Screen Layout Map

You may optionally assign a screen layout map to a program in the Program Summary.

By default, error and information messages in a QAB program are displayed as pop-ups in a part of the screen that is empty or has not been used recently. If you would prefer to display these messages in a part of the screen reserved for them, assign a screen layout map by identifying its mapset and map number in the appropriate part of the Program Summary. Using this facility, you can design a standard layout for all your programs ensuring that messages of a certain type always appear in the same place.

The fields in the screen layout map determine the position of messages as follows:

101 function key area
102 information messages
103 error messages
104 question menus
If you include field 109 in the map, any scrolling maps will end at or before that field whenever possible.

Other numbers between 100 and 120 may be used in the future for specifying positions on the layout map.

If you do not want to specify the position for any of these types, omit the appropriate positioning field from the map.

Your screen layout map may also include attachment fields to which other maps in the program will be attached. You can position main maps using the Attach to another map output method and specifying the layout map number and an appropriate field. Multiple choice maps can be attached by inclusing a field numbered 100+map number in the layout map.

You can also use the screen layout map for adding standard text that remains on the screen, such as the name of a company. However this prevents the layout map from being displayed as an invisible map, which is often an advantage.

To define a screen layout for your program:

Select Screen layout map number on the Program Summary screen and select Edit map
On the layout map, add a field (usually an attach point control) in the position you want the message maps to appear. Number the field according to the message type (for example, field 103 for error messages).