Defining Graphical Elements

Graphical elements, such as frames and lines, coordinate logically related fields on forms.

Group elements define lines or boxes on the form.

For instructions on defining groups, see $DRAW GROUP.
Connect elements define connectors that can be used to connect lines at right angles.

For instructions on defining connectors, see $DRAW CONNECT
Styles, such as wide or narrow lines, can be applied to elements using the DRAW OPTION command.

For instructions on applying styles to graphical elements, see $DRAW OPTION.

$DRAW GROUP

$DRAW GROUP nn,nn,nn,nn,nn "Optional Header Text"

The $DRAW GROUP command creates a box or line on the form, with an optional header. A horizontal line is a box with a height of one; a vertical line is a box with a depth of one.

$DRAW commands placed immediately before the $SCREEN command apply to the entire form. The row and column references are relative to the top of the form. $DRAW commands placed after a $TAB-FORM command affect only that form tab. The row and column references are relative to the first line of the tab form.


Position	Definition
1–11	$DRAW
12–16	GROUP
20–21	The line number where the box or line begins on the form.
22	A comma.
23–24	The column number where the box or line begins on the form.
25	A comma.
26–27	The number of lines on the form that the line or box spans. Enter 1 for a horizontal line.
28	A comma.
29–30	The number of columns on the form that the line or box should span. Enter 1 for a vertical line.
31	A comma.
32–33	Optional. nn - The number of columns from the left edge of the DRAW GROUP line or box where you want the header text to begin. C - for a centered header L - for a left-justified header R - for a right-justified header Note: Place C, L, or R in column 33.
40–79	Optional. The header text you want placed in the top line of the box or line you have drawn. Note: The header text must be included in quotation marks. Leave a blank space before and after the header text to avoid crowding the graphical element and text.

$DRAW CONNECT

$DRAW CONNECT nn,nn,XXX

The $DRAW CONNECT command creates a connector on the form.


Position	Definition
1–11	$DRAW
12–18	CONNECT
20–21	The line number where the connector begins on the form.
22	A comma.
23–24	The column number where the connector begins on the form.
25	A comma.
26–29	The directions joined to create a corner. Type L for left, R for right, T for top, B for below. The following illustrations demonstrate how to combine connectors to create the desired corner.
	Connector combination	Illustration
	LB
	RTB
	RLTB

$DRAW OPTION

$DRAW OPTION 3D,CHISELED

The $DRAW OPTION command specifies the drawing style for all $DRAW GROUP or $DRAW CONNECT commands following the $DRAW OPTION command.


Position	Definition
1–11	$DRAW
12–17	OPTION
20–21	A two-letter code specifying the drawing style you want to apply to subsequent $DRAW commands. TN - Turn on narrow header text. This is the default for header text. VF - Draw full video (bold) lines and boxes. VH - Draw half video (dim) lines and boxes. LN - Draw narrow lines and boxes. LW - Draw wide lines and boxes. 3D - Draw three-dimensional boxes. The 3D code must be further defined as described below. TW - Turn on bold header text. Note: The drawing styles do not affect the appearance of forms in Lawson Portal.
22	A comma. Applies to only the 3D style.
23–30	Further definition of the 3D drawing style. Lowered Draw a 3D box that is lowered, or depressed, on the form. Raised Draw a 3D box that is raised, or elevated, on the form. Chiseled Draw a 3D box with a chiseled appearance. Off Turn off the 3D style. Add this command to display subsequent $DRAW objects without the previously applied $DRAW formatting.