Size and Position of Items

Each item has got a pref-pos and a pref-size. These values, which are set using "set-pref-pos" (see 9.1.3.15) and "set-pref-size" (see 9.1.3.15), are only the position and size the item will prefer. The item can also be at different position, if the pref-pos is already occupied by another item. It is also possible to have the item positioned and sized automatically. (see description of the methods "set-pref-pos", "set-pref-size", "set-fill-mode" (see 9.1.3.15)). It is possible to use these automatic function independently for the two directions, for example x-size, x-pos and y-size fixed, y-pos automatically or y-values fixed, x-values automatically. If the method "calc-inter" (see 9.1.3.12), is sent to a group, the group will resize and reposition all its elements. In this mechanism the group will first place all items which have both positions fixed. After that all items, which have at least one automatic position are placed. In the "calc-inter" method, the group will also try to place the item, which have been replaced to another group. After all possible items have been placed, the group will try to place all items, which couldn't be placed up to now, in one of the replacement-groups. (about replacement refer to the last subsection.) Pay attention, that this mechanism is different to the one used if you add item per item.