Steve Litt troubleshooters.com> writes:
>
> On Tue, 29 Oct 2013 16:43:02 + (UTC)
> Mark Horton yahoo.co.uk> wrote:
>
> > Hi I am a beginner in Lyx and understand a bit about the principles
> > of Latex. I understand the advantages of a "fixed" layout and have
> > seen some code to create a simple one. However it looks like a very
> > steep learning curve.
>
> Hi Mark,
>
> You're exactly right. LaTeX, and therefore layouts, have a steep
> learning curve. I'd recommend you make your first one in the same
> directory as your document, but test it with a tiny test document.
>
> >
> > All I would like to do is 2 little adjustments to the standard "book"
> > layout. It looks fine on A4 paper but when dropping down to A5 paper
> > the space around the Chapter heading text is too big and the Chapter
> > heading text is too big.
> >
> > I believe there are two possible routes, something about a "local"
> > module to override current settings which would be best. Or if
> > possible get the original source for the book layout and create my
> > own local layout from it. (But I wouldn't know where to find that..
> > or if it is available)
>
> That's a last resort, Mark. It's best just to specify only the changes,
> if possible, rather than rewriting the whole environment and modifying
> it.
>
> Here's the idiomatic way people specify the changes:
>
> \let\oldmiscstyle=\miscstyle
> \let\endoldmiscstyle=\endmiscstyle
> \renewenvironment{miscstyle}{
> %%% Stuff to do before invoking original environment
> \begin{oldmiscstyle}
> Stuff to do after invoking original, but before the text
> }{
> Stuff to do before ending original, but after text
> \end{oldmiscstyle}
> Stuff to do after original environment ends
> }
>
> Mark, if you've been a software developer in the past, the line with
> \endoldmiscstyle probably looks like Voodoo, especially given that
> neither \endoldmiscstyle nor \endmiscstyle is ever mentioned again. Do
> it anyway: Somehow, when an environment \whatever is made, LaTeX seems
> to make a corresponding \endwhatever that gets executed upon
> \whatever's completion. I've personally had situations where this idiom
> didn't work unless I put in the line:
>
> \let\endoldmiscstyle=\endmiscstyle
>
> It's best not to give too much thought to such thing as it could screw
> up your brain --- just do it.
>
> >
> > So much for the principle. Any advice on where to find out about the
> > practice (at beginner level) would be appreciated.
>
> I gave a beginners-eye view of making your own layout here:
>
> http://www.troubleshooters.com/lpm/200210/200210.htm#_MakingYourOwnLayout
>
> If I were you, I'd read the entire document, in order.
>
> http://www.troubleshooters.com/lpm/200210/200210.htm
>
> I'd estimate it would be about a day to assimilate all the information,
> and you'll get back your day after writing 200 pages of LyX-authored
> content, and from then on you'll benefit from the knowledge.
>
> WARNING WARNING WARNING WARNING
>
> My document was written before LyX had a great facility for placing the
> layout file in the local directory. Unless you have a reason to believe
> that you'll use the same layout for lots of books (I never have), then
> use current directory layouts, like this:
>
> Document->Settings->Document_class->Local_layout_button
>
> WARNING: DEFINITION ALERT
>
> LyX now has two different definitions for "Local Layout". Definition 1:
> Document->Settings->Document_class->Local_layout_button
>
> Definition 2:
> Document->Settings->Local_layout
>
> Definition 1 refers to a layout file in the same directory as the
> document. Definition 2 refers to putting the text you would normally
> put in a layout file, into the document itself.
>
> I personally always do it with Definition 1 because I can use my editor
> of choice (which of course is Vim), and because I don't have to deal
> with the hassles of the Validate button.
>
> When you use a Definition 1 layout file, be sure to Tools->Reconfigure
> and then restart LyX after every change to the layout file. This hassle
> is one reason I recommend a small test document while building and
> fine-tuning your layout. I often put everything in a shellscript that
> loops. There are people on this list who know how to do a reconfigure
> from the command line: Ask them how to do that --- makes it easier, but
> be careful, you need to be in the right directory when you issue that
> command.
>
> Lastly, I'd like to congratulate you. There are people in this world
> who say "Oh, LyX is trivially easy, anyone can use it!". Those people
> have no credibility with me, because they've obviously always used
> LyX defaults and have never made layout files. In making your layout
> file, you become a LyX journeyman, with its attendant credibility.
>
> Thanks,
>
> SteveT
>
> Steve Litt* http://www.troubleshooters.com/
> Troubleshooting Training * Human P
