Edit mode

When the object is in the edit mode, it appears as a broken line frame without sizing handles, and an in-place ruler appears at the top of the tab.

When you first place a text object, the program sets it in the edit mode. You can also put a text object into the edit mode by double-clicking it when it's inactive or in the move/resize mode.

Each text object contains word processor capabilities, including the ability to change the fonts for individual characters and fields, and automatic word wrap. In the edit mode you can insert text and such non-text objects as database fields and formulas. Whenever the object is in edit mode, it contains an insertion point, a flashing vertical line that indicates the position at which typed text or inserted fields will begin.

The insertion point moves as you type, automatically staying to the right of the last character. It also moves when you insert a field, automatically staying to the right of the field. It moves one character position at a time when you press the space bar. It moves down one line, to the inside left edge of the text object, when you press Enter. It moves to the cursor position when you click anywhere within the existing text.

As you work through the tutorials for multiple sections, it is always expected that you will type or place fields at the existing insertion point, unless otherwise indicated.

• To select text within a text object (to delete it, to change a font, etc.), position the cursor over the text and, when the I-beam cursor appears, drag the cursor to highlight the text you want to select.
• To select a field which is inside a text object, position the cursor over the field and, when the I-beam cursor appears, right-click.
• To insert text, type in the desired text and it will appear at the insertion point.

  

  Note:    It is critical that you see the Drag and drop cursor before placing the field. If it does not appear, you might place the field so that it overlays the text object instead of being inserted into it. It may appear to be inside the text object, but if you move the object the field will not move with it.

• The insertion point is tied into the Drag and drop cursor. If you have existing text or fields in the text object, the insertion point moves as you move the Drag and drop cursor, enabling you to pick the exact position where you want to place the field. The program always places the field at the insertion point.

  

Related topics

Working with text objects.