How object files work

Objects insert specific strings of code into a user document. Objects let users add content, such as images, absolutely positioned (AP) elements, and tables, by clicking icons or options on the menu.

Objects have the following components:

• The HTML file that defines what is inserted into a document

  The head section of an Object file contains JavaScript functions (or references external JavaScript files) that process form input from the body section and control what content is added to the user document. The body of an Object file can contain an HTML form that accepts parameters for the object (for example, the number of rows and columns to insert in a table) and activates a dialog box for users to input attributes.

   The simplest objects contain only the HTML to insert, without body and head tags. For more information, see “Customizing Dreamweaver” on the Adobe Support Center.

• The 18 x 18 pixel image that appears on the Insert bar

• Additions to the insertbar.xml file. The insertbar.xml file defines where the object appears on the Insert bar.

  A user can select an object by clicking an icon on the Insert bar or by selecting an item on the Insert menu. When a user selects an object, the following events occur:

  1. Adobe Dreamweaver calls the canInsertObject() function to determine whether to show a dialog box.

     The Object file is scanned for a form tag. If a form exists and you select the Show Dialog When Inserting Objects option in the General Preferences dialog box, Dreamweaver calls the windowDimensions() function, if it is defined. Dreamwaver calls the function to determine the size of the dialog box in which to display the form. If no form exists in the Object file, Dreamweaver does not display a dialog box, and skips step 2.

  2. If Dreamweaver displays a dialog box in step 1, the user enters parameters for the object (such as the number of rows and columns in a table) in the dialog box text fields and clicks OK.

  3. Dreamweaver calls the objectTag() function and inserts its return value in the document after the current selection. (It does not replace the current selection.)

  4. If Dreamweaver does not find the objectTag() function, it looks for an insertObject() function and calls that function instead.