What is a Paint Layout?

(Cjevic) #1

Hi Guys,


I'm pretty new to this whole Mysource Matrix thing so please excuse my ignorance regarding this next series of questions, but any assistance would be greatly appreciated. I have managed to get my head around most features of the CMS except for the Paint Layout and really would like to have some idea before i have my formal training tommorrow with you guys. My questions are:



1.) What is a Paint Layout in laymans terms and when should i use it?



2.) How does a Paint Layout differ from a Design Layout? And when would i need to use one over the other?



3.) Is there a way to modify the structure of a paint layout in a code behind view like it is possible with the design layouts?



4.) When i manage to create a Paint Layout it always comes up as the default "%paint_layout%" can i create a custom layout which differs to this? If so, could you please explain the different steps required to do this?





Thanks in Advance

Chris

(Avi Miller) #2

Paint Layouts are one of the most complex assets to understand in Matrix. I'd recommend waiting until training so that you can see how paint layouts actually work. :slight_smile: However, here are some brief answers to your questions:

  1. A Paint Layout is used to change the way asset content is generated. For example, a standard page (by default) paints its content on the frontend. A Paint Layout could be used to insert information before/after the content automatically.


  2. Paint Layouts and Designs are completely different. :slight_smile: They are complimentary, not alternatives. You need a Design to style the output of your content. A Paint Layout sits between the default asset output and the Design itself.


  3. Yes. Paint Layouts are controlled via the Paint Layout asset. You can switch the bodycopies to Raw HTML presentation if you prefer.


  4. You rarely change the Page Contents of a Paint Layout. Rather, you would change the Type Format for the specific asset type you wish to customise.
(Greg Sherwood) #3

Just to add one more point; paint layouts style the content produced by the BODY tag in a design. That is the one thing designs cannot let you do; drill down into the BODY tag and change the default way Matrix prints assets.


But I agree with Avi. Training will really help as paint layouts are easiest to learn by-example.

(Cjevic) #4

Cheers Guys - I think i will take your advise and wait for the training! That's not to take anything away from both your great responses, but it just went straight over the top of my head! lol

(Noel) #5

is there some documentation relating to paint layouts?

(Avi Miller) #6

I think this is coming in the new Design manual, but I'm not 100% sure. Deb will know. :)
(Mat Griffin) #7

There is some documentation in the old System Admin manual for 3.10 but not in the System Admin manual for 3.16, not sure if the 3.10 info will help though.