> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.geodin.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.geodin.com/visualization-layouts-and-reporting/creating-custom-layouts/layout-editor-basics.md). # Layout Editor Basics The layout editor is GeoDin's graphic authoring environment for creating and modifying layout templates. It is accessed via the **Graphic Printing and Editing** method and the **Layout** section. This page covers the editor's core mechanics: how to open and save layouts, how the editor toolbar is organised, and the tools for managing elements, layers, groups, and palettes. Part of the [Creating Custom Layouts](/visualization-layouts-and-reporting/creating-custom-layouts.md) family. ## Opening and saving layouts Default layouts ship pre-installed in `C:\ProgramData\GeoDin\Layouts\`, organised by object type (for example, G1 includes borehole logs, stiff/parameter layouts, water content vs depth, and Atterberg limits layouts). To add your own layout folders, go to **Available Layouts**, click the blue **+** button, and browse to a folder (for example, a network share for team layouts). Two file formats are used for saved layouts: | Format | Name | Purpose | | ------- | --------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | **GLO** | GeoDin Layout | Template - no data connection. Listed in the Available Layouts overview. Use for reusable templates. | | **GGF** | GeoDin Graphic Format | Layout + connected data (e.g., a specific cross section with 10 boreholes baked in). Not listed in Available Layouts. GGF files can be drag-and-dropped into GeoDin to open with original data connections. | {% hint style="warning" %} When editing a default layout, always use **File > Save As** (not **Save**) to avoid overwriting the shipped default. Create a folder such as `[CLIENT]_Layouts` and copy defaults there before editing. If a default is accidentally overwritten, there is no built-in reset - you must request a copy from the GeoDin team (there is no public re-download link). {% endhint %} Default layouts are stored once per GeoDin installation. In a network install, overwriting a default affects all users on that installation. ## Starting a new layout To start a new layout: open the graphic editing method with no layout loaded, double-click the empty canvas to show the **Object Properties** panel, then drop in a complex element from the toolbar. Two buttons in the lower-left corner of the editor window control access to the overview and blank edit mode: * **Layer Overview** - opens the overview of layout layers and drawing elements. * **Edit Graphics** - opens a new blank layout in edit mode. Layouts can be fully customised (delete fields, replace logos) via **Edit Mode** from the upper-right toolbar. ## Editor toolbar The editor toolbar is divided into two sections: * **Simple graphic elements:** lines, polygons, rectangles, text * **Complex graphic elements:** object frame, borehole log, depth scale, samples, groundwater, data sequence, measurement value graphic, report element, well design, legend, image {% hint style="info" %} The in-product **F1** context-sensitive help is comprehensive on template creation topics (object frames, single vs multiple object frames, macros, dynamic objects) and opens at the section matching the part of GeoDin currently in focus. {% endhint %} ## Inserting and managing elements | Action | How to | | ------------------------ | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | **Insert element** | Select the element type from the toolbar, click and drag on the page to define position and size. If a group or object frame is selected, new elements are added inside it. | | **Duplicate** | `Edit > Duplicate` or `Ctrl+D` on a selected element. | | **Delete** | `Edit > Delete` or `Del` key. `Edit > Cut` also removes the element but places it on the clipboard. | | **Select one** | Click an element. Selected elements show 4 gray corners (lines show 2 gray corners at each end). | | **Select multiple** | Shift+click or drag a selection frame (elements must be completely inside the frame). | | **Select all** | `Edit > Select All` or `Ctrl+A`. | | **Select a group frame** | Click the border area, or Ctrl+click inside the frame. Selected group frames show 4 gray side lines. | | **Select same type** | Select one element, then `Edit > Select same objects` to select all elements of that type - useful for batch-changing fonts or styles. | | **Object Properties** | Double-click an element, or press `F11`, or use `Edit > Object Properties`. Properties update automatically when selecting different elements. The panel position (left/right) can be set in Preferences. | | **Find hidden elements** | In the tree view of graphic elements, single-click an entry to highlight it briefly with blinking blue markers. Double-click to select and edit it. | *** ## Drawing layers Layouts use multiple drawing layers, visible in the **Layer Overview** panel (lower-left corner). Layers can be toggled visible/invisible, reordered, and locked. Use separate layers to isolate fixed elements (title blocks, logos) from variable graphic elements. For the full drawing layers reference - dialog icons, visibility controls, and the `Ctrl+E` shortcut - see [Customizing Log Layouts](/visualization-layouts-and-reporting/creating-borehole-logs/customizing-log-layouts.md#drawing-layers). ## Snap function The snap function (`Ctrl+K`, or **Preferences > Snap**) provides exact alignment when drawing graphic elements. Endpoints, corners, and nodal points snap automatically to nearby existing points within a configurable distance (1-50 mm via **Preferences > Snap preferences**). Works across all drawing layers. Affected elements: lines, rectangles, polylines, and borehole profiles. ## Grouping elements | Action | How to | | ---------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | | **Group** | Select multiple elements, then use the Group icon or `Arrange > Group`. | | **Ungroup** | `Arrange > Ungroup` or the Ungroup icon. | | **Lock/Unlock** | Lock group elements to prevent accidental edits. Unlock to modify individual elements within the group (elements can only be moved/scaled within the group frame). | | **Add to group** | Select the group frame first, then insert the new element - it automatically becomes part of the group. | | **Merge groups** | `Arrange > Merge groups` combines two or more groups (or object frames) into one. This can unite different layouts into a single object frame. | | **Multiple selection** | When multiple elements are selected, display/arrangement functions (move, z-order, fix/unfix) apply to all at once. | {% hint style="info" %} Grouping inside a group is not possible. Geological graphic elements are already grouped and cannot be grouped further. {% endhint %} Arrangement changes on grouped elements apply only inside the group. To change the arrangement of grouped elements relative to the rest of the graph, move the group frame itself to the fore- or background. For general z-order behavior (Bring to front / Send to back), see [Element Properties Reference](/visualization-layouts-and-reporting/creating-custom-layouts/element-properties.md#reference-text-elements). ## Using palettes Palettes provide preset fill patterns, colors, line types, fonts, and symbols that can be applied to elements with a single click, significantly speeding up layout styling. * **Activate:** `View > Palettes` (toggle). * **Apply:** Double-click a palette entry, or single-click then click the Apply icon. Hold Shift to apply to multiple selected elements at once. * **Palette sections:** Fill Pattern, Colors, Line types, Fonts, Symbols. * **Fill patterns** apply to polygon, rectangle, circle, ellipse, and symbol elements. Transfer of background/foreground color is configurable. * **Colors** apply to line, polygon, rectangle, circle, ellipse, symbol, and text elements. * **Line types** set style, thickness, and color for line-based elements. * **Fonts** apply style, size, and color to text elements (other settings like angle are preserved). * **Symbols** apply symbol type (and optionally fill pattern and line type) to symbol elements. * **Custom palettes:** Copy an existing `.PAL` file to a new filename. The palette folder is configurable in Preferences. ## Layout snippets A layout can embed another layout as a snippet - for example, a header/footer stored once in `Common_A4_LHF.GLO` and referenced by many templates. The snippet pattern lets users change a company logo in one file and have all layouts using it update automatically. A snippet appears in edit mode as a green-boxed region that cannot be edited inline - open the snippet layout directly to edit it. *** ## Reference: Layout interface settings Layout interfaces provide configuration panels for different element types, accessible without opening the full editor. | Interface | Applies to | | ----------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------- | | **Scales** | Borehole log, well design, data sequence, samples | | **Labeling** | Text and variable text elements | | **Data sequence** | Data sequence elements | | **Reports** | Measurement value graphic elements | | **Time series** | Measurement value graphic elements (time series mode) | | **Selection** | Report, data sequence, and measurement value graphic elements | | **XY-diagram** | Measurement value graphic elements (XY mode) | Elements must have **Make available as quick setting** enabled to appear in layout interfaces. For the full list of quick-setting controls per interface type, see [Layout interface quick settings](#reference-layout-interface-quick-settings) below. ## Reference: Layout interface quick settings Layout interfaces allow end users to adjust layout parameters without opening the full layout editor. Elements must have **Make available as quick setting** enabled. | Interface | What it controls | Requirements | | ----------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------- | | **Content for text elements** | Edit text/variable text content | At least one text element with quick setting enabled | | **Parameter for left axis** | Left axis parameter, view, decimal places, and label | Time series diagram | | **Parameter for right axis** | Right axis parameter, view, decimal places, and label | Time series diagram | | **Axis range left Y-Axis** | Left Y-axis scale range | Time series with "Draw scale and labels" enabled | | **Axis range right Y-Axis** | Right Y-axis scale range | Time series with "Draw scale and labels" enabled | | **X-Axis range** | X-axis range and decimal places | XY-diagram | | **Y-Axis range** | Y-axis range and decimal places | XY-diagram | | **Selection parameter** | Selector/post-selection conditions (numbers, strings, dates, HAS operator with comma-separated terms, `%` wildcard) | Elements with selectors; selectors sharing a name are updated together | ## Reference: Unit systems in layouts Display units from defined unit systems can be used in layouts. The depth scale reacts to different depth units for borehole profiles, extensions, samples, and soundings. Switching the unit system changes the displayed values without affecting the paper layout. The list of selectable unit systems can be restricted per layout. ## Reference: Paper format quick settings Paper formats can be included as layout quick settings, allowing users to switch page size without editing the layout. The default setting includes both size and orientation; orientation selection can be removed. Custom paper sizes from other installations are marked with a warning icon and can be added to the local installation via **Add paper formats** (requires write access to the Syslib directory). --- # Agent Instructions This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. 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