Text objects

Text objects are used in reports for a multitude of purposes. They are a powerful way of inserting titles; labeling summaries and other data on your report; and of easily combining database fields. For example, in the Quick start for new users, text objects are used to easily display the two contact name database fields as one object, to insert a column heading for the concatenated contact name, and to insert a title in your report.

To insert a text object

1. On the Standard toolbar, click Insert Text Object. An empty object frame appears.

   

2. Position the text object where you want it to appear in the report.

   Click once on the border of the text object to select it for resizing and moving.

   Double-click inside the text object to select it for editing. The Design tab ruler changes to a text object ruler sized to the length of the selected object. To the left, a tab indicator appears.

The ruler allows you to add indents and align text within the text object. By clicking the tab indicator, you can cycle through the four tab options available.

Note:    When you first insert the text object into the report, the object is automatically selected for editing.

To insert a database field in a text object

The primary function of a text object is to hold text. However, text objects can hold database fields as well, making them ideal for creating custom form letters.

1. Insert a text object in the report.

   

2. Type in the text and spaces that you want to appear before the first database field (if any).
3. On the Standard toolbar, click Insert Fields.

   The Field Explorer dialog box appears with Database Fields selected.

4. Highlight the database field to be inserted and drag it into the text object. As you move the Drag and Drop cursor over the text object, the program displays a movable insertion point.

   

5. Drag the object so the insertion point is where you want the database field to appear and drop the field.