Fields

One of the most powerful features in AVCataloger is the unique capability to configure the application to suit about any need. Although AVCataloger is designed to be an Audio-Visual style cataloger, the ability to create custom columns allows AVCataloger to morph into about any cataloging application. Figure 1 below shows the Format Columns area where powerful features reside and is probably one of the most important areas in configuring AVCataloger.

Figure 1. Format Columns Configuration

The list on the left reflects the columns available, some of which are system reserved. Factory default columns cannot be deleted, however they may be hidden, if desired. Captions (column headers) of all columns can be renamed by changing the text in the Caption box (top) when the column is selected from the list of available columns. The column width can be set by clicking the + / - buttons in the width field. The units are configured to be 1440 units per inch. If you want to hide a column, uncheck the "Display this Column" option and the column will be hidden from the normal display, restorable from this area. Data is not deleted, the column is just removed from the display.

The two sections beneath the caption configuration are broken down into the Header and Data section. Column headers can display icons as seen in several of the factory default columns. You can select a different picture to be displayed from the available pictures or click the New button to import a new picture file. Most file formats are available for importing, however, keeping the pictures to 256 resolution, 16 x 16 pixels is recommended. Pictures will be masked using the gray RGB(192,192,192) value. Column header alignment can be easily configured to Left, Center, or Right by changing the corresponding alignment option. The Data area is identical to the Header area in features with the addition of one more option, the ability to allow word wrapping (multiple lines) in fields.

Column order can be easily changed from the data area itself by dragging column headers to new locations as seen in Figure 2 below. Columns can be resized by clicking and dragging the break between the column headers to the desired width. Columns can be autosized in width by double-clicking the column header breaks separating columns, or all these settings can be modified from the Format Columns area.

Figure 2. Rearranging Columns by Dragging Column Headers

By clicking the New Field button on the bottom right, custom columns can be easily added from various types to include custom drop down lists. Figure 3 below shows the dialog for creating new columns.

Figure 3. Adding Custom Column

For custom drop down list columns, the column must first be created. After the column is created, return to the Format Columns area, select the new column and click the "List Values" button on the bottom left to add items to the drop down list. This can also be accomplished from the drop down list itself in the data entry area, as the option to modify list items will be available from the bottom most choice in the list, a link to the modification area.