I use FM Pro 5.5, and I'm looking for a way to select an element in layout mode using a drop down list of elements in the layout I'm working on. For example, in MS Access, there is a drop down in properties where I can select an element of that layout whether it be a field, text, or some other element. I'm after a way to do that in FM. My reason is that the layout I'm working on may have a lot of closely spaced elements that are difficult to select or may by positioned behind other elements making it very difficult to select.

Thanks

Hi Deano,

I deleted your duplicate post you placed in FM vs. 5.5 today ... there is no need to post twice. If you don't get a response on a thread, just post on it again to bring it back up for everyone's attention.

By my posting here, I've done it for you. But only waiting 24 hours isn't very long to expect a response, considering this is a weekend (and a holiday weekend at that).

As far as I've been able to tell, there is no way to do this - I KNOW there isn't a drop-down list of elements. You will need to select the objects on top, possibly group them, make note of their location (using the Object Info set to px) and move them out of the way. Yeah, bummer, I know.

LaRetta

LaRetta,

I wasn't aware I had posted twice. Possibly I thought I posted the same topic in different forums. More careful next time.

I'm new to FM and more familiar with Access, which has it's own set of limitations. I'm really after a way to precisely tweak layout objects (elements)either in 5.5 or newer versions. Unfortunately it seems I'm trying to exceed the design limits. For example, the layout grid snap is a minimum of 0.014". I wish I could entirely turn off snap.

Thanks,

Hey Deano, no prob in double posting ... it gives us Moderators something to do. Only one post in the entire FM Forums website will be enough. Everyone double posts the first time.

Turn the grid on or off

Choose Arrange menu > Object Grids. To turn it off, choose Object Grids again.

Override the Object Grid's snap-to effect

Press Alt (Windows) or (Mac OS) as you drag an object.

Change the object grids unit of measurement

Choose Layouts menu > Set Rulers. In the Set Rulers dialog box, for Grid Spacing, type a value and choose a unit of measure.

Thanks. I'm aware of the technique. My issue is that holding down ALT while dragging does not truly over-ride snaps to the degree I need. There is still a "granularity" of 0.014" I can do the same thing by using the arrow keys instead of the mouse to move an object and the minimum resolution is 0.014" in any direction. I guess that's about equiv. to 1 pixel. One pixel compared to a small label layout (2"x1.5") can be significant in terms of getting precise alignments. Design limits.

Cheers,

Deano

The arrow keys do nudge by one pixel. Filemaker doesn't do sub-pixel positioning.