Kicking template text to the next page

[Zipnyc]

I would like to force template text (typed onto the Layout) to create a new page when that text exceeds a limit down the page. This is necessitated by an itemized list part that will vary from one item to many. Below the itemized list area, I have a Trailing Grand Summary part that contains calculation fields for total, tax, etc. Following that is a disclosure statement, closing and client's signature and date area. I could easily place the text in a text field except there is no tool that can draw a line for the client's signature and date in the (Browser) text field. One has to use the underscore key - not good.

Thanks for the help.

[Vaughan]

"I would like to force template text (typed onto the Layout) to create a new page when that text exceeds a limit down the page."

You need to learn about FMP's Sliding/Printing feature.

Basically, you make a layout large enough to accommodate the *most* text you expect to have (say, a three page letter, even if the client says it'll only be two pages) then use Sliding/Printing to shrink the layout to the required size when it's previewed or printed. (Sliding/Printing does not work in Browse mode.)

[Zipnyc]

Thanks for responding so quickly, Vaughan. It's been fun following all the help you have given.

Regarding my issue, perhaps I didn't state the situation clearly.

The closing, the consultant's signature and the client's signature and date, with two lines for the client's entry, is a suite that I typed onto the layout in the part called a Trailing Grand Summary. I want to continue to use this suite with the lines, etc. The problem is that the closing, "Best regards", appears on page one and the rest is on page two. I want to push the "Best regards" to page two with the rest of its suite, including the lines. I tried a text field but could not draw the signature and date lines and there are no "Part" options that can be added, except the "Footer" part. The bottom line is, and not many can say this, I'd rather push than shrink.

Hopefully, this is clear enough to come back with another suggestion.

Thanks again. BTW, I'm using the Sliding/Printing feature with fields above this area.

[Vaughan]

Ah, that is a problem.

The only easy solution is to set the Trailing Grand Summary's options (double-click on the part label in layout mode) and de-select the "Allow part to break across page boundaries" option. This will push the whole TGS onto the next page if any part of it does not fit on the first, but it'll leave a lot of empty white space at the bottom of the first page if the TGS is a significant size.

Apart from that, there isn't much else that's simple. You could use scripts to add paragraphs into a calculated text field, but if it's something that needs to be done by sight or human intervention then it won't be a solution for scripted bulk printing.

It might be time to consider exporting to mail merge in Word if something like a sophisticated Widow/Orphan control is needed.

[Zipnyc]

Vaughan suggested "It might be time to consider exporting to mail merge in Word if something like a sophisticated Widow/Orphan control is needed."

Now that suggestion put the fear in me; I've renewed my spirit of compromise.

In lieu of Word... should I go back to the single text field for the suite to push it to page 2? Individual fields? If so, is there anything else you would suggest I do? As far as the lines for the client's signature and date, I will try creating them in Illustrator and importing them as a picture and group the parts.