

          Comment


            #6
            Re: Absolute Layout Feature

            Even if this feature was available, it would be EXTREMELY DIFICULT to create professional looking reports.



            I accept it is teoretically possible to create a UX that is nice and efficient for the user in the screen and prints well at the same time.

            But you would have to consider every detail in the two cases: screen and print.

            Now you are free to optimize the UX for the screen and user interaction, and optimize the report for printing.

            Comment


              #7
              Re: Absolute Layout Feature

              Originally posted by rnoguera View Post
              Even if this feature was available, it would be EXTREMELY DIFICULT to create professional looking reports.
              I don't understand what you mean...this absolute container makes it very easy to create forms. Matter-a-fact I'm using it now to create one. This video shows you how easy it is:

              http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HYrrAB_hQno

              -Mike
              Mike Brown - Contact Me
              Programmatic Technologies, LLC
              Programmatic-Technologies.com
              Independent Developer & Consultant​​

              Comment


                #8
                Re: Absolute Layout Feature

                I am saying it will be dificult your UX performs well in the screen AND in paper at the same time.

                Have you ever seen a web page that can print decently?

                Screen and paper have different requirements and the compromise is not easy.

                Comment


                  #9
                  Re: Absolute Layout Feature

                  Originally posted by mikeallenbrown View Post
                  If my clients use their actual form during data entry a report that mimics the real deal won't be good enough, they will want to print out that very same form. Alpha developed this absolute container and presented it as a great way to do forms. It would make sense to come full circle and offer a print option. I hope Alpha will do this.

                  -Mike
                  I can't imagine why you couldn't make a report that is identical to the UX if that's what you need. Roger is correct when he says that paper and screen are different animals.
                  Peter
                  AlphaBase Solutions, LLC

                  [email protected]
                  https://www.alphabasesolutions.com


                  Comment


                    #10
                    Re: Absolute Layout Feature

                    I think what is desired is simply the ability to print out the bit map image of the form, with the data fields layered on top, as in the video. Not necessarily recreating the form in the UX to the exact look and feel of the paper form. Selwyn's comment above... "if there is enough customer demand for this we can certainly add it." seems to indicate it's not that difficult a feat. Easy for me to say!

                    Comment


                      #11
                      Re: Absolute Layout Feature

                      Would definitely love to see this functionality.

                      Comment


                        #12
                        Re: Absolute Layout Feature

                        oK, has this been implemented? Can we print? This seems like a need not a want...
                        NWCOPRO: Nuisance Wildlife Control Software My Application: http://www.nwcopro.com "Without forgetting, we would have no memory at all...now what was I saying?"

                        Comment

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