Layout Editor

The Layout Editor allows you to control the position and size of the elements that make up a question when exams are published.

By creating or modifying layouts, you can customize the appearance of questions in both HTML and PDF output.

The Layout Editor can be used to edit layouts for individual questions or to create reusable layout templates.

Question Elements

Depending on the question type, a layout may contain one or more of the following elements:

• Question text (Stem)
• Answer choices (Multiple Choice and True/False questions)
• Answer area (Fill-In, Short Answer, and Essay questions)
• Images

Each element can be positioned and resized independently.

Layout Editor Window

The Layout Editor is divided into two main areas.

Left Panel

The left side of the window contains controls used to:

• Select the element to edit.
• Configure fonts and other element properties.
• Add or remove image placeholders when editing templates.
• Perform other layout editing operations.

Right Panel

The right side of the window contains three views.

Edit View

The Edit View displays the layout being edited.

Question elements can be selected, moved, and resized directly within this view.

HTML Preview

The HTML Preview displays how the question will appear when published as an HTML exam.

PDF Preview

The PDF Preview displays how the question will appear when published as a PDF exam.

These preview panes allow you to immediately see the effect of layout changes.

Moving Elements

To move an element:

1. Click the element to select it.
2. Drag the element to the desired position.

For precise positioning:

• Select the element.
• Use the Arrow Keys to move the element one step at a time.

This provides much finer control than using the mouse alone.

Resizing Elements

To resize an element using the mouse:

1. Select the element.
2. Drag one of its resize handles.

For precise resizing:

1. Select the element.
2. Hold the Ctrl key.
3. Use the Arrow Keys to resize the selected element.

This makes it easy to make small adjustments to the layout.

Layout Editor Modes

The Layout Editor operates in two different modes.

Question Layout Mode

Question Layout Mode is used to create or edit the layout for a specific question.

Changes made in this mode affect only the selected question.

See Edit Question Layout.

Template Editing Mode

Template Editing Mode is used to create or modify reusable layout templates.

Templates can be shared by many questions and are automatically selected by PrimeExam when no question-level or exam-level layout override exists.

See Edit Templates.

Choosing Between Templates and Overrides

In most situations, reusable layout templates should be used whenever possible.

Question-level or exam-level layout overrides are intended for special cases where a particular question requires a unique layout that cannot be achieved using a template.

Using templates consistently makes layouts easier to maintain and produces a more uniform appearance across published exams.