Creating text fields and editable text

Text fields let you place text in a movie that users can change as the movie is playing. This lets you collect information from users for forms or surveys. Text fields can also be used to dynamically replace text that is not editable. For example, you can display sport scores, stock quotes, or weather reports.

When you create a text field, you assign the field a variable. A variable is a fixed name for a value that changes. You can use actions to pass the variable to other parts of the movie, to a server-side application for storing in a database, and so on. You can also replace the value of a variable by reading it from a server-side application or by loading it from another part of the movie. For more on using variables, see Setting and identifying variables.

To create a text field:

1 Select the text tool.
2 Click the Text Field modifier.
3 Drag to create the desired width and height of the text field.

To turn a regular type block into a text field:

1 Select the text tool.
2 Click the text inside a regular text block.
3 Click the Text Field modifier.
The drag handle moves to the bottom right corner and a solid black outline is displayed around the type block, indicating that it is a text field.
4 Set text field properties as described in Setting text field properties.