Palettes

NetObjects Fusion uses two palettes, the Properties palette and the Object tree.  This Tewtorial is an overview of these two palettes.

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  Properties Palette

The Properties palette (your web site production side-kick) is used with almost all functions of Fusion. As with any good assistant, the Properties palette will be used to help you edit and adjust the settings on pretty much all the content on your page.

Unlike other palettes, the Properties palette changes according to any item you have selected.  This means, it could be the Text properties, Picture properties or even Layout or MasterBorder properties.  It all depends on what you currently have selected.  If, for example, I selected the following graphic:

The Picture Properties would appear.

If you don't have your Properties Palette open, you can open it by going to View and selecting Properties Palette.

Move Please
There is one thing to say about this floating assistant - it can sometimes get in your way and make it hard to view your page.  That's the trouble with some assistants - they do a great job, but you don't always want them standing right next to you - not to mention, in front of you.  "Could you move please?  I'm trying to see the monitor."  So, to assist with this, you can close, shrink or simply move the Properties palette. 

Shrinky Dink
The easiest solution is just to shrink the palette (clicking once on the dash at the top right of the palette).

Then, you just move the Palette above the page, next to the View buttons.  This way, you just open it when you need it.  If you don't use it that often, then go ahead and close it.  To reopen it again, just right click the object (Layout, Picture, Text and so on) and select the Objects Properties (Layout properties, Object properties, Text properties and so on).  Or even better, just hold down the Alt key and press VP.

Smaller Text
You can also change the font size, which in turn changes the size of your Properties palette.  The image below shows the palette with the smaller fonts on top of the palette with larger fonts.

To change the font size - go to Edit, Preferences and select the "Use Small Fonts in Properties Palette" box.

Resolve with Resolution
Personally, I can't stand having something in my way - but at the same time, I want constant access to my Properties palette.  So, I simply switch my monitor's resolution to 1024x768 pixels and suddenly everything fits in my window and we're all happy again.  You can do this by right clicking on your computer's desktop, choose properties and then select the settings tab.  You may not have this option, depending on your monitor.  You also may not like having NetObjects Fusion, or any other programs, shrunk to that size.  It all fits, but things become smaller.

Zoom
You can also use the zoom tool to shrink the page.  The problem with this is that the text and pictures often become fuzzy and harder to see.

Experiment a little until you find a solution that you like.

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  Object Tree

The Object Tree is a great way to keep track of what is on your page.  It allows you an easy way to select and find any element on your page, instantly.

The Object Tree shows every element, as well as the role it plays on your page.   If you add a really cool picture into the MasterBorder, that picture will magically appear under the MasterBorder name in your Object Tree Window.  The same goes with other elements you add to your page. 

If you select an element in the Object Tree, the element on your page will also be selected.  This is a great way to locate images or arrange their order on the page. 

If you have elements within an element, such as graphics and text inside a Layout Region - then the Object Tree will put a plus or minus symbol next to it.  Use these symbols to open and close each particular list.

To open the Object Tree, go to View  and select Object Tree.  You can also just press the F4 key.

Renaming Objects
The Object Tree is an easy way to locate objects on a page, but it is also a convenient way to rename them.  This is very useful when you have layered or hidden objects.  Giving each object its own name will help keep things organized and make it easier for you to select specific elements.  Very useful when creating Actions.

1. Select the element you want to rename in your Object Tree - so that a solid blue box highlights the element.

2. Wait about one second, then click the left mouse button again.  You can now rename the object. Simply type in the new name.

You can also change the name by first selecting the object on the page and then clicking the left mouse button over the element (highlighted in gray) in the Object Tree.

 

That's it for these two, thanks for joining us and have a great day!

About the Author Rick Tew is the founder of Tew Ryu the Martial Science.  His programs focus on three areas of human development: Mind- personal development seminars Body- physical energy through martial arts  Spirit- team travel and adventure When he isn't busy with the above, he enjoys expressing his creative talents through writing and web site creation.