<?tbcolalignt>
Description
If <?tbcolalignt> is not specified, PTC ALD will default the alignment tabs in a table to a single decimal tab, but it is also possible to specify a series of tabs. These together make up a block or sub-column within the main column, with the <?tbcolalignh> command allowing you to specify whether this sub-column is flush left, right or centered within the main column. When PTC ALD pre scans the table it automatically works out the widths needed for each of the tabs within the sub-column and will then auto-generate tabs at the right positions when formatting the column.
Example 402. Generate a right aligned table for currency documents
The macro below will generate a table with a right aligned tab for the currency and then a decimal tab for the figures. This then may be used in combination with the text command <?overhang> to add information after the numbers that has no effect on the column/tab widths.
<?tbcolalignt=rd>
Example 403. Generate a right aligned table with flush left contents
The macro below will generate a sub-column that is flush right within 2mm of the outer column, but whose elements are flush left with respect to each other.
<?tbcolalignt=l[2mm]><?tbcolalignh=r]>
Syntax
<?tbcolalignt '@' '+' aligntabs:b>
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@
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The "@" character is optional and only has relevance when pre-specifying alignment tabs at the top of the table. It specifies that this column is the one whose properties should be repeated if required, for any columns whose tabs have not been actually specified.
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+
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The initial "+" character is optional and, if specified, ensures that multiple <?tbcolalignt> commands can be specified instead of a single one with multiple values. The "+" also indicates the presence of further details for the current column when specifying columns at the top of the table, rather than moving on to specify the next column in sequence.
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aligntabs
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This is made up of a combination of margins and tab-codes in any order you require, with the restriction that a maximum of 8 tabs can be used.
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A decimal tab counts as two tabs.
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margins
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Are specified as a measure within square [ ] brackets, e.g. [2mm]. As well as being used to separate tabs, they can surround the tabs to provide gutters when <?tbcolalignh> is being used to flush left or right.
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Tab codes:
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d
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Decimal tab.
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l
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Left aligned tab.
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r
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Right aligned tab.
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c
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Centered tab.
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Additional Information
This command supports triggers. See Technote #0075: Automatic Aligning and Hanging Characters.
Quad returns work on table tabs, modifying the last tab on the line. Decimal tabs can be overridden with quad returns, but behave strangely if the overridden section is larger than the left hand side of the remaining decimal tabs.
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