Floating text in portal

[K1200]

Attached is an example of "floating text" in portals that occurs on my layouts whenever an individual field contains multiple lines.

I've tried various combinations of Format > Align Text and the paragraph line spacing parameters -- and have even tried different fonts.

The solution I came up with is less than optimal since it spaces the text out vertically whenever the field is selected. I would prefer it to stay in its compact form (of single-spaced lines).

Any suggestions of a better solution will be appreciated.

TextProblem.fp7.ZIP

Edited March 12, 2006 by Guest

[Raybaudi]

Hi

may be that I haven't understand you correctly, but try this one..

TextProblemRev1.zip

[LaRetta]

Hi Daniele,

Except this wastes space, no? The only idea I can come up with is like this (attached). The description would still be modifiable also. The ... would be optional just to let User know there is more. You could even adjust the calc to display the words (more) if you wished so they know to click it (to read the rest).

But you'll have to measure (with that text size) how many characters would fit nicely. Still, it might be worth it if someone does't come up with other ideas.

TextProblem_REV2.zip

Edited March 11, 2006 by Guest
Corrected

[LaRetta]

Wait. I realized many of my portals have more text than will display and they don't do this! If you make the field thinner (like 19 px.) it works correctly.

UPDATE: I HAVE used a calc to display (more). Because even if a sentence ends at the end of the line, User needs to know it contains more text. But that was back in vs.6 and I had forgotten. So now you have three options!

L

Edited March 11, 2006 by Guest
Added update

[K1200]

Thanks to both of you for the files.

In my application, only the first line of text should show (some are several lines) -- but having a "more" indication will really help.

When I looked at your samples, a light went on. I was misinterpreting what the Align Text setting is doing. I retract my postulation of a possible FileMaker problem -- although it seems they're one parameter short in covering the realm of text-spacing needs (since they provide offsetting from the sides of a field, but not from the top).

So, can I conclude that valid "multiline" text display are:

METHOD 1: a) Always use the Format > Align Text > Top setting

. . . : Set the field height to a pixel or two greater than the font size to constrain the "float"

. . . c) Add a rectangle of the appropriate field color above the field if more "air" is needed

METHOD 2: a) Add a calculated field (per LaRetta's REV2) to limit the displayed text to a length appropriate for the field.

. . . : make the display field whatever height is needed for the right appearance

. . . c) set Align Text > Bottom

At this point, it looks like I'll go with Method 2. Either will involve a bit of work when layouts change.

Do I hear a Method 3? ... anyone?

[LaRetta]

I just want to be sure you understand that the control on what displays is based upon the field height. FM creates fields for one line (based upon the font size). If you select View > Show > Field Boundaries, you will see it is displaying 'barely' over one line (look at the dotted lines). If you have 1 1/2 lines, FM will draw PART of the next line onto it.

So just use FM's default (one line) when you create the fields ... now, as I say that (for you Mac people) remember that we Windows people need a bit more room. Otherwise, fields you give us have text partly cut off (so add 2 px to the height).

So the only question really is - do you want to TELL a User there is more text than will display on that one line?