When creating a template, you may want to allow your end users the opportunity to choose different design elements or layouts. While this can be possible via image variables or Alternate Layouts, an easier option may be to set specific layer visibility. By separating your artwork elements into specific, individual layers you can then use a list variable with action logic to allow your end user to choose their design elements.
For example, your end user could decide which text they want on a sales starburst, determine if they need regular pricing versus member pricing, or change preset verbiage for disclosures or disclaimers.
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Creating Artwork Layers
As the designer, you can create the layers you would like your end user to choose from in InDesign or in your CHILI Back Office.
If designing in InDesign, once you have converted your document, you can review or edit your layers by navigating to Document > Layer List.
If designing in the CHILI Back Office, you can create a new layer by selecting the + sign in your layer list. When adding new design elements, be sure to keep the appropriate layer selected.
If you need to move a design element from one layer to another, select the frame for the element you need to move and navigate to the Frame panel on the right side of the Back Office. Under the Frame Location tab you will see a Layer dropdown. Simply open the dropdown and select the layer where you want to move your design element.
Creating Your Layer Visibility Variable
To create the variable that will control your layer visibility, you need to create a List Variable. Once you have created your list variable and added all layer options, you’re ready to add your action logic. In the Variable Settings panel, navigate to the Actions tab. Click the Edit button next to On Change.
You will use action logic to set which layer will be visible based on the list variable option your end user chooses.
When setting up your action logic, you will need a line to set the visibility for each layer option. Your active layer’s visibility will be set to true and all inactive layers should be set to false. If one of your list options is to have none of the layer options appear, your action logic should have all layers’ visibility set to false. In the example below, the end user can choose from a list variable with the options None, Design Option 1, and Design Option 2.
Click Apply in the bottom left to apply the action logic to your list variable.
Now that your action logic has been applied, you can test your design to ensure everything is working as expected. Remember, CHILI is a web-based program, so you will need to select an option from your list variable to see the changes you’ve made. To do this, navigate to the Variable data in the left panel and choose an option from your list variable drop down.
