Before you dive into TrueForm, please take a moment to read through the following late-breaking information.
- Disk Contents:
The following is an overview of current disk contents:
Program Disk
TrueForm Set-Up
TrueForm Fill-Out
Teach Text Application
READ ME Document
4th DIMENSION Printing Module Disk
Performance Motors Master Form
TrueForm/4D Printing Module
Module Installer
Personnel Database Sample
Scanner Drivers
Courier Screen Fonts
- Addendum
Please read the TrueForm v2.1 addendum for information in the new features added to TrueForm.
- Manual Errata:
pg. 66: Last line: Replace “Page Setup” with "TrueForm Print Options".
pg. 93: line 2 of the #Case example: missing comma after the number 18.
pg.109: The solution to the third problem (Importing form images not saved in a standard file format) should read: "Use the desk accessory Super Glue from Solutions, Inc. to copy the form image into the clipboard; then select Import New Form from the File menu and click the Paste button when asked to identify the file to be imported."
pg. 110: first problem under “Filling Out Forms”: change “Choice list” to “Check item” in the first three lines. Also change manual reference from “Creating choice lists for fields” to “Defining lists of Check Items”.
- 4th DIMENSION Printing Module:
The TrueForm/4th DIMENSION printing module works with version 1 and 2 of 4th DIMENSION. We strongly advise, however, that you run 4th DIMENSION (with the TrueForm printing module installed) on a machine with more than 1 Megabyte of memory to avoid running out of memory. If you are running under MultiFinder add 200k to the Application Memory size in the Get Info dialog when you install the module.
- Editing PICT Documents using MacDraw I&II:
Be very careful when using MacDraw I or MacDraw II to edit PICT documents! When opening a PICT document (such as the sample forms included with TrueForm), MacDraw might cause text to be moved or its character and line spacing changed. This is only a problem when opening PICT documents, not MacDraw documents and is due to inconsistencies inherent in the PICT format. PICT forms are saved correctly, however, and will work properly when imported into TrueForm. We suggest that if you wish to use MacDraw to edit forms, keep a copy of the form in MacDraw format for editing, as well as saving the edited form in PICT format for TrueForm use. To facilitate this, all sample forms are saved in MacDraw II and PICT formats. If you must edit a PICT document, make sure that all objects are in the correct position and are the correct size before re-saving the form.
Q & A’s
Q: How do you have TrueForm repeat information that is entered by the user in one field to automatically appear in another field? For example, if the user entered his name and address in one field, how can I have TrueForm enter the same information in another name and address field elsewhere on the form?
A: TrueForm has an easy solution for this. Select the other field(s) that you would like TrueForm to place the repeat information. This fields need not have a name, as it will not be accessed by the user. If it is important to name the field(s), it should be named differently than the field it is receiving information from. The formula for this field(s) will be the name of the original field that will be user entered. TrueForm then knows to place whatever information that appears in the first field into the other fields.
Q: I opened a stack that I recently worked on and was trying to add a new form to the stack. I got an error message, “Attempt to Position past end of file.” This is a loop, and the only way I can exit the loop is to restart the computer.
A: This may result if the user experienced an interrupted save (unexpected System crash, among other things) while working on the stack. Some of the data at the end of the stack may have been garbled, so when you try to add another form to the stack, TrueForm senses the ‘end of the file’. There are a couple of solutions for this kind of situation. First, attempt to make a finder copy of the file, by selecting ‘Duplicate’ from the file menu. This may cause the new duplicate stack to operate correctly. A surefire solution would be to create an export Merge Sequence from this current stack to a new stack using the Master form. This way you can retrieve the data in the old stack easily using TrueForm’s outstanding Merge features.
Q: I am trying to get an amortization payment on a form. I am not sure which Mathematical function(s) will automatically calculate my monthly payment.
A: If for example, you need to calculate the monthly payment for a $100,000 loan for 30 years at 9% interest, compounded monthly, create four fields in TrueForm Set-Up:
Present Value, Interest, Amortization, Payment.
PV = Present Value
i = Interest per payment period
n = Amortization
PMT = Payment
or
PV = $100,000.00
i = .09%/12
n = 30*12
PMT = ?
Place the following formula in the Payment field. As you enter the information into the first three fields, the payment will be calculated automatically.
Q: I want to set-up fields in such a way that if a check item field is selected a string such as, “See below for details” would appear in the next field. If on the other hand, the check item is not selected, I do not want the string to appear. How can I achieve that?
A: TrueForm has special functions to handle just that!
After you have set up your check item field, create a field next to it that will contain the string. The formula for this field will be: #If($, “See below for details”, #Blank)
The $ refers to the check item field. This will cause the string to appear every time the user selects the check item field!
Q: In using the new #Lookup or #Select functions, I am getting an error message, “Directory not found”. I am certain that I have specified the correct path to the ASCII text file, yet TrueForm does not seem to find the text file.
A: The new #Lookup and #Select functions are a great new addition to TrueForm’s family of functions. In using these functions,TrueForm expects accuracy in detailing the path to the text file you plan to access. It expects that the names of files and folders be spelt exactly as they are. It will also reject any additional character spaces between letters and words.
We usually suggest that you try to keep the path name short and easy by placing the text file in the same folder as the TrueForm applications.
- TrueForm Partners Program Information
Adobe's new TrueForm Partners Program provides consultants and application developers with exciting opportunities—including leads, referrals and technical information. The nation-wide network addresses the growing market for automated forms.
There are thousands of potential customers and applications for TrueForm. Consultants often help their clients set up forms that meet particular needs. Some offer training, or expertise in certain kinds of forms—for attorneys, doctors or government departments, for example.
Graphic artists use TrueForm with Adobe Illustrator 88 and fonts from the Adobe Type Library to design automated forms for their clients, so the end product is an easy-to-use disk, instead of reams of paper. Software developers are integrating TrueForm into accounting and database packages to leverage the program's functionality.
Adobe will direct customers to these new services and applications—and help TrueForm Partners locate and support clients in their selected markets. The TrueForm Partners Program costs $295 and includes:
• Authorization as an Adobe dealership
• Substantial discounts on all TrueForm products
• Technical notes and special offers
• Leads and referrals from Adobe
• Free developer's copy of TrueForm
• Sales and trainer training
• TrueForm end user Training materials (Classroom in a Box)
• Dealer kit containing sales and collateral material
• Listings in TrueForm directories and catalogs
For information on how to find a TrueForm Partner, in your area, or how you can become a TrueForm Partner, call Adobe Adobe Dealer Support 800-447-3577
- Who to call for help
Technical Support (415) 961-0911
Hours: (Pacific Time)
8 AM—4 PM Monday—Friday
When calling for support, please have your registration number and system hardware and software versions available.
Mailing Address
Adobe Systems Incorporated
1585 Charleston Road
P.O. Box 7900
Mountain View, CA 94039-7900
Inside Sales
To order Adobe products (non-dealer sales) please call.
Adobe Inside Sales Support 800-344-8335
Warrenty disclaimer for Teach Text application from Apple Computer, Inc.:
"APPLE COMPUTER, INC. ("APPLE") MAKES NO WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, REGARDING THE APPLE SOFTWARE. APPLE DOES NOT WARRANT, GUARANTEE OR MAKE ANY REPRESENTATIONS REGARDING THE USE OR THE RESULTS OF THE USE OF THE APPLE SOFTWARE IN TERMS OF ITS CORRECTNESS, ACCURACY, RELIABILITY, CURRENTNESS OR OTHERWISE. THE ENTIRE RISK AS TO THE RESULTS AND PERFORMANCE OF THE APPLE SOFTWARE IS ASSUMED BY YOU. THE EXCLUSION OF IMPLIED WARRANTIES IS NOT PERMITTED BY SOME STATES. THE ABOVE EXCLUSION MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU."
"IN NO EVENT WILL APPLE, ITS DIRECTORS, OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES OR AGENTS BE LIABLE TO YOU FOR ANY CONSEQUENTIAL, INCIDENTAL OR INDIRECT DAMAGES (INCLUDING DAMAGES FOR LOSS OF BUSINESS PROFITS, BUSINESS INTERRUPTION, LOSS OF BUSINESS INFORMATION, AND THE LIKE) ARISING OUT OF THE USE OR INABILITY TO USE THE APPLE SOFTWARE EVEN IF APPLE HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES. BECAUSE SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OR LIMITATION OF LIABILITY FOR CONSEQUENTIAL OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES, THE ABOVE LIMITATIONS MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU. Apple's liability to you for actual damages from any cause whatsoever, and regardless of the form of the action (whether in contract, tort (including negligence), product liability or otherwise), will be limited to $50."
