Repositioning Fields (GEM)
Fields 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 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
- With the Select Tool
chosen in the toolbar, right-click on the desired activity, delay, milestone, benchmark, link, data date, or hammock.
- Choose the or option. The object will be spotlit in purple.
- Left-click with the mouse the field you wish to move.
- Without letting go, drag the field to its new position.
- Release the mouse.
- When finished, right-click anywhere on the canvas and choose .
Through GEM Mode
- Click the Display Mode (GEM/Date Lock/Normal)
icon in the toolbar, or click the down arrow and choose . All fields will be highlighted in orange.
- Left-click with the mouse the field you wish to move.
- 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.
- Release the mouse.
- To modify multiple objects of the same type, select the first object on the canvas.
- Press and hold the SHIFT key on the keyboard.
- 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
.
- Repeat step 2-2b. All matching fields will jump to match the new position.
- When finished, exit GEM by clicking the Display Mode (GEM/Date Lock/Normal)
icon in the toolbar.
Aligning Text Objects
- Click the Display Mode (GEM/Date Lock/Normal)
icon in the toolbar.
- Identify a text object that you’d like to align others to, and select it on the canvas.
- Press and hold the SHIFT key on the keyboard.
- 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
.
- In the auxiliary toolbar, click the down arrow next to the Align Text Horizontal
or Align Text Vertical
icons.
- Choose from the sub menu.
- 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: