Dear Paula:
This question has more than one answer, as follows:
1) All of you need to understand that what you think of (in Microsoft office
parlance)as a "Text box" has 2 different counterparts in Oo.
1.1 There is a frame. This is closest to a "text box" but
sometimes it is not the best approach for the user's true needs.
1.2 There are rectangles, that will also accept text, but the
behaviour of each of these two is different, hence one needs to know the
differences to choose appropriately for a given situation. Each has their
place.
A Frame is launched positionally in relation to the default anchor's
position at the time of creation. This is normally close to the current
position of the text cursor. Frames have certain qualities, but not the same
as rectangles, even though they may appear to be identical to the naked eye.
A rectangle is more of a vectorial drawing object, and exists in Writer, Oo
draw, and Impress. It behaviour is slightly different in each of these
applications, but can be moved or copied between them using the clipboard in
the Windows version. Notably, in Draw a rectangle can be grouped in a
multilevel hierarchy of groups that scale, move and copy as a unit.
If such a group is then pasted into Writer, it retains its group properties.
However, while groups of drawing objects cannot be created in Writer, they
can be entered or ungrouped in Writer. So these objects need to be started
in draw, then added to the writer project for purposes of vectorial graphics
type illustration. Other possibilities in this area are far, far more
extensive, but Rome wasn't built in a day, same for learning mastery.
To insert a frame, you need to do so from the insert menu. This ides not
apply to the drawing menu.
To insert a rectangle and more, you need to open the drawing toolbar. If it
is not then docked, I suggest you do that first, so it doesn't get in your
way. To do this, open the view menu, then open the "Toolbars" sub-menu and
mouse check each toolbar you need. To close a toolbar, repeat the same
procedure, and uncheck it with a mouse click.
These options are similar in the versions of Oo that work on other platforms
(operating systems), such as some Linux distributions ("versions"), and
somewhat the same on the Mac version (Tiger and up). One of the bigger
differences on the Mac is that the mouse has only one button, often pressed
by pushing down the whole mouse. This gives a menu similar to what you would
get in Windows by using the secondary (Right) button.
If Linux (example, Fedora 12) is running on a PC machine, that setup of Oo
will behave closer to a Windows platform than to a Mac, although some of the
icons in Fedora look a bit different than in Win, and there is usually no
drag and drop in Fedora (certain applications excepted, as shown when the
app is launched.)
Finally, I realise this is somewhat more extensive than you were expecting,
band demands somewhat more of a learning curve, with the associated added
margin of patience, but "The Benefits are in the Details."
As we would say here in Quebec: "Qu'on se le dise!" or "That we say it to
ourselves (everyone)".
Since I work in three languages (and have had clients that use others as
well,) you can see why I like the idea that Oo supports 92 languages! In
Montreal, expect 50 or more in a day, there is no majority - the majority is
minorities from every corner of the globe! It's all on my doorstep!
Keep it up for those kids! They need to learn a lot very fast!
Bruce Martin
-----Original Message-----
From: Paula Cline [mailto:[email protected]]
Sent: February 3, 2010 11:09 AM
To: [email protected]
Subject: [discuss] Question/Suggested addition
Dear Open Office,
This question is in regards to text boxes in Open Office Writer. I was
looking for a way to insert a text box, without going to the Drawing
toolbar. The drawing toolbar is not visible on our student's computer in the
library lab. Therefore, they search for it under "Insert", which would be a
logical place to find this option. However, I do not see it listed there.
Possible feature to be added in the future?
Also, most documents assigned at the high school level (and possibly
college) require 1" margins. Why are the defaults all set at .79? Another
possible future change?
Looking forward to any new editions!
Sincerely yours,
Paula Cline
Library Media Specialist
Genoa Area High School
2980 N. Genoa-Clay Center Rd.
Genoa, Ohio 43430
email: [email protected]
phone: 419-855-7735 ext.13
fax: 419-855-7739
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