Copyright: Asta Development Corporation Ltd 1989 to 1994


Main Index
Border - Introduction

BORDER is a sister application to PowerProject.

You use BORDER to produce border files (*.B) of your own design to frame a graphic (a chart, histogram, calendar or chart hierarchy).on output in PowerProject.

·	The object is to produce standard surrounds to your PowerProject output which have a specific page size, containing the information you want attractively presented and including company and client logos.

·	Each border file is made up of border script commands, which describe the text, boxes, lines and pictures in the border.

·	You write the border script by typing in the word processor of the Script window and when you execute (or test) the script the results are reflected in the Border window, unless the script contains errors - which are detailed in ther Error window.

·	When the script is correct you save it as a file with the extension ".B". This file is then used by PowerProject on the PRINT GRAPHICS dialog (Project - Print Graphics menu) in framing all output. The border file can be changed at any time.

·	BORDER is supplied with sample files containing examples of borders which you can use with PowerProject charts. You can use these borders as they are, or tailor them to your specific requirements.

See also

Text editing.

Keyboard short cuts.

Border script syntax overview.

Tokens.

Menu options.


Border script

This is the term given to the limited, yet flexible computer language used to define text, boxes, lines and pictures surrounding an area reserved for PowerProject output (a chart, histogram, calendar or chart hierarchy).

·	There are twenty or so possible commands in the border script.

·	The script can include information from a project or from baselines of a project by using tokens.

·	The script also defines a specific page size and a coordinate system, so that objects can be placed exactly on the paper.


Text editing

The editing keys which control the actions of word processing in the script window, are detailed below.

Key	Effect
Home	Start of line
End	End of line
PgUp	Page up
PgDn	Page down
CTRL-right arrow	Word right
CTRL-left arrow	Word left
CTRL-Home	Start of file
CTRL-End	End of file
Keypad +	Copy line to Clipboard
Keypad -	Paste line to Clipboard
INS	Insert line from Clipboard
DEL	Delete character to right of cursor, or delete block
BackSpace	Delete character to left of cursor, or delete block
Shift+DEL	Edit - Cut selected text block to Clipboard
CTRL+INS	Edit - Copy selected text block to Clipboard
Shift+INS	Edit - Paste contents of Clipboard to cursor location


Keyboard shortcuts

All underlined letters on menu options work in conjunction with the ALT key, for example ALT+F+S is the File - Save menu option.

The following table details additional keyboard shortcuts.

In Script window
CTRL+E	Options - Execute
CTRL+G	Options - Goto Line
CTRL+N	Next error
CTRL+P	Previous error
In Error window
ALTclick	Goto error line in Script window


Border Script Syntax overview
Script syntax overview

When creating a new border script, or making changes to an existing script, you need to understand the commands which make up a script.

There are approximately 20 border script commands which are used to describe the size, shape and contents of the lines, graphics, text and boxes making up a border.

This table below summarizes the border script commands and their syntax.

The syntax of commands is simple: a command name followed by a number of arguments which are separated by commas.

<command name> <argument1>,<argument2>,...

See also

Compulsory commands

Command names

Arguments

Comments

Text commands
moveto	<x value>:<y value>
align	left | right | centre
bold	on | off
colour	black | blue | cyan | green | magenta | red | white | yellow | grey | darkgrey | darkblue | darkcyan | darkgreen | darkmagenta | darkred | darkyellow
italic	on | off
textsize	<value>
underline	on | off
write	"<text>"
Margin commands
bottommargin	<value>
topmargin	<value>
leftmargin	<value>
rightmargin	<value>
Box and line commands
moveto	<x value>,<y value>
boxto	<x value>,<y value>
fillto	<x value>,<y value>
lineto	<x value>,<y value>
Other commands
baseline	earliest | latest  <baseline number>
project	no arguments
unitsize	<value>
chartarea	<x value>,<y value>
picture	"<filename>.WMF",<x value>,<y value>
Compulsory commands
style	"<text>"
pagesize	custom:<x value>,<y value>
or
pagesize	A0 | A1 | A2 | A3 | A4 | A5 | B5 | broad | half | ledger | legal | letter | wide, portrait | landscape


Compulsory script commands
Compulsory commands

You must include one pagesize and one style command in a script. Although chartarea is not compulsory, you are unlikely to create a border for a graphic without one

For best performance, make pagesize the first command and put style and chartarea near the top of the script.

You can only have one pagesize, style and chartarea command in a script.


Command names

You do not have to consider case when typing in BORDER command names.

For example, you could type topmargin, TopMargin or TOPMARGIN.


Arguments

The arguments take different forms, depending on the command, they can be text, numbers, coordinates, variables or expressions.

Text

Text is enclosed by double quotes, for example:

Write "Produced by MIS"

Numbers

Numbers are entered in the current unit size.

Coordinates

Coordinates must be entered in the current unit size. The coordinate system starts home (0,0).

You should set the margins before using any commands with coordinates.

Variables

BORDER provides you with two variables -  width and height - which enable you to make borders suitable for use on different paper sizes, or for different orientations.

Expressions

You can include mathematical operators with a variable, to give an expression. The operators you can use are:

·	Minus 	--

·	Plus 	+

·	Divide	/

·	Multiply	*

For example, you could centre Management Summary using the commands

align	centre  //centre point between margins, 2 cm from bottom

moveto	width/2, height-20

Write	"Management Summary"


Height

Height is the expression for the vertical depth between the top and bottom margins.

Height can be used as border script syntax commands, for example.

moveto	width/2, height-height/20


Width

Width is the expression for the horizontal distance between the left and right margins.

Width can be used as border script syntax commands, for example.

moveto	width/2, height-height/20


Home

Home is the intersection of the topmargin and leftmargin.

On the coordinate system it is represented by the value 0,0.


Current Unit Size

The current unit size is in millimetres unless you have used the unitsize command.

Throughout this help system, examples are shown with the current unit size as millimetres.


Comments

You can add comments to make a border script easier to understand.

Comments can be on a line of their own, or at the end of a line containing a command.

Wherever you add a comment, you must start with //, for example

//Draw a box on the paper

or

Boxto ... // Draw a box on the paper


Tokens

All the items of information which you can extract from PowerProject and include in a border are shown in the table below.

Items which you can edit in PowerProject are marked by an asterisk (*).

Most tokens can be found on the PROJECT DETAILS and CHART DETAILS dialogs in PowerProject.

	Item	Token	Max Size
	Project items
*	Project title	PROJ-TITLE	40
*	For (Client)	PROJ-FOR	40
*	By (Company)	PROJ-BY	40
*	Project start date	PROJ-START	13
	Project end date	PROJ-END	3
	Project report date	PROJ-REP-DATE	13
	Project % complete	PROJ%COMPLETE	3
	Project elapsed duration	PROJ-DURATION	27
*	Chart title if root or not	CHART-TITLE	40
*	Chart title if not root	CHART-SUBTITLE	40
*	Pathname-no project name	CHART-PATH	variable
	Chart items
*	Chart comment	CHART-COMMENT	40
*	Chart author	CHART-AUTHOR	32
*	Chart issue date	CHART-ISSUE-DATE	13
*	Chart revision comment	CHART-REV-COMMENT	40
*	Chart programme number	CHART-REV-NUM	10
	or	CHART-PROGRAMME	10
*	Chart revision date	CHART-REV-DATE	13
*	Chart manager	CHART-MANAGER	32
*	Chart revision	CHART-REVISION	3
	Chart start date	CHART-START	13
	Chart end date	CHART-END	13
	Chart work content	CHART-WORK-CONTENT	27
	Chart elapsed duration	CHART-DURATION	27
	Chart % complete	CHART%COMPLETE	3
*	Chart report date	CHART-REP-DATE	13
	Number of bars	CHART-NUM-BARS	3
	Number of segments	CHART-NUM-SEGS	5
	Number of local links	CHART-NUM-LOCLINKS	5
	Number of X-chart links in	CHART-NUM-XLINKS-IN	5
	Number of X-chart links out	CHART-NUM-XLINKS-OUT	5
	Number of X-chart links total	CHART-NUM-XLINKS	5
	Other items
	Project database filename	PDB-FILENAME	12
	Current date (of output)	DATE	13
	Current time (of output)	TIME	5
	WMF file name	WMF-FILENAME	12
	Border file name	BORDER-FILENAME	12
*	Baseline issue date	BSLN-ISSUE-DATE	13
*	Baseline summary	BSLN-SUMMARY	40
*	Baseline comment	BSLN-COMMENT	320


Align command
align

This command controls the alignment of text you supply with the write command.

·	If you use align left, text is left justified - it is written across the page from left to right from the current pen position.

·	If you use align right, text is right justified - it is written across the page from right to left, from the current pen position. This is often called flush right.

·	If you use align centre, text is centred on the current pen position.

You can use the this command anywhere in the script before the write command.

Format

align	left | right | centre

Default

The default is align left

Example

To produce Prepared for you by MIS, left aligned, at the coordinate 300,300:

moveto	300,300

align	left

write	"Prepared for you by MIS"


Baseline command
baseline

Makes border tokens refer to a baseline. The default is that all border tokens refer to the current project. Specify the baseline you want the tokens to refer to, according to the order in which the baselines were created.

The earliest baseline is the first baseline that was created from the project and the latest is the most recent baseline. Once you have used this command, all border tokens refer to that baseline until you specify that they should refer to the project.

Format

baseline earliest | latest  <baseline number>

Default

If you do not use this command, all tokens refer to the current project. If you do not specify a baseline number, PowerProject uses 1 to refer to the earliest or latest baseline.

Example

To make the token <pdb-filename> refer to the 3rd baseline created for a project

baseline 	earliest 3

write 	"<pdb-filename>"

To make tokens refer to the most recent baseline

baseline latest

To specify that tokens should no longer refer to a baseline, but to the current project, use the project command or use the baseline number 0.

baseline earliest 0 	or 	baseline latest 0

Associated commands

project


Bold command
bold

Turn bold text on or off. The default is off, so if you want text in bold, you can turn it on. At the end of bold text, turn it off.

Format

bold	on | off

Default

Bold is off until you turn it on.

Example

To produce Prepared for you by MIS

bold	on

write	"Prepared for you by MIS"

bold	off


Bottommargin command
bottommargin

Sets the height of the bottom margin.

If you are printing on a printer, or plotter, which has mandatory margins, you must use this command to make a bottom margin to ensure your border is on a printable part of the page. Check your printer manual to find out if your printer expects a minimum margin.

Format

bottommargin	<height>

Default

If you do not use this command, for custom pagesize the bottom margin is set to zero.

For the standard pagesizes, the bottom margin is set to 10 mm.

Example

To set a bottom margin of one centimetre (10 mm)

bottommargin	10


Boxto command
boxto

Draws a hollow box from the current pen position to the coordinates you supply.

Before using boxto you should move the current pen position to the start of the box, for example the top left corner, using moveto.

You can also use the variables height and width to draw a box relative to the paper width.

After drawing the box, the pen position is set to the coordinates you supplied. For example, if you start the box at the top left hand corner, the pen finishes at the bottom right corner of the box.

Format

boxto	<rightedge(x)>,<bottomedge(y)>

Default

No default: you must supply the coordinates.

Example

To draw a box 10mm from the top and left margins which is 20 mm square

moveto	10,10

boxto	30,30

To draw a box on the margins on any paper size

moveto	0,0    //Home

boxto	Width, Height

Associated commands

moveto, colour, unitsize


Chartarea command
chartarea

This is a key command in a Border Script. Use it to define the part of the page onto which PowerProject should place your graphic - chart, histogram or calendar.

If the chartarea command is not included in your script, PowerProject has nowhere to place a chart into the final output.

The chartarea is a rectangle starting from the current pen position, ending according to the coordinates you supply. It must be within the margins.

You can use the variables height and width to set the chartarea, but if you do, the pagesize command must be before chartarea.

After setting the chartarea, the pen position is set to the coordinates you supplied.

Format

chartarea	<rightedge(x)>,<bottomedge(y)>

Default

None. Although this command is not mandatory, if you save a border without a chartarea, you should have a specific reason for doing so, as PowerProject cannot use it as a border for a chart.

You might omit the chartarea command, for example, if you want to produce a front sheet for your project containing project or chart details. You would create a border using tokens to extract project information.

Example

The examples show chartarea set using the height and width variables, since the border is then more flexible. However, you can measure the exact size of the chartarea, and supply these figures as coordinates.

To set a chartarea which is 1 mm from the left and right margins, 4 cm below the top margin and 2 cm above the bottom margin,

moveto	1,40	//1mm left, 4cm top

chartarea	width-1, height-20	//1mm right, 2 cm bottom

To set a chart area which is the full width of the page, leaving an area of 10 cm at the bottom

moveto	0,0

chartarea	width,height-100


Colour command
colour

Select the pen colour to be used for all subsequent drawing commands. You can change colour as often as you like.

The sixteen colours you can choose from are:

black, blue, darkgrey, darkblue, cyan, green, darkcyan, darkgreen, magenta, red, darkmagenta, darkred, white, grey, yellow, darkyellow

Format

colour <colour>

or

color <color>

Default

If you do not specify a colour, the default is black.

Example

To change the colour to darkred

colour	darkred

write	"Prepared for you by MIS"


Fillto command
fillto

Fillto is similar to the boxto command, but it produces a solid box, coloured in the current colour setting.

Use this command to:

·	Produce a thick line - by making a long thin box.

·	Fill any part of the border or chart area to enhance the presentation of a chart.

After drawing and filling the box, the pen position is set to the coordinates you supplied.

Format

fillto <rightedge(x)>,<bottomedge(y)>

Default

No default: you must supply the coordinates.

Example

To draw a red line, 1 mm thick, just inside the margins:

moveto	0, 0	//Home

colour	red

fillto	width, 1

fillto	width-1, height

fillto	0, height-1

fillto	1, 1

Associated commands

moveto, colour, unitsize.


Italic command
italic

Turn italic on or off.

At the end of the italic text, you must turn it off.

Format

Italic	on | off

Default

Italic is off until you turn it on.

Example

To produce Prepared for you by MIS.

italic	on

write	"Prepared for you by MIS"

italic	off


Leftmargin command
leftmargin

Set the width of the left margin.

If you are printing on a printer, or plotter, which has mandatory margins, you must use this command to make a left margin to ensure your borders are on a printable part of the page. Check your printer manual to find out if your printer expects a minimum margin.

You should set the margins at the beginning of a border script. Once you have set them, and established your coordinate system, you should not change their positions.

Format

leftmargin	<width>

Default

If you do not use this command, for custom pagesize the left margin is set to zero.

For the standard  pagesizes, the left margin is set to 10 mm.

Example

To set a left margin of one centimetre (10mm)

leftmargin	10


Lineto command
lineto

Draw a line in the selected colour from the current pen position.

You supply the length and direction of the line by supplying the coordinates for the end pen position.

After drawing the line, the pen position is set to the coordinates you supplied.

Format

lineto	<right(x)>,<bottom(y)>

Default

No default: you must supply the coordinates.

Example

To draw a line along the top margin

moveto	0, 0

lineto	width, 0

Associated commands

moveto, colour, unitsize.


Moveto command
moveto

Move the pen to the location supplied by the coordinates.

You need to use this command to position the pen before using:

chartarea, picture, write, lineto, boxto, or fillto.

Format

moveto	<xposition>,<yposition>

Default

The pen position is initially set to 0,0 - home.

Example

To locate the pen 1 mm from the left margin and 40 mm below the top margin

moveto	1, 40

Associated commands

 boxto, fillto, lineto, picture and write.


Pagesize command
pagesize

You must include this command in a border script, to set the page size.

There are two ways you can set the page size:

·	By supplying a page type and orientation from the list below.

·	By creating a custom page type by supplying the page's height and width in current unit size.

Whichever method you choose, the height and width variables are automatically set according to your pagesize command.

You must set the pagesize before using variables.

Possible standard page types are:

A0, A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, B5, Broad, Half, Ledger, Legal, Letter, Wide

Orientation of the page:

·	Landscape 	- short side of paper vertical,

·	Portrait 	- long side of paper vertical.

Format

pagesize	<pagetype>>, portrait | landscape

or

pagesize	custom, <pagewidth(x)>, <pageheight(y)>

Default

There is no default for pagesize - you must include this command.

Example

To set the page size to the standard A1 size, portrait orientation.

pagesize	A1, portrait

To set the page size to 100 mm square.

pagesize	custom, 100, 100


Picture command
picture

Load a graphics image from a .WMF  or .BMP file into a rectangle drawn from the current pen position and ending according to the coordinates you supply. The image (for example a logo) is scaled to fit the given rectangle.

Note

Some Windows Version 3.0 device drivers do not support the loading of BMP files.

After the picture command, the pen position is set to the co-ordinates you supplied.

When you Execute the border, the Border window does not show the graphic image, but shows the filename and an X marking its location. You do not see the image until you use PowerProject to print the border with a chart, calendar, histogram or chart hierarchy.

To ensure that your graphic is the right way up, first moveto the top left hand corner of the area where you want to position your graphic file. Use the picture command to supply the .WMF or .BMP file name and the bottom right hand coordinates.

Format

picture	"<filename>", <rightedge(x)>, <bottomedge(y)>

Default

None

Example

To load a file called LOGO.BMP into a 3cm square box

moveto	0, 0
//go to the top left hand of the box

picture	"C:\ARTWORK\LOGO.BMP",30,30
//draw the picture

moveto	0, 0
//return to the top left hand co-ordinate for the box

boxto	30,	30
//draw a line to surround the logo

Note

It is recommended that the full path name of .WMF and BMP files are included in a border file to prevent problems during output.


Project command
project

Makes border tokens refer to the current project. You only need to use this command if you have previously made all tokens refer to a baseline of the current project, using the baseline  command.

Format

This command has no arguments.

Default

The default is that border tokens refer to the current project.

Example

To write out the end date of the fist baseline and underneath it the end date of the current project

textsize	10

moveto	0,0

baseline	 earliest

write	"<Proj-end>"

project

moveto	0,10

write	"<Proj-end>"


Rightmargin command
rightmargin

Set the width of the right margin.

If you are printing on a printer, or plotter, which has mandatory margins, you must use this command to make a right margin to ensure your borders are on a printable part of the page. Check your printer manual to find out if your printer expects a minimum margin.

Format

rightmargin	<width>

Default

If you do not use this command, for custom pagesize the right margin is set to zero.

For the standard pagesizes , the right margin is set to 10 mm.

Example

To set a right margin of one centimetre (10 mm)

rightmargin	10


Style command
style

You must use this command to give the border a style name.

It is not printed on the border, but is displayed by PowerProject on the PRINT GRAPHICS dialog, where you select the border to be used to surround your output.

Format

style	"<freetext>"

Default

There is no default. Every script must include the style command.

Example

style	"A1 Portrait Border for Acme Supplies"


Textsize command
textsize

Set the height of text characters in current unit size.

BORDER allows you to enter any number, and text is displayed in the size you have indicated.

However, you must select a size which can be produced by your output device. If you are using a plotter or Postscript printer, any size can be matched exactly. For output on all other printers, you should limit the text sizes you choose to those provided by the printer's fonts. If you use text sizes which are not available, PowerPrint chooses the closest size available.

The character height (in mm) to use for the commonest point sizes:

mm	Point		mm	Point
2.1	6		4.9	14
2.8	8		5.6	16
3.5	10		6.3	18
4.2	12		7.1	20

Format

textsize	<Characterheight>

Default

[?]

Example

To set the height of characters to 10 mm, which would need a large printer font of 28 point.

textsize	10


Topmargin command
topmargin

Set the height of the top margin in current unit size.

If you are printing on a printer or plotter which has mandatory margins, you must use this command to make a top margin to ensure your borders are on a printable part of the page. Check your printer manual to find out if your printer expects a minimum margin.

@SUBHEAD4 = Format

@MONOSPACE =

@SUBHEAD4 = Default

If you do not use this command, for custom pagesize the top margin is set to zero. For the standard pagesizes, the top margin is set to 10 mm.

@SUBHEAD4 = Example

Format

topmargin	<height>

Default

If you do not use this command, for custom pagesize the right margin is set to zero.

For the standard pagesizes , the right margin is set to 10 mm.

Example

To set a top margin of two centimetres.

topmargin	20


Underline command
underline

Turn underline on or off.

At the end of the text you want to underline, you must turn it off.

Format

underline	on | off

Default

Underline is off until you turn it on.

Example

To produce Prepared for you by MIS:

underline	on

write	"Prepared for you by MIS"

underline	off

You can set more than one attribute for text, for example to have the text in bold, and underlined - Prepared for you by MIS

underline	on

bold	on

write	"Prepared for you by MIS"

bold	off

underline	off


Unitsize command
unitsize

Use this command to change the units you use to supply numbers and coordinates.

You supply the size of the unit you want to use, in 1/10s of a millimetre.

Format

unitsize	<newsize>

Default

Unless you use this command to change current units, the current unit size is millimetres.

Example

To change to inches and move the pen

//Give measurements in inches (254*1/10mm = 1")

unitsize	254

//Move 1" across and 1" down page from origin

moveto	1, 1

To change to centimetres

unitsize	100 //Give measurements in centimetres


Write command
write

Write the text you supply in double quotes (") at the current pen position.

Use this command to place the text you supply anywhere within the margins.

First move the pen to the required start position using moveto. If you want to change colour or start underlining or writing in bold, do so before using the write command. You should also use the align command before write.

You also use this command to place PowerProject details into a border.

In this case, the text you supply in double quotes is the token for the PowerProject detail you want to include.

When the text has been written, the pen returns to the start position.

Format

write	"<freetext>"

Default

None

Example

To write a string of text

write	"Prepared for you by MIS"

To include the start date taken from your chart, use a token

write	"Chart Start Date: <CHARTSTART>"

Associated commands

align, bold, colour, italic, moveto, textsize, underline.


How to use Help

You can get help about how to use BORDER by doing any of the following:

·	Selecting any of the options on Help menu.

·	Press the F1 key (function key1) when on a dialog or menu option.

·	Press the Shift+F1 combination to obtain the enquiry pointer [image] -- with the pointer in this mode you can click anywhere in an active window, or on any components of the window frame to start Help.

You can use Help in a number of ways:

·	Like an instant reference book to get information on the item on screen - press F1.

·	Like a book index.

Once in Help you can use the Search button and search for key words. The topics the key words appear in are listed and you can look at the most appropriate one(s).

·	Like a reference book and flick from page to page by using the Browse button.

·	Some words are fully underlined, and some dotted underlines (and both are in green) - these are key words.

When the pointer is over a key word it turns into a finger [image] and when you click another help topic is presented.

Use this feature to jump to associated topics, or pop-up background information.

For in-depth information on using Help, see the Help - How to Use Help menu option in the Help program itself.


Menu options
Menu options summary

The File menu controls the opening, saving and printing of border files and scripts, as well as leaving the program.

The Edit menu controls text editor cut, copy and pasting features.

The Options menu controls the executing of a border script, going to a specific line and saving the prefered window arrangements.

The Window menu controls the opening of the Error window, arrangement of windows and icons and a list of open windows.

The windows Control menu can be used to leave the program and control the size and position of windows.


New File menu
File - New

This menu option allows you to clear the current border from the windows.

On choosing this option, all windows are cleared and the Script window is UNTITLED. If you have made any changes to the current script in the window, BORDER asks if you want to Save current work?

·	Click Yes to display the FILE SELECTOR to save the current file.

·	Click No if you want to clear the window and lose any changes since the last save.

·	Click Cancel to return to the Script window.


Open File menu
File - Open

This menu option allows you to load a Border file. It displays the script and border appearance in the Script window and Border window.

If you already have a border file open, BORDER asks if you want to "Save current work?"

·	Click Yes to display the FILE SELECTOR to save the current file.

·	Click No if you want to clear the window and lose any changes since the last save.

·	Click Cancel to return to the Script window.

If the window is clear, or you have made no changes to the current border, you are presented with the FILE SELECTOR displaying .B files available in the current directory.

The .B file is Executed automatically as it is opened, so the Error window is displayed if there are any errors.


Save File menu
File - Save

This menu option saves the current border file as it is, under its current name, whether or not it contains errors.

Choose this option to save the current border, even if BORDER finds errors when the file is executed.

This option is only available if you have previously used Save As to give the current file a name.

Note

You cannot save a file if there is an error in the pagesize or style command.


Save As File menu
File - Save As

This menu option allows you to save an UNTITLED border, or a border from an imported graphics file, under a new name. You can also use it to make a copy of the current border under a new name.

If you have created a new border script, either by typing in the Script window, or from loading a graphics file, use this option to give the file a name.

·	When you save the new border file, try to include the size and orientation in the filename, for example, A3LAND.B for an A3 landscape border. The filename is shown on the PowerProject PRINT GRAPHICS dialog, so a descriptive filename can help you locate the correct file quickly.

·	If you need to make a copy of the current border, use Save As to save the current border with a new name. It is good practice to do this before making major changes to a script.


Abandon File menu
File - Abandon

This menu option allows you to lose all the edits since you last Saved the border.

If you have made changes to the current border, but need to revert to the file in its original state, use Abandon to lose the edits. BORDER asks you to confirm that you want to loose edited work.


Open WMF File menu
File - Open WMF File

This menu option allows you to open a WMF file. Use it to convert a file from a Windows based drawing package into a Border Script.

The FILE SELECTOR is presented. This lists all the .WMF files in the current directory.

Select your chosen file.

The file is opened and you see the script which has been generated by BORDER to draw the border you have designed.

You can check the appearance in the Border window, and edit or delete lines from the script in the Script window.

Use Save As to save the file as a .B file.


Open GEM File menu
File - Open GEM File

This menu option allows you to open a GEM file. Use it to convert a file from a GEM based drawing package into a Border Script.

The FILE SELECTOR is presented. This lists all the .GEM files in the current directory.

Select your chosen file.

The file is opened and you see the script which has been generated by BORDER to draw the border you have designed.

You can check the appearance in the Border window, and edit or delete lines from the script in the Script window.

Use Save As to save the file as a .B file.

This option is mainly provided for compatibility with earlier GEM versions of PowerProject.


Save WMF File menu
File - Save WMF file

This menu option allows you to output the current file in .WMF format.

Use this option if you want to edit or look at the current border using a drawing package.

The FILE SELECTOR is presented. Type the name of the file, to save the current border.

Note

You cannot save a WMF file if there is an error in the pagesize or style command.


Print File menu
File - Print

This menu option allows you to output the contents of a window.

Use this option to print the contents of a window.

·	Print a full listing of the Script window, so that you can examine a border script.

·	Print the contents of the Error window, so that you can refer to the list when editing the errors.

·	Print a full sized image of the graphic in the Border window, so that you can double check the location and size of items.

The output is sent to the currently selected printer - see Printer Setup.


Printer Setup File menu
File - Printer Setup

This menu option allows you to change printers, or change the options on the selected printer.

Only those printers installed in Windows appear on the dialog. If you need to add printers, use the Control Panel in Windows Main group window.

·	Select the printer you want to use.

·	You can then can use the Setup button to select options for your chosen printer.


Exit menu
File - Exit

This menu option allows you to leave the BORDER application and return to the Windows desktop.

If you have made any changes to the current script in the window, BORDER asks if you want to "Save current work?"

·	Click Yes to display the FILE SELECTOR to save the current file.

·	Click No if you want to exit and lose any changes since the last save.

·	Click Cancel to return to the Script window.


Edit Cut menu
Edit - Cut

Use this menu option to remove text from the script.

This option deletes selected text from the script and places it onto the clipboard. Once you have used this option, the Paste option is available so you can move the text to another location.

This option is available if you have selected some text.

·	Select the text you wish to remove from the script, and choose Cut.

·	The short cut to Cut selected text is the Shift+DEL combination.

·	The short cut to Cut a line of text is the keypad  minus (--) key.


Edit Copy menu
Edit - Copy

Use this menu option to duplicate text from the script.

This menu option adds selected text from the script and places it onto the clipboard. Once you have used this option, the Paste option is available so you can copy the text to another location.

This option is available if you have selected some text.

·	Select the text you wish to duplicate from the script, and choose Copy.

·	The short cut to Copy selected text is the CTRL+INS combination.

·	The short cut to Copy a line of text is the keypad plus (+) key.


Edit Paste menu
Edit - Paste

Use this menu option after a Cut or Copy, to insert the text from the clipboard at a new location in the script.

To Paste into the script.

·	Locate the text cursor in the script, to mark the insertion point, then choose Paste to insert before the cursor position.

·	The short cut to Paste text is the Shift+INS combination.

·	The short cut to Paste a line of text is the INS key.


Execute Options menu
Options - Execute

This menu option allows you to check the syntax of the script, and displays the appearance of the border in the Border window.

Execute checks the syntax of the current script. If there are errors, BORDER automatically displays the Error window to show the lines which contain an error.

If the syntax is correct, you can see the appearance of the border in the Border window. The Error window is not opened. You may Save the file and use it as a border for your PowerProject output.

·	The short cut for Execute is CTRL+E.


Goto Line Options menu
Options - Goto Line

This menu option allows you to locate the text cursor on a specified line in the script.

The GOTO LINE dialog is presented. - where you can enter a line number you require. On choosing OK the text cursor is placed on the desired line in the Script window.

·	You would normally use the Goto option in conjunction with the Error window to go to the exact line in a script which was causing an error.

·	The short cut for Goto is to ALT-click on the error message in the Error window.

·	Another short cut for Goto is CTRL+G in the Script window.


GOTO LINE dialog

This dialog is presented on choosing the Window - Goto Line menu option.

Enter a line number you require.

On choosing OK the text cursor is placed on the desired line in the Script window.


Save Desktop Options menu
Options - Save Desktop

This menu option allows you to save desktop arrangement: window positions and sizes.

Change the sizes and positions of the BORDER windows as you require, then make this setting your permanent choice using Save Desktop.


View Errors Window menu
Window - View Errors

This menu option allows you to re-open the Error window.

This option opens the Error window.

It is only available if the Error window is closed, and the current border script contains an error.

When you click View Errors, the Error window is opened and topped.

·	The short cut to goto the next error, while in the Script window, is CTRL+N.

·	The short cut to goto the previous error, while in the Script window, is CTRL+P.


Cascade Window menu
Window - Cascade

Use this menu option to arrange the open windows, so that they overlap and the titles are visible.

Once you have used this option, you can move the windows you want to look at, by dragging the title bars to their new position.


Tile Window menu
Window - Tile

Use this menu option to arrange the open windows, so that they do not overlap.

Once you have used this option, you can move or resize the windows to suit their contents.


Arrange Icons Window menu
Window - Arrange Icons

Use this menu option rearrange PowerProject window icons at the bottom of the window.

If you have minimized a window, an icon is drawn at the bottom of the BORDER window.

You can move any icon within the PowerProject window by dragging it.

If you have moved icons, this option arranges them in a line across the bottom of the window.


Open Window List menu
Window - Open Window List

The title of each open window is listed as an option at the end of the Window menu. The active window is ticked on the menu.

To make an open window active click on the window title on the menu. If you can see part of a window on screen, then clicking on any part of it will also make it active.


Border window
The Border window is a graphics window.

The appearance of the border in this window is not quite the same as it is when you print the border chart from PowerProject.

·	The chartarea is filled with bars representing your chart - if there are no errors.

·	The tokens you have included from PowerProject are displayed, not substituted by the data they represent

·	The graphic contained in the WMF file specified in any picture command is not shown. Instead, the box displays the name of the file.

The Border window cannot be closed.


Script Window

You edit text lines in the Script window as a word processor, using the same commands as you would for Windows Notepad accessory.

The script you type is the border script and contains commands. When this script is executed the border window displays the results graphically.

See Text Editing for details of editing keys.

The Script window cannot be closed.


Error Window

Any errors in the script are listed in the Error window after the border is opened or executed.

The Error window does not appear for a border which has been executed and no errors found.

Errors are made when you mis-type a command, misplace commas in commands which require <arguments>, or if mistakes occur with coordinates.

To rectify an error:

·	Goto the line in the Script window causing the problem - by ALT-clicking on the error line in this window.

·	Examine the line to spot the error. Use the Help system to look up commands if you are unsure of the syntax.

·	Correct the error my over typing

·	Execute the script (the short cut is CTRL+E) to ensure the error is corrected.


FILE SELECTOR

The standard Windows FILE SELECTOR is presented when ever you wish to open files or save files to disk.

File Name

Type or select the filename you want to open. This box lists files with the extension you select in the List Files of Type box.

To see a list of files with a particular extension, type an asterisk (*), a period, and the three-character

extension. For example, if you want to see all files with a .WMF extension in a directory, type "*.WMF".

Directories

Select the directory from which you wish to open, or to which you wish to save the current file.

The open folder icon shows which sub-directories are being viewed. Click on one of the directory icons to see other directories.

Drives

Select the drive from which you wish to open, or to which you wish to save the current file.

List Files of Type

Select the type of file you want

to open:

  (*.B)   	- for border files.

  (*.GEM) - for graphic files.

  (*.WMF)   - for graphic files.

or save:

  (*.B)   	- for border files.

  (*.WMF)   - for graphic files.


Alert

This dialog is presented when an interaction or warning is given, for example when you use the window close box after editing information.

Read the message and carry out the appropriate action.


Window Title Bar

Located along the top of a BORDER owning window is the name of the application and the current border file.

In other windows the Title Bar contains a description of the window.

To move the window, drag the title bar.

Double-clicking on a window title bar has the same effect as the maximize window icon, or choosing either the Maximize, or Restore Window Control menu options.


Minimize Icon

Clicking [image] on the left icon of the upper-right hand corner of a window reduces the window to an icon.

This is the same as choosing the Minimize option from the Window Control menu.

If the window is the BORDER owning window then BORDER itself is iconized and placed on the Windows desktop. Re-start by double-clicking on the icon or use the Restore option from the Window Control menu.

If the window contains a Border, Script, or Error window, then the window is iconized onto the BORDER desktop. The Window - Arrange Icons menu option tidies icons neatly.


Maximize Icon

Clicking [image] on the right icon in the upper-right hand corner of a full window returns the active window to its size and position before you choose the Restore option from the Window Control menu.

Clicking [image] on the right icon in the upper-right hand corner of a small window restores the window to its full size. This is equivalent to choosing the Maximize option from the Window Control menu.

The shortcut is to double-click on the window title bar.


System Menu
Control menu

A Control menu appears on the BORDER window, on each data window, as well as on each dialog box. The Control menu is chosen when you click on the window or dialog close box [image] in left hand corner of a window, or when a window has been iconized.

For more information see:

Restore

Move

Size

Minimize

Maximize

Close

Switch To...

Next


Restore window Control menu
Control - Restore

This menu option returns the active window to its size and position before the last Maximize or Minimize action.

Shortcuts

The following short cuts also restore the active window, or dialog box:

·	Clicking on the [image] icon.

·	Double-clicking on the window title bar.


Move window Control menu
Control - Move

This menu option displays a four-headed arrow pointer [image], so that you can move the active window, or dialog box using the keyboard arrows.

Shortcuts

The following short cut also allows you to move the active window, or dialog box:

·	Drag the title bar.

This option is disabled if the window is maximized.


Size window Control menu
Control - Size

This menu option displays a four-headed arrow pointer [image], so that you can size the active window, or dialog box using the keyboard arrows.

Shortcuts

The following short cut also allows you to size the active window, or dialog box:

·	Drag the edge or corner of a window - see Sizing a window.

This option is disabled if the window is maximized.


Minimize window Control menu
Control - Minimize

This menu option reduce the active window to an icon.

If the window is the PowerProject owning window then PowerProject itself is iconized and placed on the Windows desktop. Re-start by double-clicking on the icon or use the Restore option from the window Control menu.

If the window contains a Border, Script, or Error window, then the window is iconized onto the BORDER desktop. The Window - Arrange Icons menu option tidies icons neatly.

Shortcuts

The following short cut also allows you to minimize the active window:

·	Click on the [image] icon.


Maximize window Control menu
Control - Maximize

This menu option enlarges the active window to fill the available space.

If the window is the PowerProject owning window, then PowerProject fills the screen.

If the window contains a Border, Script, or Error window, then the window is enlarged to fill the space available on the BORDER owning window.

Shortcuts

The following short cuts also allows you to maximize the active window:

·	Click on the [image] icon.

·	Double-click on the window title bar.


Close window Control menu
 Control - Close

This menu option closes the active window, or dialog box.

If information has been changed you are Alerted.

You cannot close the Border window, or Script window.

Shortcuts

The following short cuts also allows you to close the active window:

·	Double-click on the window close box.

·	ALT+F4 closes a BORDER window or dialog box.

·	CTRL+F4 closes an Error window.


Switch To window Control menu
Control - Switch To...

This menu option is only available on the BORDER window and displays a list of all open applications. Use this Task List dialog box to switch, or close an application on the list.

Shortcuts

The following short cut also allows you to Switch To another application:

·	CTRL+ESC presents the Task List dialog box.

·	ALT+TAB allows you to switch to another application directly.

Option buttons

Task List - choose the application you want to switch to or close.

Switch To - makes the chosen application active.

End Task - closes the chosen application.

Cancel - closes the Task List dialog box without changing the application.

Cascade - Arranges open applications which are not iconized, so they overlap and you can see each title bar.

Tile - Arranges open applications which are not iconized, so they do not overlap.

Arrange Icons - Arranges the icons of all minimized applications across the foot of the screen.


Next window Control menu
Control - Next

This menu option is only available on Border, Script, or Error windows. It allows you to make the next window the active one. BORDER determines which window is next by the order in which they were opened..

Shortcuts

The following short cut also allows you to switch to the next window:

·	CTRL+F6 makes the next open window active.


Sizing a window

On the sides of the window, when the pointer changes shape [image] [image] you can change the size of the window by dragging or the keyboard arrow keys.

On the corners of the window when the pointer changes shape [image] you can change the size of the window by dragging or the keyboard arrow keys.

These are the same as choosing the Size option from the Window Control menu.


Clipboard

The clipboard is a standard Windows feature where cut and copied text is placed temporarily.

Once text is placed on the clipboard it can be retrieved by pasting. This applies within BORDER, but also between other Windows applications.

Text which is deleted (via the DEL key) is not placed on the clipboard.