Adding Output Generators

When you create a new Output Job file, only the relevant output generators are added to the file and configured using default setups. To quickly clear these output generators and start with a 'blank canvas', press CTRL + A , followed by DELETE . A dialog will appear whenever you delete an output generator, prompting for confirmation of the deletion.

Figure 2. A blank canvas - all output generators have been deleted

A new output generator can be added in one of two ways:

• Click on the Add New entry in the category and choose the required output generator from the pop-up menu that appears. Note that only the available output generators with their respective data source are highlighted.

• Alternatively, use the relevant Edit » Add Outputs menu items to choose the required output generator.

Whichever method you choose to employ, the resulting output generator will appear listed under its corresponding output category, as shown in Figure 3.

Figure 3. Addition of an Output Generator.

Attributes of each Output

For each output generator added to the file, the following information is displayed in the Editor's main window:

Name

This field allows you to give the output generator a meaningful name. The ability to customize the name is especially important when multiple output generators of the same type are added. When an output generator is initially added, this field is identical to the Output Description field but is focused, ready for renaming. To change the name of an Output Generator at any time, click once on the field to focus it, then click on the field again (or press F2 ) to access in-place editing.
In addition, you can use this field to specify a sub-folder and a filename for your output generator, including a file extension. This gives you greater control over the location and names of your outputs. The format is FOLDER\FILENAME.extension.

Figure 4. Setting a custom folder, filename and file extension.
For more information on using custom folders and names, refer to the PDF Setup and Generated Files Setup sections of this document.

Data Source

When you add an output generator, you are required to choose the data source. To modify the source from which to generate the output, click once to focus, then again to access the drop-down of data sources. Only applicable data sources are available for each output generator, leaving less room for error. Note that the color of the text in the Data Source column changes to red if the Data Source has been removed or if the filename has changed.

Output Description

This field displays Output Generator type. This field is non-editable so if you add multiple Output Generators of the same type, it is best practice to provide a meaningful Name to distinguish between them and their intended use.

Variant

When generating Assembly and/or Report-based output and your project includes one or more Assembly Variants, this field allows you to specify which variant to use when generating the required output. Note that the color of the text in the Variant column changes to red if the variant has been removed or if the variant name has changed. Ensure the correct selection for your project has been made by choosing a valid variant from the drop down list.

Enabled

This field allows you to control whether or not a particular output generator is included (option enabled) or excluded (option disabled). This option is disabled by default for each newly-added output generator. Once enabled for a particular Output Medium, a green line will connect each output generator to its associated Output Container. The same output generator can be included in multiple Output Containers.

Manipulating Output Generators

Using commands accessed from the main Edit menu or right-click menu, you can copy, cut, paste and delete output generators as required. You can use these commands to quickly populate OutJob file based on content already existing in another OutJob file.
The Duplicate command enables you to make an identical copy (duplicate) of a selected Output Generator. This allows you to quickly define a new Output Generator that may differ only slightly from an existing one - saving you from setting up all options from scratch. The duplicate Output Generator will be created and added to the associated output list. It will appear above the original and with the name Copy of Name of Original. Edit the name and configuration of this new Output Generator as required.

Figure 5. Duplicating an existing Output Generator.

After you have added your Output Generators, you can configure them to suit your needs. Different output generators have unique dialogs to configure precisely what gets generated when the output is run.

After you have configured your output generators, create or associate them with your chosen Output Container