Introduction to XSL-FO

Abstract

A detailed technical introduction to XSL-FO, version 1.0 or 1.1 (your choice). It covers all of the major features of XSL-FO, including page layout, blocks, inline formatting, tables, lists, images, links and more. The emphasis of the hands-on exercises is on using XSLT to create XSL-FO.

Duration

2-3 days

Schedule

To schedule a class, please contact us at pwalmsley@datypic.com.

Prerequisites

Basic knowledge of XSLT.

Topics covered

1. Introduction
   • Purpose
   • Benefits and use cases
   • A Hello World example
   • Generating XSL-FO with XSLT
2. XSL-FO basics
   • Page layout
   • Flow vs. static content
   • Blocks
   • Inlines
   • Property inheritance
3. Formatting blocks
   • Borders
   • Backgrounds
   • Margins and padding
4. Formatting inlines
   • Fonts
   • Text alignment and spacing
   • Indentation
   • Whitespace
5. Lists
   • List structure
   • Formatting lists
6. Tables
   • Table structure
   • Formatting tables
7. Images
   • Incorporating images
   • Sizing and positioning
8. Links
   • External links
   • Internal links
   • Markers
   • Page number links
9. Page layout
   • Headers and footers
   • Portrait vs. landscape
   • Different odd and even pages
   • Forcing page breaks
   • Avoiding page breaks
   • Widows and orphans
10. TOCs, bookmarks and indexes
    • Tables of contents
    • Leaders
    • Bookmark trees
    • Indices
    • Footnotes