Design Objects

Design objects are objects that affect a form visually only. They do not accept data from users for storage to the database. These objects are label, rectangle, and image.

Image

An image is a .gif or .jpg graphic file that can be added to a form. The graphic file is referenced so you must supply a data source and ensure that the data source is accessible by users of your form.

Label

Use to identify an object on the form. For example, you can place a label next to a user input box or change a label on a Lawson-developed form to provide information that is specific to your site. You can change the content, font properties (color, style), and location of a label.

In edit mode, a label appears in a text box on the screen. If you want a box to appear on screen for users, you can place a rectangle around the label.

Line

A horizontal or vertical line that you can use for visual effect on a form. You could, for example, use a line object to separate sections on a form.

Rectangle

A rectangle is a design element that you can use to add visual interest to a form or to emphasize information or a field.

When you double-click an object in the Toolbox pane, a New Rectangle object appears on the form. You can resize the box or use the Text property to change “New Rectangle” to something meaningful at your site. You can also delete the words to remove all text and close up the rectangle.

Form Design Object Properties

Design objects have the properties shown in the following table.

Property Applies to Description
Alt Image Identify an action that should occur if the image cannot be displayed, for example, display a text message.
Field Nbr All All form properties have an internal number that links the property to the field it is related to. This number appears for your information only. You cannot change it.
Color Label Change the text color for a label.
Font Label

Change the following attributes for an object that contains text, such as a label.

Options are:

  • Font family

  • Font size

  • Style (italic or normal)

  • Weight (bold, dark bold, light bold)

  • Decoration (currently not available; do not select)

Height Line (vertical), Rectangle, Image Object height . You can resize by dragging and dropping or by typing a value in the property box.
Justify Label Align text for an object that contains text, such as a label. Options are left, right, and center.
Left Label, Rectangle, Image The left position that an object occupies.
Name All Changes the internal name of the object, the name which identifies the object in the XML code. All objects have an internal name. The name can be changed but, unless you are planning to modify the code through JavaScript, there is no reason to do so.
Source Image Type the location of the .gif or .jpg image file. Images must be stored in .../content/images
Text Line (horizontal), Rectangle

Add text to a rectangle or horizontal line. Typically, you would use this property to make text stand out.

For a rectangle, the text can identify the contents. The text appears on the top border of the rectangle.

If you do not want text on the rectangle, delete the default content in the Properties pane. The rectangle will then have four complete sides.

For a horizontal line object, the line can add visual impact to text.

Top Label, Rectangle, Image Vertical physical position of an object in relation to the size of the form. Position “0” is the highest position an object can occupy; position 22 is the lowest position an object can occupy.
Type Line Line objects are horizontal by default. You can change to vertical. Properties available for horizontal and vertical lines differ slightly.
Width Line (horizontal), Rectangle, Image Object width. You can resize by dragging and dropping or by typing a value in the property box.