Use the Array tool to create a simple or complex array.
Types of Arrays
- Simple Arrays
- A simple array is a single BMS field that repeats either vertically
or horizontally.
- Complex Arrays
- A complex array is a two-dimensional array that is repeated both
vertically and horizontally creating both rows and columns.
Creating Simple or Complex Arrays
To create an array, complete the following steps:
- Click the Array button in the Advanced
palette.
- Click the cursor in the Design canvas.
The Create a New Array dialog will open.
- For a simple array, select the Simple radio button.
- Specify the Field name, Comments, Length, Distance
between fields in the array, Occurs,
and the Array direction.
- Mark the checkbox, Add stopper fields to
add stopper fields to the end of the simple array.
- For a complex array, select the Complex radio
button.
- Specify the Field name, Comments (if
needed), and Length of each field.
- Specify the Distance between fields in the array.
This distance is defined in terms of rows for vertical arrays or
columns for horizontal arrays.
- The Occurs value will be populated based
on the number of fields in each row and column specified in the table
below.
- Specify the Array Direction, or the order
in which fields are created in the source.
For example, a vertical
array would have fields defined as follows:
field(1) field(4) field(7)
field(2) field(5) field(8)
field(3) field(6) field(9)
Where
field(1) is
the first to appear in the source,
field(2) the second
field to appear in the source, and so on.
Alternatively, a
horizontal array would have fields defined as follows:
field(1) field(2) field(3)
field(4) field(5) field(6)
field(7) field(8) field(9)
- Use the table at the bottom of the Create a Field
Array wizard to define the fields to populate into the
complex array. See Defining
Fields in Complex Arrays.
Note: You will not be able to edit
this table to provide the array fields until you have provided the Length of
each field
- Click Finish to create the array.
A warning
is displayed if the array cannot fit in the specified location.
Regardless of the type of array created after the field array is
drawn on the canvas, the fields behave as individual fields and can
be edited independent of one another.
Editing Simple or Complex Arrays
The following editing capabilities are available:
- Delete
Delete the array by selecting
any field and then selecting the Delete key.
- Edit
Edit the Array properties by selecting
any field in the array, right-click and select Edit Array.
The Edit Array wizard is launched. The wizard displays all current
array values. Update the values and click Finish.
The array reflects the value changes. The source also reflects these
changes.
To change the individual field properties, select the
particular field, right-click, and select Field Properties.
- Select
Select any field in the array
and all fields in the array are selected.
- Move
Select the array and then drag it
across the design page to any valid location.