Using layers to design tables

Layers are used to position content on a page and are easier to work with and manipulate than table cells. You can use layers to quickly create complex page designs and then convert the layers to tables for use in 3.0 browsers. You can also move back and forth between layers and tables to tweak layout and optimize page design.

If you are targeting 4.0 and later browsers only, you can use a combination of tables and layers and even animate your layers. See Animating with dynamic HTML.

Note: If you want to generate 3.0 or 4.0 browser compatible files from your current file, use the conversion options in the File menu. See Converting between 3.0 and 4.0 browsers.

To switch to layer-editing mode:

1	Choose Modify > Layout > Reposition Content Using Layers.
2	In the Dialog box that appears, select the desired options.
	Show Grid and Snap to Grid Let you use a grid to help position layers. See Snapping layers to the grid.
	Prevent Layer Overlaps Constrains the positions of layers when they are created, moved, and resized so that they don't overlap. See Preventing layer overlaps.
	Show Layer palette Displays the Layer palette. See Layer palette.
3	Click OK.
	The tables are converted to layers within the file. Empty cells are not converted to layers. Content outside of tables is also placed in layers.

To switch to table-editing mode:

1	Choose Modify > Layout > Convert Layers to Tables.

2	In the dialog box that appears, select the desired table layout options.
	Most Accurate Creates a table cell for every layer, plus any additional cells that are necessary to preserve the space between layers.
	Smallest: Collapse Empty Cells Specifies that the layers' edges should be aligned if they are positioned within the specified number of pixels. If this option is selected, the resulting table will have fewer empty rows and columns.
	Use Transparent GIFs Fills the table's last row with transparent GIFs. This ensures that the table is displayed the same in all browsers.
	When this option is on, it is impossible to edit the resulting table by dragging its columns. When it is off, the resulting table will not contain transparent GIFs, but its appearance may vary slightly in the different browsers.
	Center on Page Centers the resulting table on the page.
	If this option is off, the table is left aligned.
3	Select the desired layout tools and grid options, and click OK.