Creating a constant field

Constant fields display a string of text that does not change in a form. Unlike variable fields, constant fields cannot be accessed by EGL code. To insert a constant field into a form, follow these steps:
  1. Open a form group in the EGL Text Form editor.
  2. If the form group has no forms, add a form to the form group. See Creating a simple text or print form.
  3. On the Palette view, click a type of constant field to add. The following types of constant fields are available by default:
    Table 1. Constant fields that are available in the Palette view
    Field name Default colorDefault intensityDefault highlighting Default protection
    TitleBlue BoldNone Skip
    Column HeadingBlueBold NoneSkip
    LabelCyan NormalNone Skip
    Instructions CyanNormal NoneSkip
    HelpWhite NormalNone Skip

    These fields are samples of commonly used constant text fields in a text-based interface. You can customize the individual fields after placing them on a form. You can also customize the default color, intensity, and highlighting of the fields that are available in the Palette view. See Setting preferences for the Text Form editor palette entries.

  4. Within a form in the editor, click and hold the mouse to draw a rectangle that represents the size and location of the field. A preview box next to the mouse cursor shows you the size of the field and its location relative to the form.
    Note:
    You can add a field only within an existing form.
  5. When the field is the correct size, release the mouse. The new field is created.
  6. Type the text you that want to display in the field.
  7. In the Properties view, set the properties for the new field.