There are four key concepts that you need to be aware of before using the Layout tools.
The Available Area
This could be the machine dimensions, piece of board etc. The area has a width, height, optional margins and optional flute/grain direction. The sheet parameters are stored in the Layout Machine / Sheet Settings.
The Quick Layout tool utilises only the parameters on the Standard Sheet tab. Whereas the Layout Creator tool makes use of the Machine Limit and Machine Type tabs as well.
Pattern / Placement
You should bear in mind the following points:
- The inserts are placed in rows and columns
- The rows and columns may need to rotate
- The inserts may need to interlock
- There may need to be a fixed distance (gutter) between each row and column
- The inserts may need to respect the flute or grain of the chosen sheet
The parameters that relate to this placement are stored in the Layout Pattern Settings.
Palettes
Impact can automatically add sheet outlines to the finished layout. These can be any combination of:
- The maximum / default sheet size - referred to as the Stock Sheet
- The rule to rule extents - referred to as the Printed Sheet
- The rule to rule extents plus the margins - referred to as the Fitted Sheet
- A symbol representing the grip edge
The symbols defining these are stored in the Palette Settings.
Fill Method
This area defines the number of designs in a layout. There are two available options, Fill Sheet and Grid. The former will simply place as many layer inserts within the available area (in accordance with the specified layout pattern), whilst the latter allows a number of designs to be specified in the X & Y axes.
Tools described in this section:
> Layout Creator
> Composite Layout Creator
> Quick Layout
> Trim One-up
> Add Sheet Sizes And Symbol
> Show Layout Report
> Step And Repeat