XPAC Reference Guide

Copying data fields

Copying data fields

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Copying data fields

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Copying data fields does not operate in the same way as inserting, deleting or moving data fields. With these other operations, the existing data remains attached to the existing data fields as you add, delete and move the data fields. When you copy a data field, nothing happens to the associated data, rather it is only the data field properties and formats which are copied.

To copy the properties and formats of your data fields, you should access data field design.

It is possible to copy either one or a number of consecutive data fields at once. The copy is carried out by copying and then pasting the data fields. You have the choice of pasting the copied data fields over the top of some existing data fields or of inserting the copied fields in between existing data fields. Remember that the copy option does not include data.

Copy

To copy the data fields, highlight the ones that you want to copy by clicking on the data field number. There are two ways to copy data fields.

1.Right-click the highlighted area, then select Copy from the pop up menu.
2.Select Edit from the application menu, then select Copy from the drop-down menu.

The next step is to paste or paste insert the data field information.

Paste

The paste option will paste the copied data field properties over the top of existing data field properties. The existing data fields properties will be lost, however the existing data will remain and will be attached to the copied data field properties.

To do this, move to the first data field where you want to paste and click the data field number. There are two ways to paste the data field properties.

1.Right-click the highlighted area and select Paste from the pop up menu.
2.Select Edit from the application menu, then Paste from the drop-down menu.

Paste insert

The Paste Insert option will paste the copied data field properties in between the existing data fields. None of the existing data fields or data will be lost. Data fields created using paste insert will behave in the same way as inserted data fields, in that XPAC will make use of previously deleted data fields. Hence, there may be old data located in a data field that has been created using paste insert. To minimise the effects of this, every time you Paste Insert a new data field and then save the data field design, you are asked if you would like to clear the new data field values.

To use the paste insert option, move to the data field above which you want to paste insert and click on the data field number. Right-click the highlighted area, then select Paste Insert from the pop up menu.