Merge/Hyperlink Options

This section reminds you of all available hyperlinks and merges items for the current layout type. So depending on the current layout type (Equipment, Template, Company, or Home), you will see varying options in this dialog. All options listed are grouped in an outline structure.

For several of the more common layout types, you will notice two tabs:

·Fields

·Other

See the sections below for more details:

Fields

Fields Grid - Layout Editor

This grid lists all the most common fields available for merging items and/or hyperlinks in the current layout. Note that the fields are in logical groups like Company, Equipment, etc. To add this item to the layout, select the item in the grid and then double-click - the item will be added at the current caret position - whether inside a current table cell, etc. Note that five different types of links can be created - as specified in the drop-down above the grid:

Link Types - Fields Grid

1. Hyperlink - modifies the current text to include a hyperlink to the selected field. The Default Style for New Hyperlinks will be utilized.

2. Value - adds new text at the current caret position showing a mail merge with the current field. These mail-merge items are shown in the layout at design time with the field name in-between two exclamation marks, as in:

 

!GAGES.GAGE_ID!

 

This text could also be typed manually into the layout - this grid option is merely for convenience.

3.Hyperlink+Value - this option combines the Hyperlink and Value options above. So new text is created at the current caret position showing a mail merge with the current field, and the same text is set to include a hyperlink to allow modification of the field.

4. Field Name - adds text for the field's caption, exactly as shown in the Fields grid.

5.Field Name: Hyperlink+Value - combines the above 2 options. So text is input at the caret position starting with the Field Name, then a colon, then a tab, then the mail-merge field value with a matching hyperlink for editing the field. This style allows you to quickly create field display/editing just as in the default layouts installed with IndySoft.
Other
This grid displays all other mail merge and hyperlink options available in the layout - beyond the common field-based items. Note that items are placed in logical groups, and the group names are always preceded with a 'Hyperlinks' or 'Merge Items' prefix to note the type of link. For merge items, place the caret position to the desired location in the layout and then double-click on the item in the grid - text will be input at that location. For hyperlinks, select the text that should receive the hyperlink first and then double-click on the hyperlink in the grid.

IMPORTANT: You will note slightly different behavior when applying hyperlinks from the 'Other' or 'Fields' grid depending upon whether the caret is currently positioned within a table cell or outside a table. When the caret is within a table cell, IndySoft can assume that this table cell is dedicated to one editable item - so as soon as the focus is placed inside the 'Other' or 'Fields' grid (as you are beginning the double-click action) the full text is automatically highlighted within the table cell. This fully selected text will receive the new hyperlink. This functionality saves time when creating layouts - since you do not have to obsess about selecting every character in the word/words - place the caret anywhere within the text already within a table cell. However, this assumption cannot be made when the caret is outside of a table. So, in those instances, it is first important to stop and ensure the exact text is fully selected before applying the hyperlink. |