Adding shapes to footers in Open XML Wordprocessing documents might seem daunting, but it's achievable with a structured approach. This guide will walk you through the process, providing a clear understanding of the underlying XML structure and offering practical examples. We'll cover different shape types and customization options to help you tailor your footers precisely to your needs.
Understanding the Open XML Structure
Open XML uses a structured XML format to represent Word documents. Footers reside within the w:ftr element, which is nested within the w:footerReference element in the main document part. Shapes are defined using the w:drawing element, which contains further nested elements specifying the shape's properties.
Adding a Simple Shape to the Footer
The fundamental process involves adding a w:drawing element within the footer's XML. This w:drawing element will contain a wp:inline element, which holds the specific shape details. Let's illustrate with a simple rectangle:
<w:ftr w:type="default">
<w:p>
<w:r>
<w:drawing>
<wp:inline distT="0" distB="0" distL="0" distR="0">
<wp:extent cx="952500" cy="952500"/>
<wp:docPr id="1" name="Rectangle"/>
<wp:cNvGraphicFramePr>
<a:graphicFrameLocks noChangeAspect="1"/>
</wp:cNvGraphicFramePr>
<a:graphic>
<a:graphicData uri="http://schemas.openxmlformats.org/drawingml/2006/shape">
<pic:pic>
<pic:nvPicPr>
<pic:cNvPr id="2" name="Rectangle"/>
<pic:cNvPicPr/>
</pic:nvPicPr>
<pic:blipFill>
<a:blip r:embed="rId1"/>
<a:stretch>
<a:fillRect/>
</a:stretch>
</pic:blipFill>
<pic:spPr>
<a:xfrm>
<a:off x="0" y="0"/>
<a:ext cx="952500" cy="952500"/>
</a:xfrm>
<a:prstGeom prst="rect">
<a:avLst/>
</a:prstGeom>
</pic:spPr>
</pic:pic>
</a:graphicData>
</a:graphic>
</wp:inline>
</w:drawing>
</w:r>
</w:p>
</w:ftr>
This XML snippet adds a simple rectangle. Remember to adjust the cx and cy attributes to control the size. The r:embed="rId1" attribute points to an image relationship; for a solid color, this would need to be adjusted or removed.
Adding Different Shape Types
The prst="rect" attribute in the a:prstGeom element dictates the shape type. Changing this attribute allows you to create various shapes:
- Rectangle:
prst="rect"(as shown above) - Oval:
prst="ellipse" - Triangle:
prst="triangle" - Diamond:
prst="diamond" - Arrow: Various arrow presets are available; consult the Open XML documentation for a complete list.
Customizing Shape Appearance
Further customization involves altering attributes within the XML:
- Fill Color: Modify the
a:blipFillelement to specify a solid fill color or a gradient. Solid colors require removing thea:blipand replacing it with appropriate color elements. - Line Style: Adjust the
a:lnelement to control the line's width, color, and style (e.g., dashed, dotted). - Text within Shape: Add text within the shape by adding
<a:txBody>elements inside the shape definition.
How to Implement This in Code
This XML needs to be integrated into your Open XML Wordprocessing document using a library specific to your chosen programming language. Libraries like OpenXML SDK for .NET (C#) or similar libraries for other languages allow you to programmatically manipulate the document's XML structure. You'll need to create the necessary XML elements and insert them at the appropriate location within the footer.
Troubleshooting Tips
- Namespace Issues: Ensure you've correctly declared the necessary namespaces in your XML.
- Relationship IDs: Manage relationships correctly if you're using images for fills.
- XML Validation: Validate your XML to catch errors before attempting to open the document.
By understanding the XML structure and using appropriate libraries, adding shapes to Open XML Wordprocessing footers becomes a manageable task, enhancing the visual appeal and functionality of your documents. Remember to consult the official Open XML documentation for a comprehensive understanding of the available options and attributes.
