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.

$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
12–18 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.

$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
12–17 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.