Template Layout editing is used to create and maintain reusable question layouts.
Unlike question layout overrides, which apply only to a specific question, templates can be shared by many questions. During exam publishing, PrimeExam automatically selects the best matching template whenever a question does not have a more specific layout override.
For information about layout priority and template selection, see:
Opening Template Editing
To edit layout templates:
- Open the Question Bank window.
- Click Edit Templates.
The Layout Editor opens in Template Editing Mode.
Selecting a Question Type
Each template is associated with a specific question type.
Use the question type selector on the left side of the Layout Editor to choose the type of template you want to edit.
Templates are maintained separately for each question type, including:
- Multiple Choice (MC)
- True/False (TF)
- Fill-In (FI)
- Short Answer (SA)
- Essay (ES)
Managing Templates
Once a question type has been selected, you can choose an existing template from the template list.
The following commands are available:
- New Template – Creates a new template.
- Save – Saves changes to the current template.
- Save As – Saves the current layout as a new template using a different name.
- Delete – Deletes the selected template.
Adding Question Elements
Templates are built by adding and arranging question elements.
Question Stem
Use Add Text Block to add the question stem.
Only one stem may exist within a template.
Answer Choices
Use Add Choices to add the answer choice area.
Only one choice area is allowed.
This element is available only for:
- Multiple Choice templates
- True/False templates
Answer Area
Use Add Answer Box to add an answer area.
Only one answer area is allowed.
This element is available only for:
- Fill-In templates
- Short Answer templates
- Essay templates
Image Placeholders
Use Add Image to insert image placeholders.
Unlike the other elements, a template may contain any number of image placeholders.
Each image placeholder can be:
- Positioned anywhere within the layout.
- Resized independently.
- Shaped to best accommodate the intended image.
PrimeExam distinguishes between landscape, portrait, and square image placeholders when matching templates to questions.
See Layout Templates.
Removing Elements
Image placeholders may be removed by selecting the image element and clicking Delete.
The required elements for a question type (such as the stem, choices, or answer area) cannot be deleted because they are necessary for that template type.
Editing Fonts
The Fonts controls become available whenever an element that supports font customization is selected.
Fonts can be modified for:
- Question stem
- Answer choices
As font settings are changed, use the HTML Preview and PDF Preview tabs to see how the published question will appear.
Designing Effective Templates
When creating templates, consider the kinds of questions that will use them.
For example:
- Create templates with different numbers of image placeholders.
- Use portrait, landscape, or square image placeholders where appropriate.
- Arrange elements to provide sufficient space for question text and answer choices.
Well-designed templates improve the appearance of published exams while reducing the need for question-specific layout overrides.