Controlling Multiline Text Paragraphs
When you create multi-line text, you can control the indentation for paragraphs and set the tab spacing, similar to most word processors.
For example, click the Multiline Text tool, and then specify the first corner and the opposite corner. You now see the Text Editor contextual ribbon. In the Paragraph panel, click the dialog box launcher, the small arrow in the lower-right corner of the panel. The program displays the Paragraph dialog. You can use the controls in this dialog to adjust the tab spacing, the left and right indents, the paragraph alignment, the paragraph spacing, and the paragraph line spacing.
In the Tab group box, you can select various options, including left, center, right, and decimal tabs. You can specify the tab spacing and then click Add to add a specific tab. And if you select a decimal tab, you can then choose the type of decimal style. For example, suppose you wanted to create a list of prices. Select the decimal tab radio button, specify a spacing value of 2.5 units, and click Add to add that to the list of tab settings. Then, click OK to close the dialog.
Now you are ready to type a list of prices. Type “Current fruit price: “, press ENTER, and then enter the list of prices:
- Apples $1.00/lb
- Oranges $1.00/lb
- Bananas $0.39/lb
Press the TAB key after each type of fruit and press ENTER to end each line and start a new paragraph. Notice how each price aligns. Also note that you can see the tab in the ruler, and you can click and drag the tab to change the tab spacing. The change only affects the currently selected paragraph. To adjust all of the paragraphs, you should first select them, and then adjust the tab spacing, just like when using a word processor.
You can also set the left indent for the first line, a hanging indent for the selected or current paragraphs, or a right indent to the entire selected or current paragraph. For example, select the three prices and then click the dialog box launcher to reopen the Paragraph dialog. Then, in the Left Indent group box, change the First line value to 0.2 units, and then click OK. Notice how the three paragraphs are now indented.
You can also adjust the alignment, paragraph spacing, or line spacing of the current or selected paragraphs. For example, select the first line. Then, right-click and choose Paragraph… from the shortcut menu. This is another method you can use to display the Paragraph dialog.
Select the Paragraph spacing checkbox. The Before and After fields become active. Change the After spacing value to 0.25 units and then click OK to add additional space after the first paragraph.
The paragraph tool enables you to adjust the paragraphs in multi-line text, giving you almost the same level of formatting flexibility available in programs like Microsoft Word.
Source: Autodesk
