Auto Box. This dialog box controls the initial generation of an anchored box at a tab marker. For a box to be generated the Auto Box must be set for that column and the data for that column must be preceded by a precedent code and the number of columns that are to be straddled by the anchored box. The maximum number of columns that can be straddled is 9. The columns that are straddled must have both a fixed width and a fixed gutter.
Insets (Top, Left, Right, Bottom). The value entered here will provide space around the text in the anchored box. By default the text in the anchored box is set to Left align. It can be modified on an individual basis manually. As this is a standard QuarkXPress box it is set to a single column with a 3pt gutter so that at least 3pts will be on the right side of the box.
Auto Expand. Checking this box will cause all of the text to be contained in a single box. Leaving it unchecked will cause each line to be in an individual box which is linked to the box below it. The recommended and default setting is checked. When a box is initially generated, it is set to the size of the maximum prior column in the current row. If it is the first columnar entry in the row than it is set to an initial number of lines set in the Min Lines entry of this dialog box.The end of a row must be signified by a paragraph return. The balancing program will insert the proper number of force line returns to clear the deepest column. It is only in the auto expand mode that true columnar setting is obtained.
Precedent Char. This character will identify columnar text. The digit following it signifies any columns that are straddled. It must be between 1 and 9. The default is a forward slash
Min Box Lines. The initial size of the first row columnar text entry. It is also the minimum box size. Properly choosing this number can improve the composition speed of balancing.
Precedent Digits . The number of digits that follow a precedent code. This value must be 1 or 2 and determines the number of columns that AutoBox will straddle. The Default value is one.
Initial Depth . If this entry is non zero, then all rows will start at this initial value for anchor box depth. Recalculation of this box for proper resizing will be delayed until the end of the row and no fine adjustment of box depth will be made automatically. If the data in the anchor box overflows the box then it and all preceding boxes in the row will be immediately resized to the new depth and its value will replace the Initial Depth for the remainder of the row. The entry should be a modulo value of the line leading within the box plus any additional refinement value desired.
Auto ReExpand. Checking this box causes the prior generated boxes to be recalculated. If it is known that the columns will not grow then it is faster if this box is unchecked.
Paging Group
This group controls the paging of tables that exceed the box depth allocated on a single page.
Vertical Justify. This check box controls whether a table will be spaced at paragraph return points to fill the text box. It will both expand and contract a table to fit within the text box constraints. This option only works in conjunction with AutoBox. AutoVert rules are expanded and contracted as necessary. This option requires a second balance of a table that has already been balanced. The first balance marks the table as a candidate for vertical justification.
Multipage. This check box allows a table to flow from page to page. It only works with tables that use AutoBox. The pages will automatically break at row beginnings and they will mark the page for possible vertical justification. Pages may break in the middle of an AutoBox if the Minimum before and after lines in this group are met.
Fixed Box Offset. This offset entry allows the page break point to be other than the text box bottom. This allows fixed spacing to be available for placing footer or banner information at the bottom of that text box. Be sure to use a negative value to reduce the box depth.
Min Start Lines. This entry defines the minimum number of lines that are necessary for an incomplete AutoBox to be placed at the bottom of a text box.
Min End Lines. This entry defines the minimum number of lines that must be available at the start of the next page. If it is not met then the data will overflow the AutoBox and will be corrected by a second balance when Vertical justification is selected.
