Variable fields

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The variable fields in the palette are unprotected normal or numeric-only fields. These fields automatically add a zero-length protected field after the input field; this action prevents unwanted visual wrapping when the map set is compiled and run on the remote system.

The following variable fields are provided by default:
  • Input field
  • Numeric field
  • Password field
  • Message
  • Output field
  • MDT field

    This field has the MDT tag set to TRUE by default.

You can modify the properties of the fields in the Palette entries preferences preferences. At least one field must be defined per map.

Click the Variable Fields drawer label to show or hide the item list. You can hide, remove, or change the order of fields by customizing the Palette view.

Adding fields

As you add fields to the Design canvas, the items are displayed in the Outline view.
Note: You can add fields only to an existing map.
To add a field to a map in the Design canvas:
  1. In the Palette view, click the field that you want. The item is highlighted.
  2. Place the pointer in the Design canvas. A drop box is added to the simple pointer.
  3. Click and hold the left mouse button at the location that you want.
  4. Using the pop-up box for sizing information, draw the field to the width that you want, and release the mouse button.
    Note: The height of the drawn box can be only 0 or 1 characters. If the height in pop-up information box is equal to or greater than two characters, the field is not created.
  5. If the field you are adding is an input, numeric, password, or MDT field, a pop-up properties panel is displayed when you finish drawing the field. Mark the checkbox, Add stopper fields to add a stopper field to the input field.

You can use the Select tool to move and resize fields in the Design canvas.