Adding Text Objects

Text objects are report objects that can contain text or text functions. For example, you can enter a label, description, or a function that retrieves the current date in a text box. For more information about text functions, see Text Functions. You can enter multiple paragraphs of text. Like other report objects, you can move, resize, or reposition the area containing the text.

You can create a new text object or insert an existing text object into the report. New text objects are empty areas where you can enter text, text functions, or rich text from an editor or word processor. Text objects are stored in the repository and can be inserted into numerous reports. You might want to add the same text object, for example, in all your report designs.

  To add a text object:

  1. Select File, and then Open.

  2. Open a report and select Insert, and then Text.

  3. Point to where you want to position the upper left corner of the text box, click and drag to the desired size, then release the mouse button.

  4. Click inside the text object, and enter the text directly in the text box.

  To insert a text box from the repository:

  1. Select File, and then Open.

  2. Open a report and select Insert, and then Saved Object.

  3. In the Type drop-down list, select Text.

  4. Select the directory where you want to search for the text object, then select the desired text object.

  5. Perform an action:

    • To use the text object as a linked object, select Link to Source Object.

    • To use the text object as an unlinked object, deselect Link to Source Object. This is the default option.

  6. Click Insert.