AMX G4 PANELBUILDER V1.1 Instruction Manual page 30

Creating Templates for G4 PanelBuilder
Suggestion
Create a simple TPD4 file showing the desired output. Doing this gives you a starting point to begin looking at
how to modify the TPD4 file to create a template.
2. You are ready to begin restructuring the elements to fit your needs. Start with the Device and
Navigation elements first and the Placeholder elements last. The key for creating your own
elements naming conventions. G4 PanelBuilder looks for navigations with the name,
[nav#navName]pageName.
Suggestions
Start with the most complex Device element first, then make copies of it. This method allows you to modify and
delete thus the pages are more likely to be similar. Also, create several different variations of Navigation and
Sub-Navigations (3 items, 4 items, etc...).
3. Create the preview images for the elements. Images do not have to be full size, in fact AMX
templates utilize a 1/4 screen size to reduce the template file size.
Suggestion
Mock up the interface in TPDesign4 by opening the corresponding page and display all applicable popups.
Select Page > Copy Image To Clipboard. Then open the resource manager and select Paste. Now rename the
new image to the appropriate element name.
4. After you have completed the template design, do a generate. A .TPT file is created and a list
of errors and warnings are displayed at this time, if applicable.
5. Repeat the design for other resolutions.
Things to remember:
Below is the workspace for TPDesign4. The pages are highlighted in the color of the element they
represent.
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Your navigation menus will always be on top of your Devices. Make sure they do not
conflict with each other.
You can use TPD4's Save As Other Panel Type when appropriate or as a starting point.
Leave the "Job Name" in the Panel Properties the same for all related TPD4 files, this is
the basis of a template family.
Not all resolutions have to be done at once. If necessary you can build the ones you
currently need and address the other resolutions as they present themselves.
G4 PanelBuilder