Format Objects
A format object specifies how a document or page of a document is to be formatted. The format object includes the following properties:
A format object also refers to a collection of items that can be specified for a format. For more information about the format collection, see "Collection Objects" on page 1-18.
- Dimensions. This property specifies size of the printable area. For more information about the dimensions property, see the chapter "Core Printing Features" in this book.
- Mapping. This property determines the scale and orientation of the page. The mapping also determines the translation, skewing, and perspective as well; however, these are seldom changed. For more information about the mapping property, see the chapter "Page Formatting and Dialog Box Customization" in this book.
- Form. This property specifies a shape object to print as a backdrop on each page of output and a mask shape that defines erasable areas within the form. For example, a form shape may provide a template so that each page of the document appears as if it is positioned within the template, or the form shape may appear as a logo or banner behind the contents of a page. For more information about form shapes, see the chapter "Page Formatting and Dialog Box Customization" in this book.
- Paper-type. This property contains a reference to the paper-type object associated with this format. Because the paper-type object can restrict the printable area, you can use a paper-type object to change the printable area. For more information about the paper-type property, see the chapter "Advanced Printing Features" in this book.
In the format object itself, you may change only the form property and the paper types. Figure 1-11 shows a form shape and how it can be used to format a document.
Figure 1-11 Effect of specifying a shape in the form property of a format object
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