The EGL form editor lets you edit a formGroup part graphically. The form
editor works with formGroup parts, their form parts, and the fields in those
form parts in much the same way as other graphical editors work with files
like Web pages and Web diagrams. At any time, you can click the
Source tab
at the bottom of the editor and see the EGL source code that the editor is
generating. The form editor has the following features:
- The form editor can edit the size and properties of a form group. To edit
the properties of a form group, open the form group in the form editor and
change its properties in the Properties view. To resize a form group, open
it in the form editor and choose a size in characters from the list at the
top of the editor.
- The form editor can create, edit, and delete forms in a form group. To
create a form, click the appropriate type of form on the Palette view and
draw a rectangle representing the size and location of the form in the editor.
To edit a form, click it to select it, and then use the Properties view to
edit its properties. You can also drag a form to move it, or resize it using
the resize handles that appear on the border of a selected form. Many of the
same options are available when you right-click a form to open its popup menu.
See Creating a form in the EGL form editor.
- The form editor uses templates to create commonly used types of forms,
such as popup forms and popup menus. These forms have pre-made borders, sections,
and fields. See Form templates in the EGL form editor.
- The form editor can create, edit, and delete fields in a form. To create
a field, click the appropriate type of field on the Palette view and draw
a rectangle representing the size and location of the field in the editor.
You can add a field only within an existing form. To edit a field, click it
to select it, and then use the Properties view to edit its properties. You
can also drag a field to move it, or resize it using the resize handles that
appear on the border of a selected form. Many of the same options are available
when you right-click a field to open its popup menu. See Creating a constant
field or Creating a variable field.
- Filters can prevent forms from being shown in the form editor, allowing
you to mimic the appearance of the form group at run time. To switch filters,
create a filters, or edit filters, use the Filters button
at the top of the editor. See Form filters in the EGL form editor or Creating
a filter.
- You can customize the appearance of the form editor by using the display
options at the top of the editor and by setting the editor's preferences in
the Preferences window. For example, these options can display a grid over
the form group, increase or decrease the zoom level, and show or hide sample
values in fields. See Display options for the EGL form editor or Setting
preferences for the EGL form editor.