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Inspiring
June 16, 2017
Answered

2 Questions about CP 2017-Fluid Boxes and Conversion

  • June 16, 2017
  • 2 replies
  • 414 views

I've downloaded a trial of 2017 so I can fool around with it before upgrading...2 questions have popped up.

When I convert a current responsive project to 2017, the fluid boxes menu icon is greyed out - does this mean I can just leave my project as is and it will be fine? I have 18 or so projects that are completely finished so if they are fine to leave as they are, I'd rather just do that.

Secondly, and this is not a snide remark , it's a real question...what is the point of the fluid boxes? I've watched videos, I've sat through a webinar, and I guess I just don't get it. Anyone??

Thanks!! Have a great weekend,

Tanya

This topic has been closed for replies.
Correct answer Lilybiri

Hi Tanya,

A responsive project when created with a former version will remain in Breakpoint view mode, not be converted to Fluid Boxes work flow. Both work flows are still possible. I gave some reflections about them in: Captivate 2017's gems - Captivate blog and specifically for Question slides in  Tips for 'Fluid' Quiz Slides - Captivate blog

Both work flows have their advantages. Once you master the Fluid boxes, and adapt its way of designing, you'll be able to create a responsive project much quicker, but you'll lose the granulary control you can have with breakpoint views like different layouts for mobile. Text handling with FB's is much better than with breakpoint views where the font size remained fixed in between two breakpoint views (you had to set up the font size for each breakpoint in the Object style), with FB's you don't have that problem, text resizing is smoothly. However there are some restrictions with the normal real fluid FB's: no overlapping objects is one of the most limiting, because it also applies to objects in the same physical location but in different times. You cannot have a caption on top of a shape, a click box on top of an image, unless you convert the Fluid Box to a Static Fluid box (which are not so fluid). You can make objects optional (will disappear for smaller screens), but you cannot choose to replace an object by another one as is possible with Breakpoint views. Conclusion: for very controlled design, keep to Breakpoint views, for saving time and smooth text handling, leaving more design control to Captivate, choose Fluid Boxes. These are my personal reflections, probably other users have different opinions.

2 replies

Inspiring
June 16, 2017

Thank you for your response. I will read your articles. I think it's definitely going to take some patience!

Tanya

Lilybiri
LilybiriCorrect answer
Legend
June 16, 2017

Hi Tanya,

A responsive project when created with a former version will remain in Breakpoint view mode, not be converted to Fluid Boxes work flow. Both work flows are still possible. I gave some reflections about them in: Captivate 2017's gems - Captivate blog and specifically for Question slides in  Tips for 'Fluid' Quiz Slides - Captivate blog

Both work flows have their advantages. Once you master the Fluid boxes, and adapt its way of designing, you'll be able to create a responsive project much quicker, but you'll lose the granulary control you can have with breakpoint views like different layouts for mobile. Text handling with FB's is much better than with breakpoint views where the font size remained fixed in between two breakpoint views (you had to set up the font size for each breakpoint in the Object style), with FB's you don't have that problem, text resizing is smoothly. However there are some restrictions with the normal real fluid FB's: no overlapping objects is one of the most limiting, because it also applies to objects in the same physical location but in different times. You cannot have a caption on top of a shape, a click box on top of an image, unless you convert the Fluid Box to a Static Fluid box (which are not so fluid). You can make objects optional (will disappear for smaller screens), but you cannot choose to replace an object by another one as is possible with Breakpoint views. Conclusion: for very controlled design, keep to Breakpoint views, for saving time and smooth text handling, leaving more design control to Captivate, choose Fluid Boxes. These are my personal reflections, probably other users have different opinions.