Abstract: A palette of representations that can be generated by an application for database, spreadsheet, word processing, and the like, is provided in response to a request for a new object within the application. If the application already has one or more objects open at the time of the request, the representations are also determined based on the context of the data such as from any currently open object(s). The new object is then generated based on the selected representation from the palette, the context of the data, and a structure of data consumed by the application. The layout parameters for the new object are automatically set based on the current context, the structure of the data, and the selected representation.

Abstract: Collisions resulting from the movement of form controls in an electronic document may be dynamically controlled. A user interface may be displayed on a computer which includes a design surface for manipulating the form controls in the electronic document. A selection of one or more form controls in the electronic document may be received by the computer. The selected form controls may be moved over the design surface from an original location. Non-selected form controls on the design surface may be moved to a new location on the design surface upon colliding with the selected form controls being moved. The non-selected form controls may further be aligned to a hidden grid within the design surface after being moved.

Abstract: A palette of representations that can be generated by an application for database, spreadsheet, word processing, and the like, is provided in response to a request for a new object within the application. If the application already has one or more objects open at the time of the request, the representations are also determined based on the context of the data such as from any currently open object(s). The new object is then generated based on the selected representation from the palette, the context of the data, and a structure of data consumed by the application. The layout parameters for the new object are automatically set based on the current context, the structure of the data, and the selected representation.

Abstract: A palette of representations that can be generated by an application for database, spreadsheet, word processing, and the like, is provided in response to a request for a new object within the application. If the application already has one or more objects open at the time of the request, the representations are also determined based on the context of the data such as from any currently open object(s). The new object is then generated based on the selected representation from the palette, the context of the data, and a structure of data consumed by the application. The layout parameters for the new object are automatically set based on the current context, the structure of the data, and the selected representation.

Abstract: A browse mode designer allows an average user of a database application program to easily design reports. The user can use the browse mode designer to build meaningful reports that aggregate data and that combine related data into shaped patterns for easier consumption of information. The browse mode designer can interpret a user's actions and extrapolate what actions are to be performed. A user interface can be used to let the user change the resulting views while being designed.

Abstract: A system and method that allows Web Part developers to customize Extensible Web Part Menus by programmatically adding, deleting, or modifying the commands that appear in the Extensible Web Part Menu. The customization may be performed by the Web Part developer either through a portal page on a server platform or on a client platform. Once the customization to the Extensible Web Part Menu is complete, the Web Part renders the customized Extensible Web Part Menu in a manner that is completely integrated into the rest of the Web Part on the portal page.

Abstract: A page is generated in a computer-based format that includes zones in which controls are inserted. The controls can present information or data that the controls obtain from one or more sources. Features such as the location, quantity, and properties of the zones and the controls can be set as desired when creating the page. Furthermore, the page can be created using a graphical layout. The page can be accessed in a computer-based environment, and properties of the controls, such as the size, position, or classification of presented information, can be manipulated while the page is being accessed.