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Repositioning Fields (GEM)

such as descriptions, dates, and float values, also known as data elements, can be repositioned on the canvas to eliminate clashing or simply better coincide with the geometry of the network. Supported objects include activities, delays, milestones, benchmarks, links, data dates, and hammocks. If any fields end up being more than 3″ away from their host objects, they will be reset to default the next time the schedule is opened. Repositioning can be done individually for a single object or for the entire schedule using the Global Edit Mode">, or GEM.

Upon entering GEM, most toolbar icons as well as the menu bar will be disabled (except for select actions within the Edit menu). In addition, most actions via right-click will be disabled, except for actualizing, fading, or hiding/showing, for example. GEM also includes a tool for aligning text boxes.

NOTE: GEM is a mode distinct from (and behaves as a toggle with) the traditional “build mode” of NetPoint, where objects and relationships are added to the canvas. Upon entering GEM, all dates become fixed, and no object property boxes are accessible. However, object descriptions can still be modified by double-clicking them on the canvas. In addition, objects can still move between grids by using the up and down arrows on the keyboard or in the Gestural Window. No canvas objects can be selected, modified, or moved, except for text objects (including annotations).

Steps

By Right-Clicking

  1. With the Select Tool Select Tool Icon chosen in the toolbar, right-click on the desired activity, delay, milestone, benchmark, link, data date, or hammock.
  2. Choose the Customize Positions of or Customize Data Positions option. The object will be spotlit in purple.
  3. Left-click with the mouse the field you wish to move.
  4. Without letting go, drag the field to its new position.
  5. Release the mouse.
  6. When finished, right-click anywhere on the canvas and choose Save Modified Positions.

Through GEM Mode

  1. Click the Display Mode (GEM/Date Lock/Normal)  icon in the toolbar, or click the down arrow and choose Global Edit Mode (GEM). All fields will be highlighted in orange.
  2. Left-click with the mouse the field you wish to move.
    1. Without letting go, drag the field to its new position. Alternatively you can use the arrow keys on the keyboard to move in increments of 1/20th of an inch.
    2. Release the mouse.
  3. To modify multiple objects of the same type, select the first object on the canvas.
    1. Press and hold the SHIFT key on the keyboard.
    2. Select one or more objects of the same type (activities, delays, and hammocks will all be considered as activities). Alternatively, you can click on a blank portion of the canvas and drag a rectangular marquee box around all of the desired objects, or use the Multi-Object Select Tool Multi Select Icon.
    3. Repeat step 2-2b. All matching fields will jump to match the new position.
  4. When finished, exit GEM by clicking the Display Mode (GEM/Date Lock/Normal)  icon in the toolbar.

Aligning Text Objects

  1. Click the Display Mode (GEM/Date Lock/Normal)  icon in the toolbar.
  2. Identify a text object that you’d like to align others to, and select it on the canvas.
  3. Press and hold the SHIFT key on the keyboard.
  4. Select one or more additional text objects. Alternatively, you can click on a blank portion of the canvas and drag a rectangular marquee box around one or more text objects or use the Multi-Object Select Tool Multi Select Icon.
  5. In the auxiliary toolbar, click the down arrow next to the Align Text Horizontal Horizontal-Alignment or Align Text Vertical Vertical-Alignment icons.
  6. Choose from the sub menu.
  7. When finished, exit GEM by clicking the Display Mode (GEM/Date Lock/Normal)  icon in the toolbar.

Notes

GEM Toolbar

Upon entering GEM, an auxiliary toolbar will also open, offering the following options:

toolbar-gem

Icon Name Definition
Dates-Symmetric Keep Dates Symmetric When selected, this icon will tie an activity’s start and finish dates together so that any changes to positions mirror each other symmetrically.
Lock-Verticals2 Vertical Only When selected, this icon will lock data elements to the vertical axis, preventing them from being moved horizontally.
Lock-Horizontals2 Horizontal Only When selected, this icon will lock data elements to the horizontal axis, preventing them from being moved vertically.
Horizontal-Alignment Align Text Horizontally When expanded, this menu allows all selected text objects (excluding descriptions) to be aligned to their tops, centers, or bottoms. Text objects will align to whichever object was first selected. If they were selected using the rectangular drag box, they will align to whichever object was placed on the canvas first.
Vertical-Alignment Align Text Vertically When expanded, this menu allows all selected text objects (excluding descriptions) to be aligned to their lefts, centers, or rights. Text objects will align to whichever object was first selected. If they were selected using the rectangular drag box, they will align to whichever object was placed on the canvas first.