Layout grid / shell

Layout grid

Layout grid is a graphical representation of columns and rows, in which form components are placed. It allows you to design and organize the form layout – it defines how components are arranged on the page and controls the proportions between them. Thanks to the grid, the form creator can precisely set the width and position of elements while maintaining visual consistency and interface readability.

The layout grid is visible both in form edit mode and in read-only mode.

Grid view in the application editor

Enabling the layout grid is possible in the tab Request – by clicking the button “Layout grid” located at the bottom of the side panel.

Figure 1. "Layout grid" button

After enabling the grid view, the form is expanded with additional helper elements:

• a column grid (helpful when designing and modifying the application layout) and the boundaries of component areas,
• identifiers for pages, base components, and composite components,
• visibility of technical fields.

Figure 2. Technical field visible after enabling the "Layout grid" option

The grid view does not affect the published appearance of the form – it is only a helper tool that facilitates component placement and layout analysis.

Figure 3. View of the "Application" tab without the layout grid enabled

Figure 4. View of the "Application" tab with the layout grid

Theme change

Theme change is an option in Eximee Designer that allows switching between application themes, i.e. the visual layers of the form.

Switching between themes occurs after clicking the button Theme change located at the bottom of the form editor's side panel.

Figure 5. "Theme change" button

After clicking the button, a list of available themes defined for the platform instance opens. Selecting another theme immediately changes the form's appearance in the preview – however, it does not affect its logic or component structure.

FAQ

Does the layout grid change the form's appearance for the end user? No. The grid is visible only in edit mode and does not affect the published appearance of the form.

Can the theme be changed for a single form page? No. The theme is assigned to the entire form or application, not to individual pages.

Does changing the theme affect the column layout? Not directly, but different themes may have different margin and spacing values, which may require minor adjustments to component placement.