When using BX and the XmForm container widget I have trouble changing the X/Y parameter of child widgets and get asked for specific values. Is there a work around?

When using BX there is an issue that occurs regularly when using the XmForm container widget. As I place child widgets like textLabel or buttons or even another XmForm, I sometimes have trouble changing XY or width/height parameters in the Resource Editor. This forces me manually change the geometry on the screen by selecting and dragging things around to either change position or size. I prefer using the Resource Editor when I need to set very specific parameters values. Can you explain why I am getting this warning and if there is a work around.

Work around:

  • By adding widgets to the XmForm, now the form will manage the position and geometry of its child widgets and their relative positions
  • In order to change XY position of a widget within the XmForm, you change the left, right, top or bottom offset in resource editor. BX will not allow you to change XY or width/height in the resource editor directly.
  • Be aware if a widget has attachment on the right and you are making changes to the leftOffset, this will change the width as the left side will be shifting while the right side is static.
  • Alternatively, if there is no right attachment, changing leftOffset will shift the entire widget back and forth without affecting the width.
  • Same behavior is true for top and bottom offset

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