Generate layout configuration

Create an intermediate layout configuration file for your application.

The layout configuration file includes information about how your Addressable group content should be organized for distribution when building your application as a Microsoft Store package. This file is used at build time to generate the XML layout file used by the makepkg.exe tool. The intermediate layout configuration file enables early detection of potential issues before build time helping avoid common pitfalls.

Create a layout configuration file

To create a layout configuration file, follow these steps:

  1. Open the GDK Intelligent Delivery Mapper window (menu: GDK > Intelligent Delivery > GDK Intelligent Delivery Mapper).
  2. Select Generate Windows Layout.

This creates a layout.json file that contains the mapping details required for the current active build target. The location of this file depends on your Intelligent Delivery settings. By default, it's stored at Assets\GDK\IntelligentDelivery\Build.

Important

Ensure to check the Reports tab, explore the layout, and review any detected issues before you build your packaged project. The packaging step is the final stage of the build pipeline and large projects can take substantial time to reach this point. While the system cannot detect all issues early, any errors in the Reports tab cause makepkg.exe to fail during packaging.

View layout reports

The GDK Intelligent Delivery Mapper window provides comprehensive reports to help you identify and resolve any configuration issues before you build your packaged project.

Layout reports display various types of information to help avoid common issues.

  • Errors: Critical issues that cause makepkg.exe to fail. You must resolve these issues before running a packaging build. For example, empty chunks, duplicate chunk IDs, features without associated chunks.
  • Warnings: Issues that need your attention but don't necessarily cause makepkg.exe to fail. For example, features without recipes.
  • Info: Informational observations and suggestions that don't affect makepkg.exe but might help improve your package. For example, an excessive number of chunks that might affect performance.

Additional resources