---
title: "Forming a Composite"
slug: "forming-a-composite"
updated: 2025-08-26T20:50:16Z
published: 2025-08-26T20:50:16Z
canonical: "help.timestone.com.au/forming-a-composite"
---

> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://help.timestone.com.au/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Forming a Composite

Composites can be broadly divided into two categories.

- **Static Composites** - use a consistent layout for all subjects in the composite.
- **Rotating Composites** - feature a Main Block, allowing each subject to take a turn as the focal point, creating a unique page for every subject in the composite.

Composite pages are formed in the **Form Pages** mode of NeoComposite by combining two templates:

- **Page template** - the overall page with areas for subjects, graphics and text
- **Subject block template** - a template that defines the look of the subjects along with their text (names)

This flexible structure lets users create either uniform pages or dynamic, subject-focused layouts, depending on their needs.

****Further Reading: Creating Composite Templates****

NeoComposite templates are powerful combinations of graphics, text, and specialty design objects.

[Composite Templates](/v1/docs/composite-templates)

Form Pages mode enables users to create composites by selecting a combination of page templates, subject blocks, included subjects, and other settings.

![Form Pages Mode showing a rotated composite](https://cdn.document360.io/4c6b2b86-f0ee-419b-9aca-71ba574125e1/Images/Documentation/Form%20Pages%20Mode.jpg)

Figure 1: The Form Pages window showing a rotated composite

The window consists of three main parts:

1. The toolbar
2. The column of created composite groups
3. The composite Preview Area

## The Toolbar

The most commonly used tools have icons on the toolbar.

![Icons representing various file and editing options in a software interface.](https://cdn.document360.io/4c6b2b86-f0ee-419b-9aca-71ba574125e1/Images/Documentation/FP_Composite_2.png)

Figure 2: The Form Pages toolbar

The buttons are as follows, from left to right:

| Button | Description |
| --- | --- |
| New Job | Create a new job file |
| Open Job | Opens a job file |
| Save | Save a job (only used when working with TNJ files) |
| New Composite | Creates a new composite page |
| New Composites | Creates multiple new composites in one step |
| Subjects to Include | Access the subjects to include menu |
| Set Details | Access the composite set details page |
| New Version | Create a new version of the current selected composite |
| Tweak Page | Open an editable preview of the composite, enabling limited tweaking of objects on the formed page. |
| Remove Composite | Remove the created composite |
| Print | Print the composite pages |

## Creating a Composite

To create a composite:

1. Choose **Edit> New…** or click the **New Composite** button on the toolbar. This will automatically open the **Subjects to Include** dialog window

![List of subjects to include with checkboxes for selection in a software interface.](https://cdn.document360.io/4c6b2b86-f0ee-419b-9aca-71ba574125e1/Images/Documentation/FP_Composite_3.png)

Figure 3: The Subjects to Include window

1. Choose the subjects to include in the composite by checking the box for the given folder. It is also possible to select/exclude subjects on an individual basis
2. Select a **pose** or **view**, if applicable, alter the **description** of the composite to give it a custom name, and set a **subtype** if needed
3. Click **Next** to advance to the **Composite Set Details** dialog window

![Composite set details for templates, arrangement, and subject blocks in a software interface.](https://cdn.document360.io/4c6b2b86-f0ee-419b-9aca-71ba574125e1/Images/Documentation/FP_Composite_4.png)

Figure 4: The Composite Set Details dialog window

1. Choose the desired templates for the Page, Subject Block, Main Block (if different), and Board (if applicable)
2. Select the Arrangement and Sort Order of subjects
3. Select what the application should do with unmatched (unphotographed) subjects. There are 3 options:

- Show in unfeatured list
- Leave on the page
- Ignore

1. Click **OK** to create the composite

![Class photo of Ms. Jones's first grade students for the 2025-2026 school year.](https://cdn.document360.io/4c6b2b86-f0ee-419b-9aca-71ba574125e1/Images/Documentation/TD_Comp_NameOn.png)

Figure 5: A created composite

### Rotated Pages

If a created composite contains a Main block, where the subjects rotate to the “Featured” position, a version of the composite will be created for each subject.

To navigate between the versions, use the Arrow buttons in the lower left of the preview area.

![Class photo of Ms. Jones's first grade students for the 2025-2026 school year.](https://cdn.document360.io/4c6b2b86-f0ee-419b-9aca-71ba574125e1/Images/Documentation/TD_Comp_RotatingComp_Name%20on.png)

Figure 6: A rotating composite

---

### FAQ

#### What are the two main categories of composites?

The two main categories of composites are Static Composites and Rotating Composites.

#### What is a Static Composite?

A Static Composite uses a consistent layout for all subjects in the composite. Each subject’s composite page is identical.

#### What options do I have for unmatched subjects in a composite?

You can choose to show unmatched subjects in an unfeatured list, leave them on the page, or ignore them.