Re: [xsl] absolute position fo:block to attain magazine like layout

["W. Eliot Kimber" <eliot@xxxxxxxxxx>]

G. Ken Holman wrote:
> At 2002-11-12 09:23 -0500, Noel Golding wrote:
>
> > Is it possible to position a block in an exact location and have the 
> > rest of
> > the text flow around it?
> > example. I have a two column newsletter and I would like to put a callout
> > box in the middle of the page.
>
>
> This is not available in XSL-FO 1.0.
>
> A side float will allow you to put an image at one end of the line or 
> the other, and the text will go around it, but there is no construct 
> that can be placed arbitrarily on a page and have other content flow 
> around it.

It just occurred to me that you could possibly fake this if you know the 
 exact geometry of everything:

1. Position your main block absolutely as a block-container. Set the 
z-index to a large number to ensure it's positioned on top.
2. In the start-side column, use an edge-ward side float whose extent 
will equal that part of the absolute block that would impinge on the column.
3. Ditto for the end-side column with a start-ward float.

This should work, but I haven't tried it yet. I will when I get a chance.

Of course, if the leading edge of all the parties isn't known, then this 
probably can't work.

Cheers,

E.
--
W. Eliot Kimber, eliot@xxxxxxxxxx
Consultant, ISOGEN International

1016 La Posada Dr., Suite 240
Austin, TX  78752 Phone: 512.656.4139


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