Elements Tab Reference
Manage elements and layers in the Template Designer.
The Elements Tab is the control center for managing the structure of your template. Here, you can add new visual components to your canvas and manage the stacking order (layers) of existing elements.
Management vs Configuration
The Elements Tab is strictly for adding, reordering, and deleting elements. To configure properties like position, font, content, or size, use the Style Tab.
Adding Elements
To add a component to your template, simply click one of the buttons in the "Add Elements" grid. The new element will appear on the canvas and be added to the top of the Layers list.
| Element Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Text | A standard text block. Can be static text or mapped to data. |
| Image | A static image (e.g., logo, signature). |
| Barcode | Generates a barcode (Code39, Code128, etc.) from data. |
| QR Code | Generates a 2D QR code from data. |
| Static Table | A fixed grid for layouts like headers or info boxes. |
| Group Table | A dynamic table that iterates over transaction data. |
Layers Panel & Z-Order
The Layers list at the bottom of the tab shows every element on your current page. The order of this list determines the Drawing Order (Z-Index) and the Flow Order for relative positioning.
Managing Layers
- Selection: Click a layer to select that element.
- Reorder:
- Up Arrow (↑): Moves the element UP the list (Visual: Towards the Back).
- Down Arrow (↓): Moves the element DOWN the list (Visual: Towards the Front).
- Delete: Click the Trash Bin icon to remove the element.
Understanding Z-Order (Stacking)
The order of elements in the list determines their stacking order (z-index).
- Top of List = Drawn First (Background)
- Bottom of List = Drawn Last (Foreground)
If two elements overlap (e.g., text over an image), the element lower down in the list will appear on top of the element higher in the list.
Case Study: Relative Positioning & Layer Order
When you set an element's position to Relative in the Style Tab, the Layers Order becomes critical.
Relative Positioning Rule
A "Relative" element positions itself based on the bottom-left corner of the Previous Element in the Layers list.
Example Scenario
Imagine you have two text elements:
- "Report Title" (Static Text, Large Font)
- "Date" (Variable Text, Small Font)
You want the Date to automatically appear below the Report Title, regardless of how long the title is.
Correct Configuration
Layer Order:
- Report Title (First in list)
- Date (Second in list) -> Set Position: Relative
Result: The Date looks at the element immediately before it (Report Title), calculates where the title ends, and positions itself directly below it.
Incorrect Configuration
Layer Order:
- Date (First in list) -> Set Position: Relative
- Report Title (Second in list)
Result: The Date has no "previous element" (or looks at the page margin), so it stays at the top. The Report Title draws after the Date, potentially overlapping it or appearing in the wrong place.
Best Practice
When building flow-based layouts (like a letter body), ensure your Layers list matches the Reading Order (Top to Bottom).