ArcScan File Maker

by Paul Ashmore

ArcMake is a very useful utility for those who compile their own ArcScan files. It provides a desktop front end for entering the data in the correct format. Thus it removes the need to remember all the details of the data format and to check that all the text is within the correct line lengths.

Running the application will briefly open a title window on the screen, and then install an icon on the icon bar. Clicking Menu over this icon opens a menu with four entries: Info, New file, File and Quit. Info and Quit perform their usual functions.

The New file option allows you to start a new ArcScan file. If you are already working on a file and there is unsaved data, you will be offered the choice of discarding the old file, saving it or cancelling the request to start a new file. The File menu option leads to a submenu allowing you to either save or print the current file.

Clicking Select on the icon bar icon opens the main window. This is laid out in such a way that you can easily create entries of the correct format for an ArcScan file. In the centre of the window are three writable icons which will hold the line-by-line data for the entry. The writable icons are set for a maximum line length of 40 characters. On the right-hand side of the window is a column of data categories. Clicking on one of these icons will set the current item to that category, and insert the name of the category for reference into the icon at the top left of the window. The category will also be inserted into the first line of the text followed by a colon, since you will often want to do this anyway; for example a hint would be likely to start with the word "Hint:".

Having chosen the category you can then enter the data into the writable icons, followed by the issue and page numbers in the two smaller writable icons below. when you have finished an entry, click on the Next icon to move to the next record. You can move around the file at any time by using the Previous, Next, First, Last, -10 and +10 icons. If you want to save the file, you can do so either by clicking on the disc icon at the top of the window, or by using the Save option from the File submenu on the icon bar. You may also print out the file by using the Print option from the same submenu. You will need to have a printer driver installed, and the print option does not currently work with a PostScript printer or with a LaserDirect.

Copyright  RISC User 1994
