Smart Layout 01

Dear Xara...

I consider Smart Layout 01 to be flawed in its implementation and in its concept.

It removes designer choice and actually impedes innovation.
It also goes a long way to destroying the natural rhythm of the Xara user interface.

It does exploit the Names Stretches concept (a.k.a. stretchy buttons) of wrapping a text area inside a box so it can be resized automatically vertically on addition and removal of text lines and manual control over its width.
I could have created my example around this but it is limited to within XDPX so the concept cannot be taken up by the lesser Desktop applications. I also accept stretching is a heady subject in its own right.

Instead, I reverted to simple groupings that need to be the Xara designer's bread and butter to make a greater success of their outcomes.
By doing this, I can show the further flaws in my demonstration Smart Layout 01 file: Attachment 121433.

The concept of a Smart anything is flawed as Xara has chosen to hide them all away in the buy-for-access Online Content Catalogue.

In passing, please empower your staff who read the Dear Xara Forum to, as a minimum, acknowledge that any Thread or Post has been noted, even if you intend to do nothing about it.

Acorn

Seeing that those who are in the employ of MagiXara rarely correspond here, I took it upon myself to reply on their behalf - see attached.
Edit - it goes without saying, Acorn, that I concur wholly with your sentiments!
Bob.

iamtheblues, duly noted,
Acorn