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5.5 Layout

Defines how a group of elements are arranged in a grid (e.g. cards on pages). Use this module when you want deterministic pagination and slot planning.

5.5.1 Syntax

Layout{ p=nxm g=[x y] o=[w1 h1 w2 h2] shape=... } or L{nxm g=... o=... s=...}

Can be applied to any object:

rect.L{}

[rect1 rect2 ...].L{}

{A4}.L{p=5x8 s=hexgrid}

5.5.2 Pattern (p=)

p is the structural core of layout. It defines how many slots exist per page before page breaks occur.

p= (or positional token) defines columns x rows.

p=3x2
p=0x0
p=3x?
p=?x4
p=-?x-?

0x0 means auto-fit based on available area. ? is also accepted as auto, so 0 and ? are equivalent in pattern.

Order and Flips

Order and flips matter when instance numbering and print order must follow a specific physical workflow.

The grid token supports modifiers:

  • ^ switches order to top-to-bottom, then left-to-right.
  • | flips the axis (use after the number you want to flip).
  • Negative numbers also flip that axis.

Examples:

p=3x2        -> left-to-right, top-to-bottom
p=3x2^       -> top-to-bottom first
p=3|x2       -> flip columns
p=3x-2       -> flip rows
p=-3x-2      -> flip both axes

5.5.3 Gaps (g=)

Use gaps to control spacing between slots without changing card/template size.

g= (or gaps=) defines spacing between slots.

g=[x y]
g=2
g=?

Rules:

  • 1 value means x=y.
  • 2 values mean x (horizontal) and y (vertical).
  • Units and percentages are allowed.
  • ? means auto gap (distribute remaining space evenly to fit the final content area on that axis).

Examples:

g=2
g=[2 3]
g=[1% 3%]
g=[2 ?]
g=[? ?]   # same as g=[?] and g=?

Percentages require a known card size (shape preset or template size).

5.5.4 Offset (o=)

Offsets are useful for staggered layouts, including hex-like placement. They modify slot position patterns, not slot dimensions.

o= (or offset=) defines staggered offsets for alternating slots.

o=[w1 h1 w2 h2]

Notes:

  • If only w1 h1 are provided, w2 h2 defaults to -w1 -h1.
  • Offsets are applied after slot sizing and before final placement.

This is how hex-like or staggered grids are achieved without changing card size.

5.5.5 Shape (s=)

Shape presets provide normalized card/tile sizes so layouts remain consistent across projects.

Defines the shape preset of each grid cell.

Examples:

s=poker
s=minieuro
s=55.3x77.1
s=rect<55.3x77.1>
s=hex<24x33>
s=polygon<[5 23x32]>

See the Presets page for the full list of named sizes.

Hex Shapes

Hex shapes are specialized layout modes for maps and tile production. They automate spacing behavior that would otherwise require manual offset tuning.

Smart shapes adjust gaps and offsets without changing card size:

  • s=hexgrid for maps, boards, overlays.
  • s=hextiles for cuttable tiles with shared edges.

Inkscape tip: use Tools > Stars and Polygons (Shift+F9), set corners to 6, and hold Ctrl while resizing to keep alignment.