How to Read Multi-Slide Door Configurations: OX, OXXO, Pocket and Bi-Parting

In common multi-slide door notation, manufacturers may use X for an operating panel, O for a fixed panel and P for a pocket, so codes such as OX, OXXO or PXX can describe different panel arrangements. The code is not self-sufficient or universal: always state the viewing side, add movement arrows and ask the selected supplier to confirm its convention and available configuration before treating the layout as approved.

This guide helps architects, builders, contractors and project owners decode proposed multi-slide door layouts for quotation. It does not establish product availability, dimensions, performance, structural requirements, pocket construction or installation details.

What do O, X and P commonly mean?

In the sample configurations published in Loewen's MultiSlide technical resources, X means operating, O means fixed and P means pocket. That legend is useful for learning the shorthand, but it should not be assumed to govern every supplier's drawings.

A dash, space or other separator may be used to show groups that meet or move in different directions. Because document conventions differ, include the supplier's legend on the same drawing set rather than relying on the letters alone.

How to read OX, OXX and OXXO arrangements

The sequence is generally read across the panel positions from a stated viewing side. An OX example can indicate one fixed panel beside one operating panel. OXX can indicate a fixed panel with two operating panels. OXXO is often used for four panel positions with fixed panels at the ends and operating panels between them.

Those descriptions are illustrative shorthand only. They do not prove how the panels move, where they collect, which track each panel occupies or what clear opening will result. Two drawings can show the same letters yet communicate different intent if one is viewed from the exterior and the other from the interior.

Pair the shorthand with a marked elevation and arrows. If the selected system, direction or panel arrangement has not been confirmed, label it TBD or proposed.

Stacking, pocketed and bi-parting configurations

Configuration codes become clearer when they are paired with the intended opening concept. Manufacturer documentation, including the Marvin Modern Multi-Slide technical resources, separates stacked and pocketed details and lists product-specific files. That structure is a useful reminder that available arrangements and details belong to the selected system, not to the shorthand by itself.

Stacking

In a stacking concept, operating panels move and collect toward another panel or a jamb, depending on the system. A code may identify which panel positions operate, but it does not establish the number of tracks, exact stacking location, movement sequence or clear opening. Draw arrows and name the intended collection side.

Pocketed

In a pocketed concept, operating panels are proposed to move toward or into a pocket condition. The P symbol can communicate that intent in a supplier legend, but it is not a construction detail. Wall layout, structure, drainage, access, finishes and installation interfaces require project-specific coordination by the appropriate project team and selected supplier.

Bi-parting

A bi-parting concept has panel groups that meet near a central condition and move away in opposite directions. Some documentation separates the groups with a dash, as in OX-XO or PXX-XXP. Confirm how the supplier defines the separator, meeting panels and movement before using the code in a quote or drawing package.

Why viewpoint and movement arrows matter

“Left,” “right,” OX and XO can become ambiguous when the observer's position is missing. A project team may be looking at the same opening from opposite sides of the wall. Even when the letters are correct within one convention, the recipient may read them using another.

Use a complete note such as viewed from exterior or viewed from interior. Add arrows directly below or above the operating panels, and show the same convention on the schedule and elevation. If the supplier requires a different orientation or handing convention, update the legend and drawing together.

Three checks before sending a configuration for a quote

1. Identify the opening and drawing source. Give the opening a unique mark, location and reference to the current plan or elevation. Do not reuse a mark for units that have different configurations or requirements.
2. Name the viewpoint and show movement. State whether the unit is viewed from the exterior or interior and add arrows. Mark unconfirmed configuration information as proposed or TBD instead of guessing.
3. Request supplier confirmation. Ask the selected supplier to confirm its notation, proposed panel movement, configuration availability and the next information required for coordination.

For the complete set of quote-stage fields, use the window and door schedule for a custom quote. The schedule connects the configuration note to the opening mark, location, preliminary dimensions, finish intent, drawing reference and unresolved questions.

Example of a quote-stage annotation

D-201 — proposed four-panel bi-parting layout; viewed from exterior; movement arrows shown on elevation A-501; supplier notation and configuration availability TBD; for quotation only.

This fictional example communicates the design intent without inventing a product series, dimension, performance criterion or final configuration. If the project is still deciding between broad system types, first review sliding doors versus folding doors; use the configuration notation only after the proposed system direction is clear enough to coordinate.

From proposed shorthand to approved production information

A configuration code can appear at several project stages, but its authority changes as coordination progresses:

1. Design intent: preliminary notation and arrows describe what the team would like the opening to do.
2. Supplier-reviewed proposal: the supplier confirms how its notation applies and develops a proposed configuration from the submitted information.
3. Approved shop drawings and verified field information: the local project team reviews the developed documents against the project requirements and verified conditions.
4. Production authorization: final production information is approved through the project's defined process.

The first two stages must not be mistaken for the last two. Before approval, use the window and door shop drawing review checklist to coordinate the opening, interfaces and project information at the appropriate level. The local project team must verify site conditions and approve final production information.

Frequently asked questions

Does X always mean the sliding panel?

X means operating in the Loewen example cited above, but the selected supplier's legend and viewpoint must be confirmed. Do not assume that every drawing, schedule or manufacturer uses the same letters in the same way.

Is OXXO always a four-panel bi-parting door?

It may describe four panel positions with operating panels between fixed panels in some documentation, but the code alone does not confirm movement, meeting condition, track arrangement, configuration availability or clear opening. Pair it with arrows, a viewpoint note and supplier confirmation.

Does P mean the wall pocket is ready to build?

No. P can indicate pocketing intent in a supplier legend. It does not establish pocket construction or resolve structure, drainage, access, finishes or installation interfaces. Those items require project-specific professional and supplier coordination.

What should accompany the configuration code in a quote request?

Include the opening mark, location, current drawing reference, named viewpoint, movement arrows and proposed or TBD status. Send the latest plans and elevations and list unresolved questions. The full quote-schedule guide provides a structured place for the remaining project information.

Send a clearly marked configuration for review and quotation

Meruzy offers free project design and quotation for custom architectural systems. Submit your current plans, elevations, schedule, preliminary dimensions, relevant photographs and unresolved configuration questions through the project quote form. Meruzy can coordinate a proposed solution from the information provided; the local project team must verify site conditions and approve final production information.

Project note: This guide explains common configuration shorthand for early coordination. It does not confirm product availability, dimensions, performance, code compliance, engineering, installation requirements or production authorization.