 The free form area (also known as the "Message Body") is a WYSIWYG content editor similar to a word processing document. Although it lacks the high-profile functionality of dedicated word processing, most of the standard features should be both usable and familiar.
Content in the free-form area can be generated manually or pasted from a word processing document or spreadsheet. Be aware that may of these other programs have native (proprietary), non-transportable methods of formatting and layout, so pasted content may not look or behave in the same manner as in the source document. We reccommend that you do not attempt to paste highly-formatted text that was generated with software-specific functionality.
The free-form area supports text, images, tables, various formatting, and literal HTML (using the associated formatting option). Be aware of the amount of space available on your rendered Web site when generating content, and avoid pasting overly large images or large files, as this may distort your site or cause slow page rendering.
 Upper Toolbar
The upper toolbar is a customizable dock where common page controls are located. Although FirstClass® allows you to both add and remove control buttons from this toolbar, most installations will have the standard set described below.
Save and Close: This button allows you to close out of the page and save any changes you have made. Some forms (depending upon native FirstClass® settings) may prompt you for confirmation if this is the initial creation of the form, or if the object is a calendar event. If you wish to close the form without saving, simply "X" out of the form, and confirm your choice in the resulting dialogue box.
Find: This button brings up the search window for locating text within the document. You have the option to restrict your search, find multiple instances, and even replace one text string with another.
Check Spelling: This button activates the spell check function. The spell check dictionary is local to your computer, and you can add words as necessary. Be aware that the spell check function also looks at the link name.
Print - This button activates your computer's local print function, and prints the form. The print command is instantaneous, and does not bring up a print options screen. To set print options, use the Print Layout control under your File menu before printing the page.
Delete: This button deletes the form. This button does not delete individual aspects or content of the form, but the form itself. Use this tool with caution.
History - This shortcut will allow you to see who Modified the page, and when. It will also indicate the people who have viewed the page. The Internet indicates when it was requested by a web browser.
 Lower Toolbar
Undo - Reverts to the state of the page prior to your last action.
Redo - Reverts to the state of the page prior to your last Undo.
Plain Text - Removes all formatting on the selected text.
Bold - Makes the selected text bold.
Italics - Makes the selected text italicized.
Underline - Underlines the selected text.
Increase indent - Indents the entire paragraph by 5 spaces.
Decrease indent - Decreases the indentation of the current paragraph by 5 spaces.
Bulleted Paragraphs (New in version 9) - If you have copied bulleted paragraphs from Word then your pasted selection should retain your bullets and your hanging indent.
Format Selection - Allows you to change the Font, Size, Color, Alignment and other characteristics of the selected text in one window.
Format Paragraph - Allows you to change the formatting of a paragraph, including the space between lines, first line indents, left and right indents, etc.
Make Link - Allows you to create a link out of the selected text or image. See the Working with Links documentation for more information.
Paste from Clipboard - Paste any text or image from your Windows clipboard in the location of the cursor.
Select All - Selects all the content from within the free form area to copy to your clipboard or to delete or reformat.
Reset to Default - Resets all the formats of your selected text to your default.
Insert Signature - Inserts your signature from your preference setting in the location of the cursor.
Font - To change the font of any text select the text then click on the Font Selector on the left hand side of the lower tool bar.
Font Size - Choose the size you would like your text to be.
Font color - Select the color you would like. With custom color selections you can use the specific HTML or RGB color values as the rest of your site if you like.
Alignment - Choose left, center or right alignment for your text and images.
Insert - Allows you to insert web images, tables, horizontal lines, links, markers and background images into your page. Keep in mind that background images make it difficult for the visually impaired to read your text. It may not be in full compliance with ADA requirements.
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