Text

Text data type is used for variables that store textual content. As a result, only textual input is allowed as the variable input data type.

Input Rules

Data group defines permitted data properties.

  • Allowed characters: definition of permitted variable input characters.

    Tip

    Groups of allowed characters for data input filtering are described in section Groups of Allowable Characters.

  • Limit length: maximum length of variable value.

  • Fixed length: variable must contain the exact number of characters as defined in the Limit length.

Check range group allows you to enter the minimum and maximum permitted value of the variable. Setting the limits is optional.

  • Minimum value: the lowest permitted variable value.

  • Maximum value: the highest permitted variable value.

Note

If enabled, minimum and maximum values must not be left empty.

Pick list group predefines a list of selectable input values for a variable. No other values can be used with this variable if a pick list is defined.

Selection of pick list values for a label object is done on the printing form. The user selects one of the available values and prints the label. If a pick list is used for a form object, it acts as an Edit Field object – when the form is run, the user selects from the predefined values.

  • Enable pick list: enable this option to set a limited range of selectable values.

  • Pick list values: enter the selectable values. Separate individual values by placing them in lines.

Output Rules

Prefix and Suffix are characters that are added to a variable value.

  • Prefix: text placed in front of the variable value.

  • Suffix: text placed behind the variable value.

Pad Character fills an empty character position until the maximum variable length for a variable is reached. Pad character is enabled only if the Limit variable length in the Input rules tab is enabled.

  • Padding: defines the mode of padding.

    • Not used: does not use padding.

    • On left: adds pad characters on the left side of the data value.

    • On right: adds pad characters on the right side of the data value.

    • Surrounding value: adds pad characters on both sides of the data value.

  • Character: character used for padding.

Example:

Pad character is in most cases zero (0) added on the left side of the variable value. If the maximum variable length is set to 5 characters and the value is 23, the padded result is 00023.


Multiline group divides text into multiple lines.

Warning

Avoid using this setting if possible. The recommended alternative for presenting multiline text on a label or form is to use the Text Box object.

  • Number of lines: maximum number of lines for a variable value.

  • Line length: maximum number of characters in a single line.

  • Word wrap: divides the text into multiple lines at space character locations.