How Do I Use XHTML to Format Text in Lasernet?

This article will explain how to use XHTML as a method of formatting text within rearranges. While version 8 of Lasernet included a new feature called Styles for formatting the text within rearranges, XHTML can still be used alongside or as an alternative option. Using Styles is recommended from Version 8 and above due to the ease of use and flexibility to apply a style globally.

HTML (HyperText Markup Language) and XHTML (Extensible HyperText Markup Language) are both languages that can be used to write web pages. XHTML follows XML standards meaning that it is stricter than normal HTML. Both can be applied in the following scenarios.

The following is a selection of supported HTML tags and the output:

<p>A paragraph</p>

<p> A second paragraph</p>

<strong>Strong</strong>

<em>Italic</em>

<u>Underline</u>

<span style=”text-decoration:underline”>CSS style underline</span></br>

<span style=”font-size:12pt;color:red”>CSS style large red</span></br>

<ul><li>list item one</li>

<li>list item two</li></ul>

<ul style=”margin:0”><li style=”padding-left:11px”>list item one</li>

<li>list item two</li></ul>

XHTML Setup within Rearranges

The Form editor is set up with a text grab file.

At least one created rearrange.

This section will outline how to turn on XHTML and use it to format the text within Rearranges. Follow these steps:

1. Double-click a rearrange to navigate to its settings, or right-click and select General.

2. Select the XHTML checkbox.

3. Select the Objects tab and click the Add button to add a Fixed text element to the list.

4. Move it above the rearrange element, add another, and ensure it is below the rearrange.

5. The Fixed text will be used as starting and end tags to apply the HTML formatting to the rearrange. For this example, we will make the rearrange italic.

6. At the top Fixed text box, enter the following opening tags <em>, and then at the bottom, Fixed text add </em>.

This is the formatting result after applying the ’em’ tag to the text. It is now italic.

We are essentially wrapping the data with the XHTML formatting, which Lasernet will process.

Fixed Text Formatting

XHTML can also be used on a Fixed text element, but it has the advantage of being able to format the text as well.

1. Create a Fixed text box using the Text tool and then go to the properties

2. In the General tab, select the XHTML checkbox.

Using Multiple Rearranges

The XHTML option disables Newline in the Input tab and removes line breaks from the captured value when active.

A break can be placed between rearranges by inserting a Fixed text with a value of <br>.

For example:

Ensure the XHTML option is selected within the General tab.