User manual

7-10 FileMaker Pro User’s Guide
Customizing the appearance of a layout
You can enhance the design of a layout in a number of ways,
including:
1 adding text outside of fields
1 using the drawing tools to add lines, rectangles, or other shapes
1 adding a graphic or QuickTime movie
See “Working with the layout tools” on page 6-11 for more
information about layout tools.
For more information about setting up layouts for web publishing,
see “Setting up browser views” on page 14-10.
Adding text to a layout
Adding text to a layout makes the layout easier to use and
understand. Use text for:
1 field labels (field names; you have the option of creating a field
label when you place a field on a layout)
1 column headings in columnar reports
1 instructions on a form
1 a form letter, with merge fields displaying data
1 the current date, page number, or record number
Add text anywhere on a layout. Text typed or pasted onto a layout is
an object, which you can manipulate in the same way as any other
object. For example, you can assign a background color or rotate a
text object.
Note To add or change text in your database fields, switch to Browse
mode.
To type text on a layout:
1. In Layout mode, select the text tool in the tool panel or Tools
toolbar (choose View menu > Toolbars > Tools).
2. With the I-beam pointer, click where you want to add text or drag
the pointer to define the maximum line length for the text.
Clicking on the layout creates a small text block that enlarges when
you type text in it.
You see a blinking insertion point surrounded by a temporary dotted
frame.
3. Type the text.
For more complete information about working with text, see the
FileMaker Pro onscreen Help. Choose Help menu > Contents and
Index, click the Index tab, and type text, entering.
4. Set font and other text attributes.
The text is formatted with the default font, style, line spacing, color,
and alignment. To specify text attributes, see “Formatting text” on
page 7-12.
Keep these points in mind:
1 For more information about selecting and editing text, see “About
working with text” on page 2-13.
Tools toolbar
Tool panel
Status area control