Change the sizing option for a row or column

The sizing option determines how your Grid layout panel and child objects will resize when your application window is resized at run time.

To change the sizing option for a row or column

1. In your Microsoft Expression Blend document, click the Grid layout panel that contains the row or column for which you want to change the sizing option. A blue highlight will appear around the Grid layout panel, to indicate that it is now the active object.

2. Make sure the Grid layout panel is using Grid layout mode .

   Tip

   You can switch between Grid layout mode and Canvas layout mode by clicking the mode icon in the upper-left corner when a Grid layout panel is selected, or by selecting or clearing the Use grid layout mode check box in the Artboard section of the Options dialog box (on the Tools menu).

3. Select the row or column for which you want to change the sizing option by clicking just to the side of the left blue ruler or just above the top blue ruler where the lock icon is located.

4. Do one of the following:

   • To make the row or column remain a fixed size when the parent grid is resized, click the lock icon to lock it . Notice that when you resize the grid, the locked row or column remains a fixed size. Also, under Layout in the Properties panel, notice that the Height or Width value is measured in pixels (or device-independent units, which are approximately 1/96 inch).

   • To make a row or column resize proportionally when the parent grid is resized, click the lock icon to unlock it . Notice that when you resize the grid, the unlocked row or column resizes proportionally. Also, under Layout in the Properties panel, notice that the Height or Width value is measured in star-sized proportions.

   • To make a row or column size automatically when the parent grid is resized, select Auto for Height or Width under Layout in the Properties panel. Notice that the lock icon changes to Auto sized .