Panorama has two interfaces for displaying and editing data — the data sheet and forms. So far most of this manual has concentrated on using the data sheet. On this page we’ll introduce a much more flexible way to display and edit data: the form.
A single database only has one data sheet but it may contain many forms. You can design each form for a specific purpose, for example entering data, printing a mailing label, or printing a report.
The data sheet displays a fixed format of rows and columns. You can change the text font and the width of the columns, but beyond that you don’t have any control over the data sheet’s appearance. Each form, on the other hand, is completely customizable. You can (and in fact must) set up the placement of each item on the form, including data, text and artwork. The form view is much more flexible than the data sheet view, but it is also more work to set up. Here is a typical example of a form. Notice that the window name shows the database name, Checkbook, followed by the form name, Plain Checks.
Creating a New Form
To create a new view, choose New Form from the View menu. (If you want the new form to open in a new, separate window hold down the Control or Option key when you choose this command.) A dialog box will appear asking you to name the new form. A form name may be up to 25 characters long and can contain any letter, number or punctuation. Press OK to create the new form, which starts out in graphic design mode. In this mode a set of graphic tools appears on the left hand side of the window. You can select tools for selecting objects, creating shapes, displaying text, and for various UI elements (buttons, pop-up menus, etc.)
You can customize the graphics tool palette by holding down the control or command key and clicking on the palette. This brings up a dialog with the complete selection of available tools.
To place a field on the form for editing, use a Data Cell or Text Editor object. Here is an example with three Text Editor objects.
Graphics & Data Modes
Panorama forms operate in two distinct modes—data mode and graphic design. In graphic design mode functions like an electronic drafting table. In this mode you design the form by drawing lines, boxes, and other graphic elements. This mode is very similar to many drawing and page layout programs. Graphic design mode is easily recognized by the rulers that appear at the top and left edges of the window.
Data Mode is the mode for working with data. In this mode the graphics are fixed but you can navigate through and make modifications to the data. The toolbar includes tools for moving up and down within the database, and for adding, removing and printing records.
To flip between the two modes press the T-Square tool. This is the top tool in both modes, so you can easily flip back and forth from mode to mode.
Opening an Existing Form
Any forms you have created will be listed in the View menu. To open a form, simply choose it from this menu. If you want the form to open in a new, separate window, hold down the control or option key when you choose from the menu.
Learning More About Forms
This page has barely scratched the surface of Panorama’s form capabilities. In fact, the Panorama documentation contains seven chapters about setting up and using forms. To learn more, see Chapters 13-19 of Panorama Essentials or the Panorama Handbook.