Abstract: Described is an information sharing method and mechanism used by a layout system to share information across related column and row user interface elements (corresponding to definitions). Definitions of a table or grid are grouped together with respect to sizing via a common group name. Scope values may be used to limit the grouping to selected subtrees of elements. When layout occurs, size sharing information is determined for the group-related definitions via a common size sharing object. Grouped definitions thus may be sized to the largest content to display of any one element. Elements corresponding to definitions may be manually sized by a user, or may be based on the size of a defined master element, such as the width of a header. The scope value of a group may be changed dynamically, such as by user interaction, which may cause groups to merge or split.

Abstract: A View Template allows a template author to create an attractive HTML view template, and flow an arbitrary HTML content document into a series of containers defined in the view template. A content document author creates a standard HTML markup language document that can be displayed in a browser in the bottom-less page model. A view template author designs an HTML view template document that changes how that content document is displayed in the browser or printed. The HTML content document is “flowed” into areas defined by the HTML view template document. The HTML view template document describes where to flow the HTML content document onto the display or printer. There is an object model (OM) that supports the series of containers holding the content document. Each container in the series has a layout that defines the size, location, and ordering for the content document to flow through while in that container. The order of containers that the content document flows through is kept in a view chain.

Abstract: Described is a layout system and process for user interface elements of computer programs. The layout system generally refers to a protocol and associated API that enables sizes and positions to be allotted, in which user interface elements are rendered. The layout system may be split between a core layout system and a framework layout system. The core provides minimal policy/rules that are imposed to allow flexibility for a given framework implementation. The framework adds support for user-specified sizing, positioning, margins, minimum sizes, maximum sizes and specific layout elements. Parent elements (e.g., containers) direct measure calls and arrange calls to child elements. The layout system essentially intercepts those calls and depending on policy may manipulate the properties of those calls for sizing, positioning, alignment and the like to ensure uniform and consistent layout results.

Abstract: A View Template allows a template author to create an attractive HTML view template, and flow an arbitrary HTML content document into a series of containers defined in the view template. A content document author creates a standard HTML markup language document that can be displayed in a browser in the bottom-less page model. A view template author designs an HTML view template document that changes how that content document is displayed in the browser or printed. The HTML content document is “flowed” into areas defined by the HTML view template document. The HTML view template document describes where to flow the HTML content document onto the display or printer. There is an object model (OM) that supports the series of containers holding the content document. Each container in the series has a layout that defines the size, location, and ordering for the content document to flow through while in that container. The order of containers that the content document flows through is kept in a view chain.