User Guide

Chapter 6: Text And Typography
Importing text from other applications
You can import text created in other applications into Canvas. This capability is especially useful if
you are compiling documents from different applications into a Canvas layout; e.g., you might need
to assemble a publication with contributions from several writers who each use different word
processors.
Canvas supports several methods for importing text. You can open a text file, place a text file, paste
text from the Clipboard into a Canvas document, and use OLE.
The Import command is used to import raster images, not text.
Opening a text file with the Open command creates a new Canvas Publication document for the
imported file. Placing, pasting, and embedding text inserts the text into the current document. For
information on pasting text from the Clipboard, see "Copying, pasting, deleting, and moving text
selections" on page 616.
The formatting of imported text might differ from the formatting of the original text in its native
application. Although some software products might have similar capabilities, the methods used can
vary significantly. It might be necessary to reformat imported text using the typographic tools in
Canvas.
Embedded text objects and editions containing text
In Windows, use Object Linking and Embedding (OLE) to insert text in a Canvas document with the
Paste Special command.
However, Canvas treats embedded text objects and editions as objects, not text. You cannot apply
effects, such as wraps or binds, to text in these objects. In addition, Canvas cannot spell check,
hyphenate, or format this text. All formatting and effects must be performed in the original
application or publisher. For more details and procedures, see "Using Object Linking and
Embedding" on page 151.
Placing text in documents
Place text by typing or pasting text from the Clipboard. You can also place text by choosing File |
Place.
If you have difficulty opening or placing a text document because of the formatting, try
converting the file to plain text before importing the file. Also, try copying and pasting the
text you want to import. This removes formatting that Canvas doesn’t understand.
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