Operation Manual

Here are some methods that we will be using in these steps. The controls in the main form consist
of a label and its field. Sometimes we want to work with the entire control, sometimes with only the
label or the field, and there are times when we want to work with a group of controls.
• Clicking a label or field selects the entire control. A border appears around the control with
eight green handles. You can then drag and drop it where you want.
Figure 214: A selected control
• Control+click a label or field selects only the label or the field. You can press the Tab key to
change the selection from the field to the label or the label to the field.
Figure 215: Selecting a field of a
control
• Moving a group of controls is almost as easy as moving one of them.
1) Click the field of the top left control to be moved, to select it.
2) Move the cursor to just above and to the left of the selected control.
3) Drag the cursor to the bottom right of the group of controls and release the mouse
button.
As you drag the cursor, a dashed box appears, showing what is contained in your selection. Make
sure it is big enough to include the entire length of all the controls.
When you release the mouse button, a border with its green handles appears around the controls
you selected.
Figure 216: Selecting multiple controls
Move the cursor over one of the fields. It changes to a drag icon. Drag the group of controls to
where you want them.
• Click the Tolls control to select it. Then drag it to the right close to the Lunch control.
Tip
When either changing size or moving a control, two properties of the Form Design
toolbar should be selected: Snap to Grid, and Guides when Moving. Your controls will
line up better, and an outline of what you are moving moves as the cursor moves.
You should also have both rulers active (View > Ruler).
Step 1: Change the Date field.
1) Control+click the Date field to select it.
2) Move the cursor over the middle green handle on the right side. It should change to a
double-headed arrow.
Chapter 8 Getting Started with Base | 231