Properties Box

January 17 2005 05:00:00 PM Add/Read Comments [5]
One of the most important Notes features that all users should be well trained in is the Properties Box.  It can be accessed several ways including selecting Edit - Properties from the Notes menus, pressing ALT+ENTER on your keyboard, or clicking the Image:Properties Box icon on your toolbar.  The Properties Box is dynamic, meaning it displays different information depending on the context of when it is opened.  On the top left corner of the Properties Box is a drop down list that allows you to select which object you want to see the properties for.  The list may include items such as the current database or the document you are in.   Additionally the list may include several special items such as text, picture, or table depending on what object is active or selected.

Image:Properties Box

The Properties Box has a series of tabs along the top.  Each tab provides a grouping of related information for the currently object.   For example, when entering text (one of the most useful times for using the Properties Box) you will see all the formatting adjustments you need in one convenient location.   You can change fonts styles, size, color, row alignment, list/bullet options, line spacing, margins, borders, and much more.

Image:Properties Box

Many of my upcoming tips will involve the Properties Box, so please familiarize yourself with it.   If you leave it open as you work (you can move it to anywhere on your screen by clicking on the title bar and dragging your mouse), you'll be able to watch it dynamically adjust as you move about your daily tasks.  Take some time and investigate the information it presents to you.  I think you'll find it extremely helpful.

One final note for this tip.  Notice the Properties Box has 3 icons on the top right corner.   The first let's you collapse the box down to just the title bar so that it take up less space on the screen.   The second is for help specific to the tab you have open which is very useful.   The third allows you to close the dialog box.