cs_layout - lifelike/countersheetsextension GitHub Wiki

If the SVG document with the template contains a layer named cs_layout that layer defines where on the page to generate counters. This can be used to make counters end up exactly where they are needed to match a die-cutter for instance. If that layer is missing the countersheetsextension will fall back to use the entire document page area as one big box to put counters in.

Before version 2.1 that layer was called countersheet_layout. That name is still supported in 2.1 for backwards compatibility, so there should be no rush to update old files.

Probably any professional-looking countersheets are going to use cs_layout to have more control and to leave room on the sheets for additional contents, but filling the entire page can be a good thing for quickly generating lots of playtest counters for instance.

If cs_layout is present all rectangles (and all clones) in that layer defines boxes to fill with counters. They will be used in the order they appear in the SVG file, which is the same as the order they were added to the document. That means by dragging rectangles around after creating them it is possible to create a layout where the sheet is filled in any order.

When cs_layout is used the ENDBOX special row in the CSV file will make the extension move on to fill the next rectangle block. When there is no cs_layout ENDBOX will end the current page instead.

It is possible to make small rectangles that are each just big enough to fit a single counter. That way every individual counter can be precisely positioned on the page. This is only likely to be useful for very specific uses though. See for instance the included example in dicefold.svg that generates a toy foldable dice with 6 sides, each side being generated as a counter.

Make sure each rectangle is large enough to fit at least one counter or bad things will happen when running the extension.

Tips: Keep the cs_layout layer hidden when not editing it (click the eye icon in the Inkscape layer dialog). It will most likely just be adding clutter to the page if it is left visible, and hiding the entire layer is quicker and easier to work with than to make the rectangles transparent.