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Subject:Re: Boxed Command Keys? From:"Peter Ring, PRC" <prc -at- ISA -dot- DKNET -dot- DK> Date:Sun, 15 Jun 1997 17:15:12 +1
On 14 June 1997 Monica Milla wrote
> Normally, I make action keys bold in statements like "Press Enter," or
> "click OK." (Enter and OK would be bold.) However, one of my clients insists
> that action keys should be shown within a box, so they look more like the
> actual key.
>
> I'm using Word 6 for Windows 95 and can't figure out how to create boxes
> around text.
> - I can't use a table because the text is part of a larger paragraph.
> - I can't use Borders and Shading because that works for the whole component,
> not just one word.
> - I tried creating a Frame, which works fairly well, but text wrapping (even
> when disbaled) still messes with the leading.
You have 4 options:
1. Using a keycap font like Corel's Keystroke. I have used it a lot
and it works fine unless the material is later on to be
photocopied, because then the letters on the keys may disappear!
2. After having typed your paragraph and you are sure it's correct,
put a rectangle around the name of the key e.g. Enter or A .
Make an extra space before and after the key's name. Use MS Words
build in drawing tool and anchor the drawing of the rectangle
with the paragraph. Also make sure "Align to grid" is disengaged.
3. Enter a squared bracket in front of and after the key name, e.g.
[Enter] or [A]. This is the easiest solution, and it helps a lot
on the understanding, but you have got to get your client's
approval first.
4. Design you own Keys TrueType or PS font, e.g. using Corel Draw's
font export facility. I have done that for 7-segment text, and it
works fine, when you have done the hard work.
Good luck!
Greetings from Denmark
Peter Ring
PRC (Peter Ring Consultants)
- specialists in user friendly manuals and audits on manuals.
prc -at- isa -dot- dknet -dot- dk http://isa.dknet.dk/~prc/index.html
- the "User Friendly Manuals" website with links, bibliography, list
of prof. associations, and tips for technical writers.
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