Pathagoras Tip of the Week

Instant Database:  Settings & Tools; Masks

'DropDown List of Variables':  An Instant Database mask can serve multiple purposes. Primarily it is in the nature of an intake form, allowing you to capture data for reuse with a wide array of client/customer documents.

But a mask can also serve as a nice starting point for when you begin to 'Pathagorize' a document. It will enable you to 'point & click' variables into a new (or existing) source document. (And 'pointing & clicking' sure beats typing as you are transforming source text into a usable form!)

Here is what you need to do:

1. Display the Instant Database screen (Alt-D).
   
2. Select the appropriate mask from the left drop down box (marked 'Masks'). (If you don't yet have a mask, read the section of the Help system titled "Masks." A link is provided at the left.)
   
3. Click the Settings & Tools button (right side of IDB screen). A new window opens at the bottom of the IDB screen.
   
4. The bottom-most element of this new screen is titled  'Create DropDown List.'  Press that button.
   
5. Pathagoras quickly creates a drop down list of all of the variables in the selected mask. This list appears in the menu area of your Word screen. The name of the mask is the 'title' element of the list, so look for that title.
   
6. Place the cursor at the point where you want to insert a variable. Now activate the drop down list. Locate the desired variable and click. The variable is instantly inserted into your document.