When you start InfoMaker the first time
In InfoMaker, you always work within the context of a library. The first time you start InfoMaker, the default library is TUTOR_IM.PBL, which contains sample objects based on the PB Demo DB.
If you want to create a library of your own for storing new objects, click the New button on the PowerBar and use the library wizard on the Library tab page.
If you have used InfoMaker before
You can also select an existing library by clicking the Select Library button on the PowerBar and using the Browse or Recent tab pages. If you select a library that you used in an earlier version of InfoMaker, InfoMaker prompts you to migrate the library to this version.
When InfoMaker starts
When InfoMaker starts, it opens in a window that contains a menu bar and the PowerBar:
You can create new objects, open existing objects, change libraries, access the database, and perform other tasks by using menus or clicking buttons in the PowerBar.
What it is
The PowerBar is the main control point for working in InfoMaker. From the PowerBar you can create new objects and libraries and open existing objects.
Buttons on the PowerBar
From left to right on the PowerBar, here are the buttons and what you can do after you click a button:
|
This PowerBar button |
Lets you do this |
|---|---|
|
New |
Create new objects |
|
Open |
Open existing objects |
|
Preview |
Run forms or preview reports |
|
Select Library |
Select an existing library |
|
Library List |
Specify libraries for user-defined form styles and shared queries |
|
To-Do List |
Keep track of object creation tasks and use links to quickly get you to the place where you complete the tasks |
|
Library |
Manage your libraries using the Library painter and create executable versions of reports, forms, and pipelines |
|
DB Profile |
Define and use named sets of parameters to connect to a particular database |
|
Database |
Maintain databases and database tables, control user access to databases, and manipulate data in databases using the Database painter |
|
Exit |
Close InfoMaker |
Customizing the PowerBar
You can customize the PowerBar. For example, you can choose whether to move the PowerBar around, add buttons for operations you perform frequently, and display text in the buttons. For more information, see Using toolbars.
About PowerTips
In the PowerBar, when you leave the mouse pointer over a button for a second or two, InfoMaker displays a brief description of the button, called a PowerTip. PowerTips display in InfoMaker wherever there are toolbar buttons.
InfoMaker provides you with wizards for easy creation of libraries and reports.
To access wizards:
-
Click the New button in the PowerBar, or select File>New from the menu bar.
-
In the New dialog box, select the tab page for the wizard you need.
|
This tab page |
Has icons for |
|---|---|
|
Library |
A wizard for creating new libraries |
|
Object |
Object wizards for creating reports in specific presentation styles |
