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Shape Parameter Table
Each ConceptDraw shape is described by dozens of parameters, such as numbers, text or formulas.
All the parameters are brought together in the shape parameter table where you can modify any of them. The table thus gives you full control over the appearance and behavior of the shape.
Displaying the Shape Parameter Table
To call the Parameter Table of a shape, select it and use the Show Table command from the Shape menu, or just press the F3 key. This will open the shape's table in a new window.
You can use the following elements of the table:
- the input field lets you edit the contents of the selected cell (enter the value or formula);
- the sections represent groups of parameters: transform characteristics, geometries, line properties, fill format, text format, protection, etc.;
- the cells show the value or formula for each parameter of the shape; you can select a cell and modify its contents in the input field;
The menu bar holds the commands which you can apply to the table (save the table, modify the table view, manipulate sections, etc.).
The input field is at the top of the window. When you click a cell in the table, its contents appears in the input field where it can be edited.
By double-click a cell its contents in the input field will also become selected.
To finish editing and apply the changes, press the Enter key.
To return to the initial values, press the Esc key.
You can also use the corresponding buttons to the left of the input field.
If you enter an invalid formula or value, the program will display an error message.
A cell is the place where the application stores a certain parameter of the shape.
To select (activate) a cell, just click it with the mouse. Once the cell is active, you can edit its content in the input field at the top of the table window. You can use the Arrow keys to activate another cell.
To quickly start editing, double-click the needed cell, and its content appears selected in the input field.
What you see in the cell depends on which viewing mode is set for the table: Values or Formulas.
When in the Values mode, all cells show the values in the current units of measure set for the document.
When the Formulas mode is on, all cells that contain formulas display the formulas. The cells which have no formulas show the values in the tenths of millimeter or in radians (for angles).
To switch to the needed view mode, just check the corresponding option in the View menu.
Note that if a cell contains a formula, the input field will always show a formula when you select the cell, regardless of the viewing mode.
You can input values in the units of measure other than default, by specifying the corresponding suffix after the number, e.g. 12 in, 3.5 ft, 0.66 m. When editing a cell, you can use the data stored in another cell, by clicking that cell with the mouse:
Single click on a cell: Inserts the formula from the cell you clicked into the input field
Ctrl + click on a cell: Inserts the numeric value of the cell into the input field
Alt + click on a cell: Inserts the cell title into the input field (to refer to it in formulas)
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