Label Mix HomePage Positioning Objects


In Label Mix the position of objects inserted on a label is determined by the coordinates of one or two points of insertion. Text, Compound Text, PolyText, Barcode and Symbol objects use one point, while Rectangle, Lines, Image and Paragraph objects use two points. In the design editor, the origin of coordinates is at the top left.
Label object postion coordinates

Inserting an object

After we have selected the necessary object (either from the main menu Objects item or from the toolbar), we then move the mouse cursor over to the label and left-click the mouse to insert the object on the label. We release the mouse and then click Reset icon  reset label object cursor to normal to reset the mouse cursor to normal or default state.

Positioning an object
Once an object has been inserted, its position can be changed. In Label Mix there are several ways you can handle the process of positioning an object.
1. By selecting the object and moving/dragging it with the mouse to the necessary position.

2. By using the Object Properties Inspector to directly modify the value of the object's coordinates.

3. By using Hot keys on keyboard. Selected object(s) can be moved left, right, up and down by holding down the CTRL and the necessary arrow key. Thus:
CTRL+Left arrow - move the object(s) left.
CTRL+Right arrow - move the object(s) right.
CTRL+Up arrow - move the object(s) up.
CTRL+Down arrow - move the object(s) down.

Selected object(s) can also be re-sized (modify width and height) by holding SHIFT and the necessary arrow key.
4. By using object alignment functions accessible via the Edit and Objects menu items.
For predictable results, object alignment functions should be used in combination with Alignment Lines

5. By using a Layout object as container for other objects.
Generally, a Layout object acts as parent element for other objects. When you draw (insert) objects on a Layout object, you can align the objects in reference to the Layout cell boundaries.

Positioning multiple objects

The task of positioning multiple objects is similar to positioning a single object, except that it entails selecting several objects at once. In addition, Label Mix is equipped with collection of functions aimed at positioning multiple objects in reference to one another. These functions are accessible via the toolbar and also via the main menu.
Labl Objects Alaignment Tools
Using the picture, icons from left to right:
1. Resize selected objects to equal heights
2. Resize selected objects to equal widths
3. Equally space selected objects horizontally
4. Equally space selected objects vertically
5. Align selected object(s) to the first object top position
6. Align selected object(s) to the first object bottom position
7. Align selected object(s) to the first object left position
8. Align selected object(s) to the first object right position
Resize the selected objects to equal heights and widths
Before
1. Resize selected objects to equal heights
Resize the selected objects to equal heights
After
1. Resize selected objects to equal heights
Resize the selected objects to equal heights and widths
Before
2. Resize selected objects to equal widths
Resize the selected objects to equal widths
After
2. Resize selected objects to equal widths
Label objects before alignment to first object top position
Before
7. Align selected object(s) to the first object left position
Label objects after alignment to first object top position
After
7. Align selected object(s) to the first object left position

Additional visual aids for aligning objects
Label Mix provides additional visual aids, aimed at easing the task of positioning objects on the label. The tools include:
- Grid
- Rulers
- Reference lines
- Alignment Lines
- Layout object
Hints:
- Use the Options|Designer Properties... menu item to set fixed preferences
- Use the View|Editors Properties... menu item to set temporary preferences
 
Grid
Series of equally spaced points or lines drawn horizontally and vertically across the label's background.
Grid line color, space between the lines and other properties can be set at Options|Designer Properties...
Grid as object alignment visual aid
You can also enable (Snap to grid) option so that insertion or re-positioning of objects conforms (clips) to the grid points/lines.
 
Rulers Designer editor horizontal and vertical rulers. If enabled, size of the object and its position will be displayed on rulers' scales. Rulers make objects re-sizing, alignment and positioning easier.
 
Reference lines

Layout object A Layout object acts as container for other objects, for organizing them into columns and rows.
When you insert an object into the cell of a Layout object, you can align the object within the cell by using the position and margin properties of the inserted object.

Position will adjust the position of selected (inserted) object in relation to the current cell (column-row, where the objected is inserted). The margin property will handle the padding of the object.
see also: how to draw/insert Layout object
 
Object Alignment Lines
Horizontal and Vertical lines can be used to align selected objects in reference to the lines. To display object alignment lines, you need to enable Show Alignment Lines property in the designer Options and Settings page.

You can also choose between fixed and adjustable Alignment Lines by disabling/enabling If we mark the box Adjust Alignment Lines property in the designer Options and Settings page. If enabled, small markers will be additionally displayed on the design editor rulers. Drag the marker(s) to adjust the lines.

To align an object in reference to the Object Alignment Lines, select the object and then click the necessary alignment among the menu items: Align right, left, top or bottom.

In the picture,
ZIP object has been aligned right to the Object Alignment Lines
Street - aligned bottom
Country - aligned left.
Label objecta alignment
Notice also that size (width and height) of the Street (selected) object is additionally displayed on the horizontal and vertical rulers respectively.

Hints:
You can also align multiple objects using the steps described above. You need to first select the objects to align.