boxformat

Boxformat is a descriptive term used to refer to a data representation for a rectangular "box" in diagrams, user interfaces, and document layouts. It is not a formal, universally adopted standard; rather, it denotes a generic schema that tools and workflows may use to capture the attributes of a visual box.

A boxformat model typically encodes key properties such as position, size, and appearance, along with content and metadata. Common fields include x and y coordinates, width and height, padding, border details (width, style, color), background color, and opacity. It may also include content-related data (text, label, or embedded objects) and metadata like an identifier, z-order, or interaction properties (actions on click or hover).

Serialization formats for boxformat data are varied, with JSON, XML, and YAML being common choices. Boxformat data is used in diagram editors, UI prototyping tools, flowchart applications, and vector graphics programs to export or exchange layout information. It relates to broader concepts such as the CSS box model or SVG shapes but serves as a higher-level abstraction focused on the concept of a discrete box rather than raw rendering primitives.

Example boxformat (illustrative): {"id":"box1","type":"rect","x":100,"y":50,"width":200,"height":120,"border":{"width":2,"color":"#000000","style":"solid"},"fill":{"color":"#ffffff"},"content":{"text":"Box title","font":{"size":12,"family":"Arial"}},"metadata":{"created":"2025-12-16"}}.

Variants of boxformat can specialize for diagrams, chat bubbles, notes, or panels within dashboards. While useful as a design and interoperability aid, boxformat remains non-standard, and specific implementations may define their own extensions and constraints.