Terminology

Add-in

A software program that extends the capabilities of larger programs. In this case, the larger program is Microsoft PowerPoint and the add-in is PowerForms.

Clips list

The Clips list portion of the PowerForms main window shows all of the previously entered values, in case you want to use them again. The exception to this statement is if you have purged the database. Then, some values may no longer be available.

Count

In the PowerForms Main window, the Fields list contains a column called Count. It displays the number of occurrences of each field in a presentation.

Dialog box

A box that appears on a display screen to present information or request input. Typically, dialog boxes are temporary; they disappear once you have entered the requested information. In PowerForms, the Configuration dialog box allows you to set up colors, database options, and to control other options.

Fields

Fields are placeholders for information. This information can be repeated throughout a presentation, or it can change each time a presentation is created. In either case, PowerForms helps you quickly and correctly complete a presentation by displaying a list of all fields so that you don't inadvertently skip one. Next to each field is a box into which you enter the appropriate information (value) for that presentation.

Fields list

The Fields list displays each piece of information required by a presentation. Each field corresponds to a value. See also Values list.

Presentations

The term Presentation as it relates to PowerForms describes any type of PowerPoint presentation that contains fields. For example, a contract might reuse pieces of information such as a company name, a vendor name, a due date, and so forth. A traditional presentation, such as a proposal or a report, uses the same types of information each time it is completed; for example, name, address, description, and so forth.

Presentation model

A presentation model is a normal PowerPoint presentation that has some fields in it and is meant to be reused. To prevent users from accidentally modifying presentation models you should protect them.

Main window

The user interface in which you perform most of the work with PowerForms.

User interface

In this case, user interface refers to the PowerForms windows and their toolbars and dialog boxes.

Value

A value is the "real" information you want inserted into your presentation. From the PowerForms window, you enter values into the listed fields. PowerForms automatically replaces each field with the values you entered.