I would be on Preset #2 for example, and Layout #2. Then Export that layout (with a custom name) to a backup folder. Then I would go to say, Preset #5, Layout #2 and Import that Layout into the #2 slot. Same for Layout #3.
I have seen the Layout Links section on FM9 Edit, but I have not done anything with it (not intentionally, anyway). On page #16 of the Footswitch Functions Guide, it says that "FC Layouts are Global". So, I was thinking that if I modify and then save a Layout, I should be able to import that Layout into FM9 and have it be available across all presets. I now understand that the PP over rides and placeholders don't count in that and I get it. I didn't see a place that I could export/save PP assignments but maybe I've missed it somewhere in the manual or onscreen. It would be nice to be able to make some Global so they would populate across all presets.
ALL layouts are global, it doesn't matter what preset you're on, it's the same set of layouts. You can save a layout for backup, but not to transfer the settings into another preset because they're already there because they're global, so stop saving and importing into individual presets thinking it's doing something because that's not how it's done.
In a preset you can define switch overrides that apply within that preset only, and they are stored within the preset, and they overlay the global layouts when you enter the preset. Theoretically you could override every switch in each layout, but you'd be giving up the power of global layouts and you'd be doing a lot of extra work. Instead, think of the effects you use most often and set up a global layout with those, and then add individual per-preset overrides to add other effects that are specific to that preset, which will result in a lot less work.
Typically I only override switches in my EFFECTS layout(s) as the preset and scene layouts take care of themselves nicely, but YMMV.
I'd HIGHLY recommend working with the default layouts and get to understand how they work before venturing out to modifying or creating layouts. The default and/or built-in OMG-type layouts are flexible; Use them, then try fixing some niggling detail.
Basically, what I'm trying to do is set up my preferred layout and then have all of my presets default to that, rather than necessarily having to program each preset, every time.
It already does that. That's what "global" means.
For example, switch #7 should say Scenes but it will be blank. I made the Assignment Tap=select Scenes Layout and Hold= Effects Layout. Switch #8 should say Presets Layout but it doesn't. I'm going to go through it again later today and try to get some screen shots.
Please don't use screen shots. Attach your "All layouts" export. The first are basically as useful as you drawing it on a napkin, and the second lets us see exactly what's going on and lets us adjust things to make them work if we see something wrong, or redo it if it can be improved.
That was not my intention. It doesn't really matter, IMHO, what my Layouts say...it's just that when I export (save) them to a backup folder and import them into a new preset, in the same location, they don't translate the same. I understand that PP Switch over rides and placeholders will not translate. I don't understand why the rest of the Layout isn't translating appropriately. It "should" be an easy step to save and then import a single Layout or All Layouts and yet, that is not what I'm finding here.
Because you're not understanding the concept of global layouts and per-preset overrides. You don't "import" between presets, and nothing is "translated".
What I was trying to find out is whether or not I am misunderstanding the fundamental nature of exporting/importing Layouts. To be more precise, can I expect to only be able to import a saved layout into the original spot from which I exported it for it to work correctly or can I expect that a saved Layout can be imported into any Layout in any Preset and it will work as I set it up in the original preset. Part of my question is solved re: PP has to be programmed in each preset.
Yes, you're misunderstanding how they work, and you need to back up and start with the defaults, nose around inside them, then try making a minor change, see how it works across multiple presets because it's global, then try adding a per-preset override and see how it affects only a specific preset.
Fractal's layout system is really powerful, but it's a simple programming language talking to different devices, the foot controllers, which talk to the modelers. We have to understand presets, scenes, and channels and effects, to understand the layers and levels inside the layout manager. Jumping in and messing around with layouts without understanding those other things is going to lead to frustration.
