Xerox Elixir for Xerox Getting Started Guide

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Elixir Getting Started Guide

Publication #720P93443 June 1999 Version 4.00

Elixir Technologies Corporation P.O. Box 1559 Ojai, CA 93024

Publication #720P93443 June 1999

Version 4.00 Printed in the United States of America

Xerox ®, FRM, FSL, metacode, 2700, 3700, 4045, 4050, 4075, 4135, 4235, 4650, 4700, 4850, 4890, 8700, 8790, 9700, 9790, and all Xerox products mentioned in this publication are trademarks of Xerox Corporation.

Trademarks and Service Marks/Company: Bitstream/Bitstream, Inc. Elixir/Elixir Technologies Corporation HP, LaserJet II/Hewlett Packard Company IBM, Personal Computer AT, PS/2, and all IBM products mentioned in this publication/International Business Machines MS-DOS, Microsoft Mouse, Windows/Microsoft Corporation TX-8/Overland Data Inc.

All other product names and trade names used herein are trademarks of their respective owners.

Copyright protection claimed includes all forms and matters of copyrightable material and information now allowed by statutory or judicial law or hereinafter granted, including without limitation, material generated from the software programs which are displayed on the screen such as icons, screen display looks, etc.

Changes are periodically made to this document. Changes, technical inaccuracies, and typographic errors will be corrected in subsequent editions.

Table of contents

1. Introduction 1-1

Release notes 1-2 Customer support 1-2

Xerox customer support center 1-3 Elixir customer support centers 1-3

Elixir Web site support 1-4 Who should use this guide 1-4 System requirements 1-4

Hardware 1-5 Software 1-6

Memory 1-6 Toolsets 1-6 Conventions 1-7

Display conventions 1-8

Typographical conventions 1-8

Mouse operations 1-9 On-line Help 1-10 Using Online documentation 1-12

Accessing online guides 1-12

Navigating in online guides 1-13

Bookmarks 1-14 Word find 1-14 Page scrolling 1-15 Zoom in/out 1-15

ELIXIR GETTING STARTED GUIDE iii

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Printing online guides 1-16 Organization of this guide 1-16 Starting Elixir applications 1-17

Using Windows colors and fonts 1-18 Exiting Elixir applications 1-19 Forms creation process 1-19

Forms creation overview 1-20

How Elixir fits in the forms creation

process 1-20

2. Installation 2-1

Before installation 2-1

Tape drive configuration 2-2 Product Registration 2-2

Elixir Product Registration screen 2-3

Using the internet 2-4

Registering as a new customer via

the internet 2-4

Downloading via the internet to a

non-Elixir PC 2-6

Contacting Elixir (no internet

connection) 2-7

Soft key customers running Win-

dows for Workgroups 3.1 or 3.11 2-8 Installation 2-8

Installing Elixir applications 2-9

Full installation 2-9

Custom installation 2-11

Adding applications 2-12

Adding newly licensed applications 2-12

3. Desktop basics 3-1

Overview 3-1 Desktop layout 3-2

Menu Bar 3-2 Icons 3-3

Elixir folder icons 3-3

iv ELIXIR GETTING STARTED GUIDE

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Forms folder 3-3 Fonts folder 3-3 Graphics folder 3-4 Documents folder 3-4

Jobs folder 3-4 Clipboard icon 3-4 User Files icon 3-4 Application icons 3-4

ElixiForm icon 3-5

ElixiFont icon 3-5

ElixiGraphics icon 3-5

ElixiDoc icon 3-5

ElixirScan icon 3-5 User Tools icon 3-6 Diskette icon 3-6 Tape icon 3-6 Printers icon 3-6 Scanners icon 3-6 Dispatcher icon 3-7 Converter icon 3-7 Trashbin icon 3-7 Viewer icon 3-7 Transformer icon 3-7

Using the Desktop 3-8 Accessing DOS 3-8 Managing files 3-8

Selecting files in an Elixir window 3-9 File operations 3-10

Dragging files 3-10

Dropping files 3-11 Deleting files and folders 3-11 Renaming files 3-12 Duplicating files 3-13

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Overwriting existing files 3-14

Converting files 3-15

Elixir folder structure 3-15 File conversions 3-18

4. ElixiForm basics 4-1

Overview 4-1 ElixiForm layout 4-3

Menu bars 4-3 Toolbox <F10> 4-4 Toolbar 4-4 Message area 4-5

Creating a form 4-5

Loading a new form 4-6 Using the grid, rulers and long

crosshair 4-7 Adding form elements 4-7

Drawing lines 4-8 Drawing boxes 4-8 Adding text 4-9 Adding images 4-10

Undo/redo feature 4-10 Modifying a form 4-11 Saving a form <Ctrl> + <S> 4-12 Proof-printing a form 4-13 Retrieving a saved form 4-13

5. ElixiFont basics 5-1

Overview 5-1 Font basics 5-2 ElixiFont layout 5-3

Menu bars 5-4

Toolbox <F10> 5-5

Message area 5-5 Using ElixiFont 5-6

vi ELIXIR GETTING STARTED GUIDE

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Loading an existing font 5-6

Editing a font 5-8

Edit Window 5-9

Editing tools 5-11 Transforming a font 5-12 Creating a font 5-13 Saving a font 5-14

6. ElixiGraphics basics 6-1

Overview 6-1 ElixiGraphics layout 6-2

Menu bars 6-3 Toolbox <F10> 6-3 Toolbar 6-4 Message area 6-4

Using ElixiGraphics 6-4

Loading an existing image 6-4 Creating an image 6-6 Using the drawing tools 6-6 Using the transform tool 6-7 Resetting an image 6-8 Saving an image 6-8 Proof printing an image 6-9

A. Troubleshooting A-1

Notes and cautions A-1 Installation A-2 Software protection keys A-2 ElixiSys Desktop A-3 ElixiForm A-6 ElixiGraphics A-8 ElixiFont A-9 Operational and error messages A-9

ElixiSys Desktop messages A-10 ElixiForm messages A-32

ELIXIR GETTING STARTED GUIDE vii

TABLE OF CONTENTS

ElixiGraphics messages A-42 ElixiFont messages A-54

Index INDEX-1

viii ELIXIR GETTING STARTED GUIDE

1. Introduction

This guide provides an overview and a description of the basic skills and terminology required to operate the following Elixir applications:

ElixiSys Desktop, a Windows-based user interface from which you can easily launch Elixir applications, such as ElixiForm, ElixiFont, and ElixiGraphics. The ElixiSys Desktop also enables quick access to Elixir converters that convert form, font, document, and graphics files between Xerox, Elixir, and other formats. You can edit Elixir-format files using the appropriate Elixir application (ElixiForm, ElixiFont, or ElixiGraphics) and convert them back to the original or a different format using the ElixiSys Desktop.

ElixiForm, a Windows-based WYSIWYG forms creation package used for creating or editing Elixir-format forms which you can then convert to Xerox and other formats using the ElixiSys Desktop.

ElixiFont, a sophisticated Windows-based font editor used for creating or editing Elixir-format fonts which you can then convert to Xerox and other formats using the ElixiSys Desktop.

ElixiGraphics, a Windows-based bitmap editor used for creating or editing Elixir-format graphics which you can then convert to Xerox and other formats using the ElixiSys Desktop.

For information on how Elixir applications fit into the forms creation process, see the "Forms creation process" section of this chapter.

ELIXIR GETTING STARTED GUIDE 1-1

INTRODUCTION

Each Elixir application has a user guide that you can refer to for more detailed information.

For information regarding error and operational messages, see "Appendix A, Troubleshooting".

Release notes

Release notes appear at the beginning of the Elixir software install process, so that you can review each entry before performing the complete installation. Once the software is installed, release notes can be accessed from the Help menu of the application. Release notes are formatted for viewing in Notepad or Wordpad. They have a txt file extension and are found in the drive:\ELIXIR \RELNOTES directory.

Customer support

Elixir customer support centers provide telephone technical assistance for Elixir users during business hours.

If you have any problems running or using Elixir applications, call your customer support center telephone number in your area for help. When calling, you will be asked for the following information:

your name, organization, telephone number, and address

the name and version number of the Elixir application

a complete description of the problem, including any error messages displayed on your monitor or printed on your printer.

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Xerox customer support center

If you have purchased your Elixir product directly from Xerox Corporation then you should contact the Xerox customer support center telephone number provided by Xerox.

For future reference, please record your Xerox customer support number below.

Xerox customer support center telephone

Elixir customer support centers

If you have purchased your Elixir product directly from Elixir Technologies then contact the support center for your region.

North and South America +1 805 641 5900 ext. 3

INTRODUCTION

Asia Pacific +92 (0) 51 206182

Europe +420 2 2431 13877

The U.S.A. Elixir Customer Support Center provides telephone technical assistance for Elixir users Monday through Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Pacific Standard Time.

You can contact Elixir support by accessing the Elixir World Wide Web page (and selecting [Contact Support]) at http://www.elixir.com. Please complete the question form.

ELIXIR GETTING STARTED GUIDE 1-3

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Elixir Web site support

The Elixir Web site at http://www.elixir.com offers the following resources:

Raise a question for Elixir Support. Find answers in the list of Frequently Asked

Questions. Review the latest Tips and Techniques for in-

creasing productivity using Elixir software. Download new releases and the latest patches. View Release Notes for the latest available

features. Learn in the user newsgroup how others are us-

ing Elixir products. Sign up for an Elixir Learning Program.

Who should use this guide

This guide is intended for users who are familiar with Windows and who want to install and use the ElixiSys Desktop and associated applications: ElixiForm, ElixiFont, and ElixiGraphics.

System requirements

The following sections describe the hardware and software requirements for running the ElixiSys Desktop, ElixiForm, ElixiFont and ElixiGraphics.

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Hardware

INTRODUCTION

Recommended PC configuration: Pentium (or 100% compatible), with at least 133 MHz processor (or the fastest commercially available processor); 32 MB RAM, 500+ MB hard drive, one CD-ROM drive.

Additional requirements:

any monitor with driver software supporting Windows in VGA or SVGA

any Windows compatible mouse One of the following devices, for communicating

with Xerox printers:

Any PC-to-mainframe or communications board that supports binary file transfers (such as IBM PC3270, IRMA FT/3270, or AS/400 PC communications packages).

Any 9-track, 1600 or 6250 bpi tape drive with a Overland TX-8 controller card (such as the Qualstar with the Overland TX-8 controller card).

For users with compatible PCs, you can transfer files between your PC and Xerox production printer. Refer to the ElixiSys Desktop User Guide.

One or more of the following optional peripheral devices:

Xerox production or distributed printer HP LaserJet IV or compatible PCL 4 printer.

(HP PCL 4 is the format supported), or PostScript compatible

Any digital scanner and associated software with ability to create .PCX or .TIF images at 300 x 300 dpi.

ELIXIR GETTING STARTED GUIDE 1-5

INTRODUCTION

Software

Toolsets

Software requirements:

cows 98 or Windows NT 4.0 or later. While we make every effort to ensure the proper op-

eration of our software, some problems cannot be resolved due to differences in the operating systems.

After installation, you can select which toolset to use. The following table describes the appropriate toolsets to select depending on your Elixir product.

Information for 4.00 Elixir Edition products is for reference purposes only.

Microsoft Windows 95, Win-

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INTRODUCTION

Desktop 4.00 Toolsets Elixir 4.00 Product(s)

Xerox Black and White or Xerox H/L Color

Xerox H/L Color and B&W ElixiForm

Xerox Distributed Printers ElixiSys Converter for Xerox Distrib-

After installation, you can check your toolset from the ElixiSys Desktop by clicking on the selecting [Toolset]. The Desktop Toolsets dialog box displays the list of toolsets. Make sure the correct toolset for your product is selected.

ElixiForm ElixiSys Desktop

ElixiSys Desktop for HighLight Color

ElixiSys Desktop ElixiSys HighLight Option

uted Printers ElixiForm Editor for Xerox Distributed Printers

System

menu and

Conventions

This section describes the following:

display conventions typographical conventions mouse operations.

Display conventions

The ElixiSys Desktop, ElixiForm, ElixiFont and ElixiGraphics, all adhere to Microsoft Windows conventions for using menus, menu commands, dialog boxes, command buttons, icons, and a mouse. See your Windows manual for more information.

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INTRODUCTION

Typographical conventions

The following typographical conventions are used throughout this guide and in all Elixir product guides:

Keystrokes are shown enclosed in < > (angle brackets). For example, <Enter>.

Key combinations are denoted by a plus sign between keys. For example, <Shift> + <F1> indicates to simultaneously press the <Shift> and the <F1> keys.

Menu titles are shown in

. Menu options are

bold

enclosed in [ ] (square brackets). For example, Pull down the

menu and select [New].

File

Command buttons that you press are also enclosed in [ ] (square brackets). For example,

Click on [OK]. Commands, options, actions, and parameters

that require description are shown in bold followed on the next line by the description. For example:

Delete

Deletes the selected files. Steps in a procedure are shown in numbered bold

paragraphs. For example,

1. At the prompt, enter the file name and extension.

Comments relating to a step (such as this paragraph) are shown in regular text following the bold paragraph.

Commands you enter at the DOS prompt are shown in larger text. Within DOS commands, variable names and keys you press are shown in italics. For example:

CD \ELIXIR <Enter>

1-8 ELIXIR GETTING STARTED GUIDE

Mouse operations

You can perform most operations in Elixir applications by using the mouse. The terminology is similar to other Windows based applications.

Mouse operations are performed using the left or right mouse button, unless the right mouse button is specified.

The following mouse related terms are used in this guide:

click

to momentarily press and release the left mouse button once. A right mouse button click is specified where necessary. For example,

Click on the right mouse button to finish entering text.

double-click

to click the left mouse button twice in rapid succession.

drag

to click and hold the mouse on an item and move the item with the mouse.

INTRODUCTION

drag and drop

to drag an item as above, then release the mouse button once the item is positioned over a certain area. If the selected object is a file and the destination is a directory, the file is copied to the directory.

object

a selectable item on the screen.

open

to point and double-click on an object -- the effect of this operation depends on the object.

point

to move the mouse to position the screen pointer on an area of the screen.

select

to point to an object and click the mouse -- this usually highlights the object.

ELIXIR GETTING STARTED GUIDE 1-9

INTRODUCTION

On-line Help

<Alt>click

to hold down the <Alt> key while clicking the left mouse button -- this allows you to select a range of files in a window.

<Ctrl>click

to hold down the <Ctrl> key while clicking the left mouse button -- this allows you to select individual files from a group in a window.

<Shift>click

to hold down the <Shift> key while clicking the left mouse button -- this allows you to select more than one object at a time.

Elixir software uses the Microsoft Windows Help program to provide on-line help for all functions.

For more information about Windows Help, select the [How to Use Help] option in the Help menu, or see your Microsoft Windows documentation.

The Help files included with your Elixir software include graphics created using screen drivers with large fonts. If you use a screen driver with small fonts, the Help file graphics may not display clearly. For optimum graphics display, use a screen driver that uses large fonts.

You can display on-line Help in the following ways:

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INTRODUCTION

Bubble help

Click on an icon with the right mouse button to view its properties (if applicable) or to display "bubble help." Bubble help is a short description of the icon function that displays in a bubble extending from the icon.

Quick help

Enable the quick help function by selecting the [Show Quick Help] option in the Usage Switches (or Preferences for ElixiGraphics) dialog box. When you move the screen pointer over an icon on the screen, a short description of the icon function displays in the message area of the screen. During certain operations a message about the function you are performing also displays in the message area. To see these operational messages, disable the quick help feature.

Context sensitive Help

To use this function, click on an icon and press <F1>. If available, the appropriate Help topic displays. If no specific topic is available, the Help table of contents displays.

Help menu

Select the Help menu from the menu bar and choose one of the displayed topics.

Dialog box Help

Click on the [Help] button in a dialog box to view an associated Help topic. Under Windows 95 and Windows NT, right-click on a dialog box option to display an associated Help topic.

Help pop-ups and jumps

Within Help topic text, words or phrases underlined in green are pop-ups or jumps. When you click on a pop-up topic, a box displays within the current Help topic with additional information. When you click on a jump, a different, associated Help topic displays.

ELIXIR GETTING STARTED GUIDE 1-11

INTRODUCTION

Help hypergraphics

Hypergraphics are special graphics within Help files that contain "hot spots." Hot spots are either pop-up topics or jumps. Hypergraphics in Elixir Help are most commonly dialog boxes with option hot spots (pop-up definitions), toolboxes with tool hot spots (topic jumps), and menus with option hot spots (topic jumps or pop-up definitions). Move the cursor over a hypergraphic until a hand displays, then click on this hot spot to display a pop-up topic, or a "jump".

To close a pop-up topic, click the mouse button. To return to the original Help topic from a jump, click on <Back> in the Help File menu.

Using Online documentation

This section describes how to use PDF online documentation, including navigating through the online guides and printing the guides. Acrobat Reader is provided with the online documentation. Information about using the Acrobat Exchange program is included for users who have licenses for that program.

Accessing online guides

The PDF online documentation is copied to the drive:\Elixir\help\pdf directory during the installation of Elixir Suite for Xerox. If you didn't choose to copy the PDF online documentation during the installation, you can view a complete list of the files by clicking on the Windows [Start] button and selecting Programs>Elixir Applications>Elixir Suite for Xerox. Once the application is launched, click on the Help menu and select Release Notes. Wordpad displays a current list of supporting documents and the directories where they can be found on CD-ROM.

When the appropriate PDF file is accessd the Acrobat Reader program is launched and the List of Online Guides is displayed. Click on a guide to view its table of contents and jump to individual chapters.

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INTRODUCTION

The following list of PDF files and associated document names are installed in the drive:\Elixir\help\pdf directory.

StartXRX.pdf - Getting Started User Guide DeskXRX.pdf - ElixiSys Desktop User Guide FormXRX.pdf - ElixiForm User Guide FontXRX.pdf - ElixiFont User Guide GraphXRX.pdf - ElixiGraphics User Guide PHXRX.pdf - PageHandler User Guide DTAG.pdf - DocuTag User Guide DMerge.pdf - DataMerge User Guide AppVIPP.pdf - Elixir AppBuilder for VIPP User

Guide PDNT.pdf - Elixir PrintDriver for NT User

Guide PDXRX.pdf - Elixir PrintDriver User Guide Transfmr.pdf - Elixir Transformation Suite

User Guide Viewer.pdf - ElixirViewer User Guide Elxscan.pdf - ElixiScan User Guide

Navigating in online guides

After loading a PDF document in Acrobat Reader or Exchange program (as described above), you can navigate through the online guide by clicking on the following:

TOC chapter titles - jumps to the beginning of the chapter indicated.

ELIXIR GETTING STARTED GUIDE 1-13

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[Next Page] or [Previous Page] in the Toolbar - jumps to the next or previous page of the online guide (alternatively, you can use the <Page Up> and <Page Down> keys).

[Go Back] in the Toolbar - returns to your previous location.

[First Page] in the Toolbar - returns to the opening screen of the online guide.

Bookmarks

All chapter headings in the table of contents are marked to jump to a specific chapter or the index.

To use the bookmarks:

1. Go to the table of contents for the book.

2. Click on the [Bookmark] icon for the chapter that you want jump to.

Word find

This option finds a key word or phrase in the current document.

To use Word Find in a document:

1. Click on the [Find] icon in the Toolbar.

The Adobe Acrobat Find dialog box displays.

2. Enter the desired search text and click on [Find].

The Acrobat Find dialog box closes and the first occurrence of the text is highlighted.

3. To find more occurrences of the same text, click on the [Find] icon in the Toolbar and then click on [Find Again] in the Find dialog box.

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INTRODUCTION

Page scrolling

You can move a document on the screen to view portions of it not visible in the window, or read a document which contains article threads by clicking the mouse to scroll through the document without using the scroll bar.

To move a document on the screen for viewing (functional only when the document displays wider than the document window):

1. Click on the [Hand] icon in the Toolbar.

2. Hold down the mouse button and drag the cursor in the desired direction.

To follow the flow of text in a document that contains article threads (automatic text flows):

1. Click on the [Hand] icon in the Toolbar.

2. If the document contains article threads, a “down” arrow displays on the Hand icon.

3. Position the hand-shaped cursor over a paragraph and click on the paragraph to begin reading.

4. Continue clicking to follow the flow of text.

Zoom in/out

To magnify the size of the page display, click on the Zoom icon in the Toolbar, then click in the Work area. Each click resizes the view by a factor of two.

To reduce the size of the page display, click on the Zoom icon in the Toolbar, then hold down the <Ctrl> key and click in the Work area.

You can also click on the [%] button at the bottom of the screen and select a zoom percentage from the pop-up list.

ELIXIR GETTING STARTED GUIDE 1-15

INTRODUCTION

Printing online guides

You can print individual chapters or an entire book to PostScript or HP printers:

1. Open the file.

2. Select File>Print.

The Print dialog box displays.

3. Select your printing options and click on [OK].

Organization of this guide

Chapter 1, "Introduction," provides an overview of Elixir software and documentation and describes the hardware, software, and memory required for installing and using Elixir software.

Chapter 2, "Installation," describes how to install Elixir software.

Chapter 3, "Desktop basics," provides an overview of the ElixiSys Desktop and instructions on how to perform basic Desktop operations.

Chapter 4, "ElixiForm basics," provides an overview of ElixiForm and instructions on how to perform basic ElixiForm operations.

Chapter 5, "ElixiFont basics," provides an overview of ElixiFont and instructions on how to perform basic ElixiFont operations.

Chapter 6, "ElixiGraphics Basics," provides an overview of ElixiGraphics and instructions on how to perform basic ElixiGraphics operations.

Appendix A, "Troubleshooting," provides troubleshooting procedures, and lists all operational and error messages issued by the Elixir Suite for Xerox products.

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Starting Elixir applications

This section describes how to start the ElixiSys Desktop and associated applications (ElixiForm, ElixiGraphics, and ElixiFont) after installation.

Using Windows 95, Windows 98, or Windows

NT: Start the ElixiSys Desktop by clicking on the

[Start] button and choosing Programs> Elixir Applications> Elixir Suite for Xerox.

The ElixiSys Desktop displays.

INTRODUCTION

Figure 1-1. ElixiSys Desktop window

ELIXIR GETTING STARTED GUIDE 1-17

INTRODUCTION

Note: If you are using a monochrome monitor and have difficulty reading the title bar text, pull down the System menu and select [Usage Switches]. In the Usage Switches dialog box, select [Monochrome Monitor].

To start ElixiForm, ElixiGraphics, or ElixiFont doubleclick on the corresponding ElixiForm, ElixiGraphics, or ElixiFont icons on the ElixiSys Desktop.

For example, double-click on the ElixiGraphics icon to start ElixiGraphics and display the ElixiGraphics window.

Figure 1-2. ElixiGraphics window

Using Windows colors and fonts

You can change from Elixir colors and fonts to Windows colors and fonts by editing the drive:\WINDOWS\ELX.INI file using any text editor, for example Notepad.

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To use Windows colors, go to the [NCDraw] section and change the "MenuColorScheme=Elixir" entry to "MenuColorScheme=Windows"

To use Windows fonts, create a [Fonts] section and add the following entry: "ScreenFontType=1". To use the same fonts as in previous Elixir versions, change the entry to the following: "ScreenFontType=0".

Exiting Elixir applications

To exit the ElixiSys Desktop or any of its associated applications you can do one of the following:

double-click on the [Close] button at the top left of the Elixir application.

press <Alt> + <F4>. press <Alt> + <X>.

INTRODUCTION

pull down the File menu and select [Exit]. Click on the [X] at the top right corner of the Elixir

application.

Forms creation process

This section describes the forms creation process and how Elixir applications fit in the process.

ELIXIR GETTING STARTED GUIDE 1-19

INTRODUCTION

Forms creation overview

A form is a single-page document that contains elements such as lines, boxes, text, and graphics. The following steps outline the forms creation process:

1. Input/Conversion

Collect resources such as fonts and graphics, and convert them to a format that you can edit or use in a composition package.

2. Editing and composition

Organize and structure the resources.

3. Data integration

Use the resources in a form.

4. Proof-printing

Print the form on a proof-printer to ensure that all resources print correctly.

5. Revising

Review the proof-print and make any necessary changes.

6. Final printing and distribution

Print multiple copies of your form on a production printer and distribute these forms to the target audience.

How Elixir fits in the forms creation process

The following steps show how you can use Elixir applications in the forms creation process. Each step provides references to the chapters and user guides where you can find more detailed information.

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INTRODUCTION

To create a form using Elixir applications:

1. Gather the resources, such as fonts and graphics, that you want to use in your document and copy them to the appropriate input Elixir directories.

See the "Elixir folders" chapter of the ElixiSys Desktop User Guide.

2. Convert resources to Elixir-format using the ElixiSys Desktop.

If you plan to proof-print, you must also create printer versions of your fonts.

See the "Desktop basics" chapter of this user guide or the "File conversions" chapter of the Elix-

iSys Desktop User Guide.

3. Use the appropriate Elixir application to edit or create resources.

For more information about editing or creating fonts, see the "ElixiFont basics" chapter of this user guide or the "Creating and editing fonts" chapter of the ElixiFont User Guide.

For more information about editing or creating graphics, see the "ElixiGraphics basics" chapter of this user guide or the "ElixiGraphics basics" chapter of the ElixiGraphics User Guide.

4. Create a form in ElixiForm using the resources created in the previous steps.

See the "ElixiForm basics" chapter of this user guide or the "ElixiForm basics" chapter of the

ElixiForm User Guide.

5. Proof-print your form to verify that your resources print correctly.

See the "ElixiForm basics" chapter of this user guide, or the "ElixiForm basics" chapter of the ElixiForm User Guide.

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INTRODUCTION

6. Convert your form to the appropriate printer format using the ElixiSys Desktop.

See the "Desktop basics" chapter of this user guide, or the "File conversions" chapter of the ElixiSys Desktop User Guide.

7. Transfer your form onto the selected printer and print your form.

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2. Installation

This chapter describes procedures for installing Elixir software for the first time, and over an existing version.

If you have purchased your Elixir product directly from Xerox Corporation then you should follow instructions in the Read-Me card accompanying your software upgrade.

Before installation

Read the notes supplied with the Elixir installation program before installing or reinstalling the Elixir software, or before using a tape drive.

Complete the software licensing process (See the "Product Registration" section).

All Elixir applications described in this guide are installed using the supplied CD-ROM.

First time installation (of a Desktop application) requires at least 26 MB of free space on your hard disk drive. Selecting multiple applications will require additional disk space. Reinstallation requires less disk space as the installation procedure overwrites existing Elixir application files.

Each time you reinstall Elixir software, you overwrite existing program files and utilities with new ones. You should select backup files when reinstalling.

To avoid any possible conflicts, exit all other applications before installing Elixir software.

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INSTALLATION

If you want to abort installation at any time during the process, click on the [Cancel] button from the install screen or press the <Esc> key. You will be prompted to abort.

ElixiForm is not downward compatible.

Tape drive configuration

If you are using a Qualstar tape unit, copy the TAPE_MT0.SYS file (and, if provided, the LDIMG.EXE file) from the driver diskette (supplied by Qualstar) to your root directory.

Add the following line to your CONFIG.SYS file. DEVICE= TAPE_MT0.SYS 8 If LDIMG.EXE is included on the Qualstar driver

diskette, add the following command to your AUTOEXEC.BAT file:

LDIMG

Use any text editor in non-document mode (to generate ASCII text) to add text to the CONFIG.SYS and AUTOEXEC.BAT files. Note that you must reboot your PC for any changes in your CONFIG.SYS and AUTOEXEC.BAT files to take effect.

Product Registration

Elixir products no longer require ElixiKey hardware devices attached to your parallel port. Elixir products now utilize soft key technology. This new licensing process validates your license agreement with Elixir and places a file (password.epw if an Elixir customer, or License.dat if a Xerox customer) on your workstation.

2-2 ELIXIR GETTING STARTED GUIDE

INSTALLATION

Version 4.00 implements Elixir's new licensing process and discontinues use of the current hard keys. All customers must register/re-register software license(s) by using the Elixir registration program provided with the software.

Each product installed is assigned to a specific pc. This pc number, your customer number, and password are required. This information is provided when you purchase Elixir software or when you upgrade to version 4.00 of Elixir products.

If you are an Elixir customer, registration can be completed automatically if you have an internet connection on your workstation. If you are a Xerox customer you must contact Xerox to register your products.

This section describes the registration process for those customers who have purchased their Elixir products form Elixir Technologies.

The following scenarios describe the registration process for Elixir customers. Xerox Corporation will provide a separate document that describes registering your products with Xerox.

you are a new customer and will use Soft Key registration

you are an existing customer and will change to Soft Key registration

Elixir Product Registration screen

Make your selections according to your needs and go to the appropriate section for further procedures.

ELIXIR GETTING STARTED GUIDE 2-3

INSTALLATION

Figure 2-1. Elixir Product Registration screen

Using the internet

You can register and download all registration files via the Elixir Product Registration program. There are two ways to register your products using the Internet:

down load the product registration file directly to the Elixir PC via the Internet (see "Registering as a new customer via the internet")

download the product registration file to another machine and move it to the Elixir PC (see "Downloading via the internet to a non-Elixir PC")

Registering as a new customer via the internet

You will receive a "Customer Activation Letter" with your product(s) ordered. The registration process should be completed before installing your software. The installation CD will launch and install the Registration Program.

2-4 ELIXIR GETTING STARTED GUIDE

INSTALLATION

To install the registration program on your Elixir PC:

1. In the Software Registration screen, click on [Next].

2. Select the drive and click on [Next].

3. In the Start Registration Process screen, click on [Install].

The password file will be installed and your system configured.

To complete registration:

1. In the Elixir Product Registration "Welcome" screen, select [Next].

Your machine serial number displays.

2. Enter your customer number (from Activation Letter), then click on [Next].

3. Enter your password and the PC number you want to register, then click on [Next].

4. Select [Prepare and download my initial product license registration. This workstation or another pc is connected to the internet] from the Registration Option menu, then click on [Next].

5. In the Download Password screen, click on [Yes].

The system displays your customer information and you must verify that it is correct.

6. When the screen displays the registration information, click on [Save]. You may also print this screen for reference or to send to Elixir.

The application installation process will begin, see the "Installation" section.

ELIXIR GETTING STARTED GUIDE 2-5

INSTALLATION

Downloading via the internet to a non-Elixir PC

To install the registration program on your Elixir PC:

1. In the Software Registration screen, click on [Next].

2. Select the drive and click on [Next].

3. In the Start Registration Process screen, click on [Install].

The password file will be installed and your system configured.

To complete registration:

1. In the Elixir Product Registration "Welcome" screen, select [Next].

Your machine serial number displays.

2. Enter your customer number (from Activation Letter), then click on [Next].

3. Enter your password and the PC number you want to register, then click on [Next].

4. Select [Prepare and download my initial product license registration. This workstation or another pc is connected to the internet] from the Registration Option menu, then click on [Next].

5. In the Download Password screen, click on [No].

6. In the How to Contact Elixir screen, click on [Print] and take the printout to the pc connected to the internet.

2-6 ELIXIR GETTING STARTED GUIDE

7. Access the Elixir Web site at http:\\www.elixir.com. and click on [Product Registration].

8. In the Customer Information screen, enter your Customer Number and Password, then click on [Submit Form].

9. In the Elixir Customer Menu, click on [Download a New License File].

10. In the next Customer Information screen, enter your PC Number and Machine Serial Number, then click on [Submit Form].

11. In the Elixir Technologies screen, click on [Click here to download your password].

12. Save the password.epw file to diskette and copy it to your Elixir PC in the \ELIXIR directory.

The application installation process will begin, see the "Installation" section.

Contacting Elixir (no internet connection)

INSTALLATION

If you have no internet access at your site you must contact Elixir and provide the serial number of the pc where you will install the Elixir software. Elixir will provide a registration file (password.epw) that you must copy to the Elixir pc.

Copy the password.epw file to \Elixir and start the installation.

Select [Prepare my initial product license registration. This workstation is not connected to the Internet] from the Registration Option menu, then click on [Next].

The application installation process will begin, see the "Installation" section.

ELIXIR GETTING STARTED GUIDE 2-7

INSTALLATION

Soft key customers running Windows for Workgroups 3.1 or 3.11

Since Windows 3.1/3.11 does not have internet capability, you must contact Elixir to obtain your password file. After installation of Elixir software, the installation program verifies that the operating system is 3.1 or

3.11, runs passwd16.exe, and provides your machine serial number.

To complete registration:

1. Enter your customer number, password and PC number, then print out a copy of this screen.

2. Fax, email, or mail Elixir the display printout. Elixir will generate a password.epw file and send it to you on diskette.

3. Load the password.epw file in the \ELIXIR directory.

The application installation process will begin, see the "Installation" section.

Installation

This section describes how to install Elixir software using the [Full] and [Custom] options. Installing additional Elixir applications to an existing version is also explained.

Note: The software registration process must be completed (See the "Product Registration" section).

For information about starting Elixir applications after installation, refer to the "Introduction" chapter.

During installation, the log file, XWIN.log, is created in the drive:\Elixir directory. XWIN.log contains a list of all directories and files copied or created, including information pertinent to the installation. It can be accessed, using Notepad or Wordpad.

2-8 ELIXIR GETTING STARTED GUIDE

If you have any problems running Elixir software after installation, refer to the "Troubleshooting" section of the Elixir Getting Started Guide for more information.

Installing Elixir applications

Elixir provides a simple, interactive procedure for installing Elixir applications.

During installation you can select [Full] or [Custom] installation.

Selecting a [Full] installs all Elixir applications and demonstration files on the same drive. If you have a previous version of Elixir software, this option overwrites the existing version.

Selecting a [Custom] installation allows you to choose the Elixir applications and options (such as Elixir demonstration files) you want installed, as well as where you want certain options installed. For example, You may want the PDF documentation in a different directory than the application.

INSTALLATION

You can also install Elixir program files (required to run Elixir), and data files (files that you create or files such as the Elixir demonstration files), in separate drives and directories.

Full installation

To begin installation: You can quit installation at any time, by pressing the

<Esc> key.

1. Close all active applications.

2. Insert the CD in your CD-ROM drive.

3. In the "Welcome" screen, click on [Next].

The Release Notes? screen displays.

ELIXIR GETTING STARTED GUIDE 2-9

INSTALLATION

4. Select [Read Release Notes Now] to display them in Wordpad (or Notepad), or click on [Next] to proceed with the installation.

The Product Selection screen displays.

5. Select the applications you want to install and click on [Next].

The Selected Products screen displays.

6. Verify the listed applications and click on [Next]. If you need to delete or add to the list, click on [Back] and reselect.

7. Verify your user information and click on [Next].

8. In the Select Install Type screen, select [Full] and click on [Next].

9. Select the drive on which you want Elixir software installed, then click on [Next].

10. Select the Programs Folder in which you want Elixir software installed (Elixir Applications is the default), then click on [Next].

11. In the Backup Replaced Files screen, click on [Yes], if you want to make back-up copies of all files replaced during installation and select the directory where the back-up files will be placed. Then click on [Next].

12. In the Start Copying Files screen, click on [Install].

Installation begins.

13. Once installation is complete, click on [Exit Installer].

2-10 ELIXIR GETTING STARTED GUIDE

Custom installation

To begin installation: You can quit installation at any time, by pressing the

<Esc> key.

1. Close all active applications.

2. Insert the CD in your CD-ROM drive.

3. In the "Welcome" screen, click on [Next].

4. Select [Read Release Notes Now] to display

5. Select the applications you want to install and

INSTALLATION

The Release Notes? screen displays.

them in Wordpad (or Notepad), or click on [Next] to proceed with the installation.

The Product Selection screen displays.

click on [Next].

The Selected Products screen displays.

6. Verify the listed applications and click on [Next]. If you need to delete or add to the list, click on [Back] and reselect.

7. Verify your user information and click on [Next].

8. In the Select Install Type screen, select [Custom] and click on [Next].

9. In the Configuration Only? screen:

Selecting [Yes] allows you to load Configuration, Program, and Data files into any resident directory.

Selecting [No] allows you to deselect options you do not wish installed.

ELIXIR GETTING STARTED GUIDE 2-11

INSTALLATION

10. Select the Programs Folder in which you want

11. In the Backup Replaced Files screen, click on

12. In the Start Copying Files screen, click on

13. Once installation is complete, click on [Exit

Adding applications

If you did not install all of the Elixir options while performing the Custom installation procedure, you can do so at any time by following the steps described in the "Custom installation" section of this chapter.

Elixir software installed (Elixir Applications is the default), then click on [Next].

[Yes], if you want to make back-up copies of all files replaced during installation and select the directory where the back-up files will be placed. Then click on [Next].

[Install].

Installation begins.

Installer].

Adding newly licensed applications

If you purchase additional Elixir products, Elixir will update your password file. You can access the Product Registration program from your program group and re-download your initial product registration password file to activate your new products.

2-12 ELIXIR GETTING STARTED GUIDE

Overview

3. Desktop basics

This chapter describes the ElixiSys Desktop layout and basic operation. For detailed information, see the ElixiSys Desktop User Guide.

The ElixiSys Desktop is the Windows-based operating environment for launching and using Elixir Suite for Xerox products such as ElixiForm, ElixiFont and ElixiGraphics.

Additionally, the Desktop has many productivityenhancing features, including those which enable you to:

convert files to other formats view files in associated applications using the

Desktop Viewer access your entire DOS directory structure using

the User Files icon run batch files or executables from Dispatcher use the Desktop Viewer link files to applications, thereby allowing you to

start an application and load a file in one step define icons for DOS or Windows-based applica-

tions you want to launch from the Desktop, such as word processors, desktop publishers and spreadsheets.

ELIXIR GETTING STARTED GUIDE 3-1

DESKTOP BASICS

Message area

Menu bar

Desktop layout

The ElixiSys Desktop comprises two main display areas:

the top of the Desktop displays the Menu bar and Message area

the remaining Desktop area displays icons.

Figure 3-1. Desktop window

Menu Bar

The ElixiSys Desktop menu bar allows you to access the following pull down menus:

File System Special DOS Window Help

3-2 ELIXIR GETTING STARTED GUIDE

You can pull down a menu in one of the following ways:

The Message area displays information about the operation in process, including relevant warning and error messages.

Icons

Each Desktop icon represents an application, folder, utility or PC device configured for your system. Generally, the name, shape and appearance of an icon indicates its purpose or the type of action you can perform.

Elixir folder icons

DESKTOP BASICS

click on the menu press the <Alt> key along with the underlined let-

ter in the menu.

The five icons displayed at the top left of the Desktop represent specific DOS directories. You can access directory files and convert them from one format to another using these icons. See the “Elixir folder structure” section of this chapter for more information.

Forms folder

This folder represents the drive:\ELIXIR\FORMS directory containing Elixir, Input and Output form files.

Fonts folder

This folder represents the drive:\ELIXIR\FONTS directory containing Elixir, Input and Output font files.

ELIXIR GETTING STARTED GUIDE 3-3

DESKTOP BASICS

Graphics folder

This folder represents the drive:\ELIXIR\PICS directory containing Elixir, Input and Output graphics files.

Documents folder

This folder represents the drive:\ELIXIR\DOCS directory containing document files referencing the Elixirformat files for multi-page documents.

Note that Documents folder functionality for .VIPP or .PDF files requires VIPP/PDF option products.

Jobs folder

This folder represents drive:\ELIXIR\ JOBS\XGFOUT directory containing JDT (Job Descriptor Ticket) files for transfer to an output VIPP printer.

Clipboard icon

Temporarily stores Elixir-format (.ELX) form files during job creation. You can copy an Elixir-format form to the Clipboard using standard copying procedures, then copy the form to a specific job when you need it.

User Files icon

Provides access to all DOS directories and files, and links applications to files.

Application icons

Application icons display at the right of the Desktop and represent Elixir applications. Depending on your installation, one or more of the following icons display.

3-4 ELIXIR GETTING STARTED GUIDE

DESKTOP BASICS

ElixiForm icon

This icon represents the ElixiForm. If you have Elixir HighLight Option or Plus installed, the icon represents ElixiForm for HighLight Color. Opening the icon clears the Desktop and starts the appropriate ElixiForm application.

ElixiFont icon

This icon represents the ElixiFont application. Opening the icon clears the Desktop and starts ElixiFont.

ElixiGraphics icon

This icon represents the ElixiGraphics application. Opening the icon clears the Desktop and starts ElixiGraphics.

ElixiDoc icon

This icon represents the ElixiDoc application. ElixiDoc enables you to run all Elixir-format file conversion applications in stand-alone mode, directly from DOS.

ElixirScan icon

This icon represents the ElixirScan application. Opening the icon clears the Desktop and starts ElixirScan.

ElixirScan allows you to electronically regenerate your existing (paper) forms using most commerciallyavailable scanners, and to edit, update and store the forms on your PC.

ELIXIR GETTING STARTED GUIDE 3-5

DESKTOP BASICS

User Tools icon

Diskette icon

Tape icon

This icon represents User Tools, which contains tools for creating icons for DOS and Windows applications and batch files, launching the Elixir Website and editing HighLight full-color palettes.

This icon enables you to access and format a diskette in your PC diskette drive.

This icon enables you to access a tape drive connected to your PC.

Supported tape drive units include any 9-track, 1600 BPI tape device using an Overland TX-8 controller card, such as the Qualstar 1052 or Qualstar 1260.

Printers icon

This icon enables you to access a local proof printer connected to your PC.

Scanners icon

This icon enables you to start a scanner connected to your PC directly from the Desktop.

3-6 ELIXIR GETTING STARTED GUIDE

Dispatcher icon

Converter icon

Trashbin icon

DESKTOP BASICS

This icon enables you to invoke DOS commands or batch files into which you can embed replaceable parameters.

This icon enables you to convert font, form, graphics and multi-page document files to different formats by using simple “drag-and-drop” mouse operations.

This icon enables you to delete unwanted files.

Viewer icon

This icon enables you to view Elixir-format print or screen files (.LP3 or .LW8 extensions), .DAT files, Elixir forms, text and object files without having to launch the Elixir applications.

Transformer icon

This icon enables you to apply utilities to Xerox-format files that generally modify the file headers.

ELIXIR GETTING STARTED GUIDE 3-7

DESKTOP BASICS

Using the Desktop

The remaining sections of this chapter describe the following basic Desktop operations:

accessing DOS managing files converting files.

Accessing DOS

The DOS pull-down menu allows you to run DOS commands from the Desktop.

Selecting the [DOS Command] option or pressing <Ctrl> + <D> displays a dialog box that allows you to enter any standard DOS command. Enter a DOS command and select [OK] to clear the Desktop and execute the command from the following directory:

from the root (drive:\) directory, if there are no windows open on the Desktop

from the directory corresponding to the window, if a window is open on the Desktop.

After the DOS command executes, enter any key to redisplay the Desktop.

Managing files

The following sections describe basic Desktop operations that are common to all Elixir products. These operations include the following basic file management activities:

selecting files dragging and dropping files deleting files and folders renaming files duplicating files overwriting existing files.

3-8 ELIXIR GETTING STARTED GUIDE

Selecting files in an Elixir window

Files display as icons in Elixir windows. To display files, double-click on an Elixir folder and then doubleclick on the appropriate Elixir, Input or Output folder. If you double-click on an Input or Output folder, a window with more folders (representing different file formats) displays. Double-click on the appropriate folder to display its files in a window. To select one file, click on it. Note that the selected file is highlighted.

To select more than one file (or multi-select files), click on a file, then <Shift>click on other files. The following figure shows several files selected.

DESKTOP BASICS

Figure 3-2. Selecting files To deselect a file, <Shift>click on it. To select a range of files, click on the first file in the

range, then <Alt> click on the last file. The two files and all displayed files between them display as highlighted.

ELIXIR GETTING STARTED GUIDE 3-9

DESKTOP BASICS

File operations

To select all files in a directory, press <Ctrl> + <A>. Alternatively, pull down the Selection menu and click on [Select All].

To deselect all files, press <Ctrl> + <A>. Alternatively, pull down the Selection menu and select [Unselect All]. Clicking anywhere in the window other than on a file also deselects selected files.

Press a character to select the first displayed file in the window starting with the character. Press the character again to select the next file, and so on.

With one or more files selected, you can perform file operations by either dragging and dropping the files to an icon, selecting an option from a pull-down menu or entering a keyboard command.

Dragging files

To drag a selected file, click on it, hold down the mouse button and move the mouse. A squareshaped dragging cursor displays in the window and moves as you move the mouse. The following figure shows a dragging cursor example.

Figure 3-3. Dragging

cursor example

To drag more than one file, first multi-select the files, then click on any of the selected files while holding down the left mouse button. If you select more than one file, a double cursor displays, representing multiple files.

3-10 ELIXIR GETTING STARTED GUIDE

Dropping files

To drop one or more files on a Desktop icon, select the files and drag them to a position on top of the target icon, then release the mouse button.

If dropping the files on an icon is not permissible, an X-cursor displays.

Deleting files and folders

To delete one or more files from a window, select the files and perform one of the following actions:

drag and drop the files on the Trashbin icon pull down the File menu and select [Delete]

DESKTOP BASICS

Figure 3-4. X-cursor

press <Del> on your keyboard.

The Confirmation for Command dialog box displays with the

first selected file, as shown in the following figure.

Figure 3-5. Confirmation for Command

dialog box

The Confirmation for Command dialog box contains the following options:

ELIXIR GETTING STARTED GUIDE 3-11

DESKTOP BASICS

Renaming files

Delete

Deletes the first file, then redisplays the Confirmation for Command dialog box for subsequent files.

Skip

Does not delete the first file; redisplays the Confirmation for Command dialog box for the next file.

Confirm OFF and Continue

Deletes all selected files without further prompting. You can modify your Desktop so that the Confirmation

for Command dialog box never displays when deleting files, and files delete without prompting (see the Elixi- Sys Desktop User Guide for more information).

Deleting folders is similar to deleting files, except that you can delete only empty folders.

To rename one or more files, select the file(s) and perform one of the following actions:

press <F2> click the right mouse button pull down the

menu and select [Properties],

File

then type a new file name and extension in the displayed dialog box.

Note that these actions change the external (DOS) name of the file only.

The File Properties dialog box shown in the following figure displays with the first selected file name.

The only option you can change is the file name and extension.

3-12 ELIXIR GETTING STARTED GUIDE

Duplicating files

DESKTOP BASICS

Figure 3-6. Renaming a file

See the “Overwriting existing files” section in this chapter for more information.

You can duplicate a file by copying it to the same folder and renaming it. You can duplicate one or more files in a single operation by first selecting the file(s) you want to duplicate, then pulling-down the File menu and selecting [Duplicate].

The Object Duplication dialog box displays with the first selected file name, as shown in the following figure.

Figure 3-7. Object Duplication dialog box

ELIXIR GETTING STARTED GUIDE 3-13

DESKTOP BASICS

Follow these steps:

1. In the [into] option, enter the new file name and extension for the first file you want to duplicate.

2. Either select [Skip] to not copy the first file or select [Duplicate] to copy the file to the new file name.

The dialog box redisplays showing the next file from the selected list.

Note that if you duplicate a file in any Elixir folder and do not specify an extension for the [into] option, the program uses an extension appropriate for that folder.

See the “Overwriting existing files” section in this chapter for more information.

Overwriting existing files

If you copy or duplicate files using names that already exist in the target directory, a Confirmation for Command dialog box displays, as shown in the following figure. The dialog box shows the name of the existing file for the first duplicate file selected.

When you rename a file with a name that already exists in the target directory, a warning message displays to inform you of same.

Figure 3-8. Confirmation for Command

dialog box

The Confirmation for Command dialog box contains the following options:

3-14 ELIXIR GETTING STARTED GUIDE

Overwrite

Overwrites the file, then redisplays the Confirmation for Command dialog box with the next existing file in the list.

Skip

Does not overwrite the existing file, then redisplays the Confirmation for Command dialog box with the name of the next existing file in the list.

Confirm OFF and Continue

Overwrites existing files in the target folder without further prompting.

You can modify your Desktop so that the Confirmation for Command dialog box never displays and existing files get overwritten without prompting (see the Elixi- Sys Desktop User Guide for more information).

Converting files

Using the Forms, Fonts, Graphics and Documents folders and the Converter icon in the ElixiSys Desktop, you can convert form, font, graphic and document files between Xerox-, Elixir-, and other formats. You can edit Elixir-format files in the appropriate Elixir application (ElixiForm, ElixiGraphics or ElixiFont), then reconvert them to their original or another format using the Converter icon.

DESKTOP BASICS

Before performing conversion operations, you should familiarize yourself with the Elixir folder structure.

Elixir folder structure

The structure of each of the five Elixir folder icons is similar, as described in this section.

Each Elixir folder icon contains three subordinate folders labeled Elixir, Input and Output.

For example, when you open the Forms Folder icon (by double-clicking on it), the following window displays showing subordinate Elixir Forms, Input Forms and Output Forms folders.

ELIXIR GETTING STARTED GUIDE 3-15

DESKTOP BASICS

Figure 3-9. Forms Folders window

Similarly, opening the other Elixir folder icons displays a window showing subordinate folders called Elixir, Input and Output.

This folder structure allows you to view and edit form, font, graphic, document and job files having different formats, as shown in the following figure.

Figure 3-10. Input, Elixir, and Output folders

Each Input folder is similar to an "in basket" containing files you can convert to Elixir format by copying them to the Converter icon. See the "File conversions" section of this chapter for more information.

Each Elixir folder is similar to a "working area" where you can view and edit Elixir-format files.

3-16 ELIXIR GETTING STARTED GUIDE

DESKTOP BASICS

Each Output folder is similar to an "out basket" to which edited Elixir-format files write after you have copied them to the Converter icon. See the "File conversions" section of this chapter for more information.

To use Elixir folders for file editing, follow these steps:

1. Copy the file you want to edit to the appropriate Elixir folder.

The Elixir Folder opens to display the Elixir, Input and Output sub-folders inside.

2. Click on the Input folder.

The Input folder opens to display subfolders for different file formats.

3. Click on the folder corresponding to the format of the file you are copying.

4. Convert the file to Elixir format as described in the "File conversions" section of this chapter.

5. Double-click on the converted Elixir-format file to start the appropriate Elixir application (such as ElixiGraphics or ElixiFont) and load the file.

6. Edit the file using the tools provided by the Elixir application. After editing, save the file.

7. Convert the edited Elixir-format file to the format you want.

The converted file writes to the appropriate Output folder.

8. Open the Output folder and copy the converted file to the desired location.

ELIXIR GETTING STARTED GUIDE 3-17

DESKTOP BASICS

File conversions

The simplest way to convert files is to use the Desktop Converter icon. The following example demonstrates how to convert an Elixir form file to another format.

Note that procedures for converting font, graphic and document files are basically the same.

1. Double-click on the Elixir Forms folder icon to display the Forms Folders window.

2. Click on either the Elixir, Input or Output Forms folder to display a window with folders representing different form format files.

3. Double-click on the appropriate folder to display the file(s) you want to convert.

4. Select the file(s) you want to convert.

5. Copy the file(s) by dragging and dropping them on the Converter icon.

6. In the dialog box(es) that display, specify the output format(s) to which you want the file(s) converted.

One or more output files with the correct file extensions will generate and automatically write to appropriate Output folders.

3-18 ELIXIR GETTING STARTED GUIDE

Overview

4. ElixiForm basics

This chapter describes ElixiForm and basic ElixiForm operations. For information on additional ElixiForm operations see the ElixiForm User Guide.

ElixiForm is an interactive forms design tool that allows you to create and edit forms in WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get) mode.

A form created with ElixiForm is the static (or boiler plate) component of a form, and contains elements such as lines, boxes, text, and images.

You can then merge the static form with variable data for printing on Xerox production or distributed printers.

The static data adds meaning to the variable data with which it merges. For example, the following variable data from a credit application form:

X 123-456-789 9876.23 X 985-234-980 11813.34

is more meaningful when merged with static data and viewed together:

ELIXIR GETTING STARTED GUIDE 4-1

ELIXIFORM BASICS

Previously, creating and editing static forms for printing on Xerox production or distributed printers was the responsibility of applications personnel working on mainframe computers, who defined form elements using Forms Source Language (FSL), a language that describes the location of line, box, text, and image elements, as well as page size and layout.

Limitations to this approach are:

Defining and revising an FSL form is complicated and time-consuming.

Changes to the form are not apparent when adding FSL statements.

You must compile and proof-print the completed FSL file on the high-speed printer.

With ElixiForm, you can see each static form element as you add or revise it. With an optional desktop proof-printer you can generate proofs at your desk, then using the Converter in the ElixiSys Desktop, you can compile your forms on your PC, thus freeing your Xerox printer from these tasks.

You can also use the ElixiSys Desktop to define a multi-page document (.DAT file) containing a group of forms created in ElixiForm. You can then convert this multi-page document to other formats using the ElixiSys Desktop.

Depending on the ElixiForm product you have installed, your screens and options may differ from the figures displayed in this chapter.

4-2 ELIXIR GETTING STARTED GUIDE

ElixiForm layout

The ElixiForm window contains the following features:

a Work area at the center of the screen a Work Area menu bar above the work area an ElixiForm menu bar at the top of the screen a Message area between the menu bars a Toolbox to the left of the screen a Toolbar above the work area.

ELIXIFORM BASICS

Close button

Toolbox

Work area

Toolbar

Message

area

Work area

menu bar

Main Work area

ElixiForm

menu bar

Menu bars

ElixiForm provides a menu and sub-menu system to access ElixiForm options. To display a pull-down menu, click on the menu button or press the <Alt> key along with the underlined letter in the menu, and select an option from the list that displays.

ELIXIR GETTING STARTED GUIDE 4-3

ELIXIFORM BASICS

Toolbox <F10>

From the ElixiForm menu bar you can access the following pull-down menus:

File System Window Help

From the Work Area menu bar you can access the following pull-down menus:

Edit Tools View Options

The Toolbox displays to the left of the Work area and provides tools for creating and editing the elements that make up a form. If you maximize the work area, the Toolbox displays on top of the work area.

You can toggle between hiding and showing the Toolbox by either clicking on the Toolbox icon in the Toolbar, pulling down the

Window

menu and selecting

[Tools], or by pressing <F10>. When you select a tool, the options for that tool dis-

play in the Toolbox with a short description of the tool in the message panel. You can choose options for that tool by clicking on the options.

The preview panel displays your option selection. If you select a box with a fill, the preview panel also displays the name of the fill.

Toolbar

The Toolbar displays across the top of the work area and contains the digital ruler, selected element, start coordinates, width and depth. The options in the Toolbar allow you to set up user preferences, undo and redo operations, run the spell checker, and show or hide the Toolbox.

4-4 ELIXIR GETTING STARTED GUIDE

Message area

When you position the cursor over an icon in the Toolbox or Toolbar a description of the icon displays in the Message area. Operational messages also display in this area.

Creating a form

This section guides you through the basics of creating, editing, saving, printing and retrieving a simple form, such as the sample FedBank Credit Application.

The sample FedBank credit application is installed with ElixiForm as a demonstration file. If you did not install the Elixir demonstration files, and you want to view this sample form, you can install it now by performing a [Custom] installation. See the "Installation" chapter for more information.

ELIXIFORM BASICS

ELIXIR GETTING STARTED GUIDE 4-5

ELIXIFORM BASICS

Loading a new form

To create your form, start ElixiForm (see the "Introduction" chapter) and then load a new form.

To load a new form:

1. Pull down the File menu and select [New Form].

The Page Properties dialog box displays.

2. Select the page property options for your form.

See the ElixiForm User Guide for more information about options in this dialog box.

4-6 ELIXIR GETTING STARTED GUIDE

3. Click on [OK].

The Page Databasing dialog box displays.

4. Enter information for the new form (optional).

See the ElixiForm User Guide for more information about options in this dialog box.

5. Click on [OK].

A new, untitled form displays in the work area.

Using the grid, rulers and long crosshair

Display the grid, rulers, and long crosshair to help with placing elements accurately on your form.

To display the grid, click on the top half of the Grid icon in the Toolbar.

To display the graphical ruler at the top and left edges of the Work area, click on the Graphical Ruler icon in the Toolbar.

ELIXIFORM BASICS

To display the long crosshair, click on the Long Crosshair icon in the Toolbar.

You can also select the above options by pulling down the

menu and selecting the applicable option.

View

The digital ruler displays at the top left of the Toolbar and shows the horizontal and vertical position of the screen pointer.

Adding form elements

The following section describes how to create elements such as lines, boxes, text, and images, that make up a form.

ELIXIR GETTING STARTED GUIDE 4-7

ELIXIFORM BASICS

Drawing lines

To draw a line:

1. Select the Line tool to display the Line toolbox.

2. Select line properties from the options that display in the Line toolbox.

Options include line direction, width, style, and color.

3. Position the screen pointer in the work area where you want the line to begin and press and hold the left mouse button.

4. Drag the screen pointer across the work area.

A line displays.

5. Release the mouse button to end the line.

Drawing boxes

To draw a box:

1. Select the Box tool to display the Box toolbox.

2. Select the box properties from the options that display.

Options include box positioning, shape, border width and style, number of box splits, border color, and shading.

3. Position the screen pointer where you want the box to start.

You can use the rulers to judge the margins.

4. Drag the screen pointer down and toward the right of the screen.

4-8 ELIXIR GETTING STARTED GUIDE

ELIXIFORM BASICS

As you move the screen pointer, the box increases in size. Continue moving the screen pointer and watching the rulers until you have created the box size you want.

5. Release the left mouse button to place the box.

The box outline becomes solid.

Continue adding boxes to your form by repeating the above procedure.

Adding text

To add text to your form

1. Select the Text icon to display the Text toolbox.

2. Select text properties from the options that display.

Options include character and word spacing, boundaries, justification, positioning, color, lines per inch, columns and font type.

3. Select a font from the font list in the Toolbox.

The default font is the font at the top of the list.

4. Click in the work area where you want to begin entering text.

5. Enter characters from the keyboard.

6. Right-click to finish entering text for that text block.

ELIXIR GETTING STARTED GUIDE 4-9

ELIXIFORM BASICS

Adding images

To add an image to your form:

1. Select the Image tool to display the Image toolbox.

2. Click on the [Load Image] option in the Toolbox.

The Load Image dialog box displays images in the drive:\ELIXIR\PICS\PRINTER directory.

3. Select an .LP3 image and click on [OK].

(You can select FBLOGO.LP3 to display the FedBank logo used in the FedBank sample credit application described at the beginning of this section.)

To use an .LW8 image in drive:\ELIXIR\PICS\SCREEN directory, select [.LW8] from the window at the bottom of the dialog box. Note that .LW8 images are used for display purposes only and cannot be used for conversions or printing.

4. Press and hold the left mouse button.

The image attaches to the screen pointer.

5. Position the image on the form and release the left mouse button to fix it in place.

Undo/redo feature

ElixiForm allows you to undo or redo an operation. To cancel the most recent operation:

Click on the Undo icon in the Toolbar or pull down the Edit menu and select [Undo]. If you want to cancel a group operation, ElixiForm undoes the operation one element at a time.

4-10 ELIXIR GETTING STARTED GUIDE

To cancel the most recent [Undo] operation:

Click on the Redo icon in the Toolbar or pull down the Edit menu and select [Redo].

Modifying a form

ElixiForm allows you to modify a form by editing individual elements as often as necessary. This includes moving, copying and deleting elements, and changing element properties.

To move, copy, or delete an element,

1. Select the Select/Edit tool to display the Select/Edit toolbox.

2. Click on the element with the left mouse button.

3. Copy, delete or move the selected element as follows:

ELIXIFORM BASICS

To copy a selected element, select the [Copy] option and the number of copies you want to make, then drag the selected element in the direction you want the duplicate element to display.

To delete a selected element, select the [Delete] option.

To move a selected element, drag it to a new position in the Work area.

To change the properties of an element:

1. Select the Select/Edit tool to display the Select/Edit toolbox

2. Click on the element with the right mouse button.

The Toolbox for that element displays.

ELIXIR GETTING STARTED GUIDE 4-11

ELIXIFORM BASICS

3. Select the applicable option(s) in the Toolbox.

The procedures for editing are similar for lines, boxes, images or text and are described in detail in the appropriate chapters in the ElixiForm User Guide.

Saving a form <Ctrl> + <S>

You may want to periodically save your work as you are designing a form, and when you finish it.

To save a form:

1. Pull down the File menu and select [Save Form] or press <Ctrl> + <S>.

The Save Form dialog box displays.

2. Enter a name in the file name box. You do not need to type an extension.

If you plan to convert your form to other formats you should save the form with a maximum sixletter file name. Longer file names are truncated upon conversion and could result in overwriting existing files.

3. Click on [OK].

Once you have saved a form, use <Ctrl> + <S> to quick save your work.

To save an existing form with a new name:

1. Pull down the File menu and select [Save Form As] or press <F7>.

The Save Form As dialog box displays.

2. Enter a new file name.

3. Click on [OK].

The form is saved with a new name and the original form exists with the original name.

4-12 ELIXIR GETTING STARTED GUIDE

Proof-printing a form

To proof-print your form, pull down the File menu and select [Print].

Select your proof printer and any other print options from the Print dialog box and click on [OK]. Your form prints on the selected printer.

See the ElixiForm User Guide for more detailed information.

Retrieving a saved form

To retrieve a previously saved form:

1. Pull down the File menu and select [Load Form].

The Load Form dialog box displays.

2. Select the name of the form you want to load.

ELIXIFORM BASICS

3. Click on [OK].

ELIXIR GETTING STARTED GUIDE 4-13

Overview

5. ElixiFont basics

This chapter describes ElixiFont and basic ElixiFont operations. For information on additional ElixiFont operations see the ElixiFont User Guide.

This section describes ElixiFont, a sophisticated Windows-based bitmap font editor that allows you to create and edit fonts in WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get) format.

ElixiFont allows you to perform the following font operations:

edit individual characters in a font using tools to manipulate the character bitmap

apply transformations, such as embolden, italicize, and underline, to one, all, or a sequence of characters in a font

display and change character or font properties such as kerning, baseline offset, and orientation.

For fonts converted from Xerox format, ElixiFont also allows you to display and change Xerox header information.

With the ElixiSys Desktop, you can import fonts and convert them to Elixir format. You can then display and edit these fonts on your PC, and convert them back to an output format.

ELIXIR GETTING STARTED GUIDE 5-1

ELIXIFONT BASICS

Font basics

Above

baseline

This section describes Elixir font characteristics, and the procedures used to display, edit, and apply metrics to the fonts. The following figure shows some important characteristics of a character in a cell.

Cell Height

Blanks Left

Blanks Right

Below baseline

Baseline Offset

Cell width

Figure 5-1. Character and cell components

5-2 ELIXIR GETTING STARTED GUIDE

Linespacing

Below

Leading

ELIXIFONT BASICS

The following figure shows some character and line spacing attributes on a printed page.

Above baseline

baseline

Figure 5-2. Line spacing components

ElixiForm uses the following formula for calculating line spacing in Elixir fonts:

Line spacing = above baseline + below baseline + leading

ElixiFont layout

The ElixiFont window contains the following features:

a Work area at the center of the screen a Work Area menu bar above the work area an ElixiFont menu bar at the top of the screen a Message area between the menu bars a Toolbox to the left of the screen.

ELIXIR GETTING STARTED GUIDE 5-3

ELIXIFONT BASICS

Close button

Toolbox

Message area

Work area

menu bar

Work area

Figure 5-3. ElixiFont window

ElixiFont menu bar

Menu bars

ElixiFont provides a menu and sub-menu system to access ElixiFont options. To display a pull-down menu, click on the menu button or press the <Alt> key along with the underlined letter in the menu and select an option from the list that displays.

The ElixiFont menu bar allows you to access the following pull-down menus:

File System Window Help

5-4 ELIXIR GETTING STARTED GUIDE

Toolbox <F10>

ELIXIFONT BASICS

The Work area menu bar allows you to access the following pull-down menus:

Font Edit Char Transforms

The Toolbox displays to the left of the work area and provides tools for viewing, editing and transforming characters and fonts. If you maximize the work area, the Toolbox displays on top of the work area.

You can toggle between hiding and showing the Toolbox by pulling down the

Window

menu and selecting

[Tools] or by pressing <F10>. When you select a tool, the options for that tool dis-

play in the Toolbox with a short description of the tool in the message panel. You can choose options for that tool by selecting the option icons.

You can also use the [Undo] button to undo the last operation, the [Stop] button to stop the current conversion, or the [Go] button apply the current tool or transformation.

Message area

When you position the cursor over an icon in the Toolbox, a description of the icon displays in the Message area. Operational messages and characteristics of a loaded font also display in this area.

ELIXIR GETTING STARTED GUIDE 5-5

ELIXIFONT BASICS

Using ElixiFont

This section describes basic ElixiFont operations including:

loading an existing font editing a font transforming a font creating a font saving a font.

Loading an existing font

To load an Elixir font:

1. Start ElixiFont as described in the "Introduction" chapter, pull down the File menu, and select [Open Font] or press <F8>.

The Load Font dialog box displays. The list of Elixir fonts in the default directory,

drive:\ELIXIR\FONTS\ELIXIR, display with .HDR extensions.

2. Select a font and click on [OK].

You can also double-click on the font name. The ElixiFont main screen displays the font as

shown in the following figure.

5-6 ELIXIR GETTING STARTED GUIDE

Figure 5-4. Loaded font

ELIXIFONT BASICS

The character bitmaps of the font, arranged leftto-right and top-to-bottom by ASCII position of the character in the font, display in the Work area. Note that the font header .HDR file defines the ASCII positions.

Use the <Page Up>, <Page Down>, <Home>, and <End> keys, or the scroll buttons to scroll through the entire font as necessary.

When you move the screen pointer on a character, a dark box displays around it. This is the current character. The ASCII, decimal and hexadecimal values of the current character display in the message area.

The width of the current character (in dots), and the character type (NULL, SPACING, or NONBLANK) also display.

ELIXIR GETTING STARTED GUIDE 5-7

ELIXIFONT BASICS

Editing a font

To edit a character in a font, select the character you want to edit then click on the Edit tool in the Toolbox. You can also double-click on a character.

The Edit Window displays.

A null character indicates that there is no character defined for this position and displays as a filled gray cell (like the first 32 characters in the displayed font).

A spacing character occupies a cell but does not have a bitmap and prints as a blank space.

All other characters are non-blank and contain bitmaps.

5-8 ELIXIR GETTING STARTED GUIDE

ELIXIFONT BASICS

Edit tool

Edit Window Toolbar

Bitmap window

Figure 5-5. Edit window

Edit Window Menu Bar

Framing window

Edit Window

The Edit Window contains the following:

Edit Window Toolbar

This Toolbar contains the following icons:

Pointer/Mouse Coordinates: Displays the current pointer position in X (horizontal) and Y (vertical) coordinates.

Drawing Start Coordinates: Displays the starting horizontal and vertical coordinates for the current drawing operation.

ELIXIR GETTING STARTED GUIDE 5-9

ELIXIFONT BASICS

Drawing Size: When the corresponding option is selected, displays the current ruler length, copy/move area width and height, line length, box width and height, or circle radius.

Grid: Displays/hides the grid (toggle). The grid does not display for magnifications of 4x and less.

Undo: Undoes the last edit operation.

Down Arrow: Decreases the magnification.

Magnification: Shows the current magnification.

Up Arrow: Increases the magnification.

Post: Saves changes made to the character bitmap.

Prev: Displays the previous character in the font for editing. Prompts for confirmation if you made changes to the current character.

Next: Displays the next character in the font for editing. Prompts for confirmation if you made changes to the current character.

Characters in the font

The bottom of the window shows a partial list of characters with the current character selected.

You can click on another character to display it in the Edit Window. You can also scroll through the entire font using the <Page Up>, <Page Down>, <Home> and <End> keys or you can use the scroll buttons.

5-10 ELIXIR GETTING STARTED GUIDE

ELIXIFONT BASICS

Character bitmap

The left side of the window displays a bitmap of the character shown initially at 8x magnification. Each dot in the bitmap displays as a black or white box 8 bits high and 8 bits wide.

Framing window

The right of the window contains the framing window that you can move to display different portions of the character you are editing.

Editing tools

Edit the characters using the editing tools available in the Edit toolbox or the pull-down menus in the Edit Window menu bar.

To use an editing tool:

1. Select a tool or pull down the Tools menu and select an option.

Select [Character Properties] to display a dialog box from which you can enter properties for a character.

Select [Ruler] to display the digital ruler in the Edit Window Toolbar.

Select [Copy/Move] to select a rectangular area of the displayed character and move or copy it to another location in the cell by selecting the [Move] or [Copy] options in the Toolbox.

Select a drawing tool to use that tool to edit the bitmap by clicking and dragging the mouse in the bitmap window.

Select [Blend] to blend another character into the current cell. After selecting [Blend], click on another character in the font to blend it with the currently loaded character in the framing window on the right. After positioning it, click on [Accept] at the bottom of the Toolbox to blend the character with the loaded character.

ELIXIR GETTING STARTED GUIDE 5-11

ELIXIFONT BASICS

2. Select from any additional options that may display in the Toolbox.

3. Click on the [Post] button in the Toolbar, or pull down the Char menu and select [Post], to post and save your changes.

Transforming a font

You can apply transformation operations to a single character or to the entire font. Select the Transformation tool to display transformation operations and options in the Toolbox.

To apply a transformation:

1. Load a font and select a character or the entire font.

To select an entire font, pull down the Edit menu and select [Select All]. To deselect a font, pull down the Edit menu and select [Unselect All].

2. Select the transformation tool.

The Transformation toolbox displays the transformation operations.

3. Select a transformation operation from the Toolbox.

In the previous figure, the [Rotate] operation is selected.

4. Select any options from the Toolbox.

Note that the options in the Toolbox change depending on the transformation tool you select. In the previous figure, the [Clockwise] option is selected.

5-12 ELIXIR GETTING STARTED GUIDE

ELIXIFONT BASICS

Click on the [Go] button to apply the

5. transformation.

For example, if you perform the Rotate operation shown in the previous figure, the character or entire font rotates 90° to the right. Repeatedly clicking on the [Go] button rotates the character(s) in 90° increments.

Figure 5-6. Clockwise rotation example

Click on the [Stop] button to stop a

6. transformation in progress.

Click on the [Undo] button to undo a

7. transformation operation.

Note that if you have stopped the current operation, the [Undo] option may not be available.

Creating a font

To create an Elixir font you can either modify an existing Elixir font and save it to a new file or you can create a new font using the [New Font] option in the Font menu.

To create a new font using the [New Font] option:

1. Pull down the Font menu and select [New Font].

The Properties of New Font dialog box displays.

2. Enter a file name and character properties for the new font.

See the ElixiFont User Guide for detailed information about the options in the Properties of New Font dialog box.

3. Click on [OK].

ELIXIR GETTING STARTED GUIDE 5-13

ELIXIFONT BASICS

The Font Properties dialog box displays.

4. Enter additional properties for the new font.

See the ElixiFont User Guide for detailed information about the options in the Font Properties dialog box.

5. Click on [OK].

Blank cells representing the characters in your font display. The font name you specified displays at the top left corner of the window.

6. Double-click on a blank cell to display it in the Edit window.

7. Use the Edit tools to create a customized character in the cell.

8. Pull down the Char menu and select [Post] to save the newly created character.

You can now transform the character using any of the transformation operations.

Saving a font

To save a font to the current file, pull down the File menu and select [Save] or press <Ctrl> + <S>. The font is saved to the drive:\ELIXIR\FONTS\ELIXIR di- rectory with a .HDR extension.

To save a font to a new file, pull down the File menu, select [Save Font As], type a new file name in the Save Font As dialog box and click on [OK]. Your file is saved in the drive:\ELIXIR\FONTS\ELIXIR directory with the new name and a .HDR extension.

5-14 ELIXIR GETTING STARTED GUIDE

Overview

6. ElixiGraphics basics

This chapter describes ElixiGraphics and basic ElixiGraphics operations. For information on additional ElixiGraphics operations see the ElixiGraphics User Guide.

ElixiGraphics is a Windows-based, bitmap editor that allows you to create and edit Elixir-format graphics.

Depending on the tool set you have selected in the ElixiSys Desktop and the ElixiKey(s) you have connected to your PC, ElixiGraphics allows you to edit or create black-and-white, highlight color or full-color Elixir-format graphics.

ElixiGraphics provides the environment and drawing tools normally found on dedicated graphics workstations. Combined with the ElixiSys Desktop, ElixiGraphics provides powerful features to support your Xerox high-speed laser printing systems.

ELIXIR GETTING STARTED GUIDE 6-1

ELIXIGRAPHICS BASICS

ElixiGraphics layout

The ElixiGraphics window contains the following features:

a Work area at the center of the screen a Work Area menu bar above the work area an ElixiGraphics menu bar at the top of the

screen a Message area between the menu bars a Toolbox to the left of the screen a Toolbar above the work area.

Close button

Toolbox Toolbar

Message

area

Work Area

menu bar

Work area

ElixiGraphics menu bar

Figure 6-1. ElixiGraphics window

6-2 ELIXIR GETTING STARTED GUIDE

Menu bars

Toolbox <F10>

ELIXIGRAPHICS BASICS

ElixiGraphics provides a menu and sub-menu system to access ElixiGraphics options. To display a pulldown menu, click on the menu button or press the <Alt> key along with the underlined letter in the menu and select an option from the list that displays.

The ElixiGraphics menu bar allows you to access the following pull-down menus:

System Window Help

The Work Area menu bar allows you to access the following pull-down menus:

File Edit Image Tool Transform

The Toolbox displays to the left of the work area and provides drawing tools and transformation tools for editing and creating an image. If you maximize the work area, the Toolbox displays on top of the work area.

You can toggle between hiding and showing the Toolbox by pulling down the Window menu and selecting [Tools] or by pressing <F10>.

When you select a tool, the options for that tool display in the Toolbox with a short description of the tool in the message area. You can choose options for that tool by selecting the option icons.

The Preview panel displays your option selections.

ELIXIR GETTING STARTED GUIDE 6-3

ELIXIGRAPHICS BASICS

Toolbar

The Toolbar displays across the top of the work area and contains the digital ruler, current-object coordinates, and icons for magnifying and reducing an image, undoing and redoing editing operations, changing the drawing mode, and selecting the grid.

Message area

When you position the cursor over an icon in the Toolbox, a description of the icon displays in the Message area. The color mode of the loaded image and operational messages also display in this area.

Using ElixiGraphics

This section describes basic ElixiGraphics operations including:

loading an existing image creating a new image using the drawing tools using the transform tools resetting an image saving an image proof-printing an image.

Loading an existing image

With the ElixiGraphics main screen displayed, you can load an image as follows:

1. Pull down the File menu and select [Load] or press <F8>.

The Load Image dialog box displays with an alphabetical list of all available images.

6-4 ELIXIR GETTING STARTED GUIDE

ELIXIGRAPHICS BASICS

If you chose to install them, the names of demonstration files are listed. These images are Elixirformat files in drive:\ELIXIR\PICS\PRINTER.

To display .BMP images, select [.BMP] from the window at the bottom of the dialog box.

2. Select an image file.

For example, select STARS.LP3, a demonstration file supplied with ElixiGraphics.

The image displays in the work area and the file name displays in the Work Area menu bar. The following figure shows the demonstration file STARS.LP3 displayed.

Figure 6-2. Loaded file

ELIXIR GETTING STARTED GUIDE 6-5

ELIXIGRAPHICS BASICS

Creating an image

You can create an image by either modifying an existing Elixir-format image and saving it to a new file or by using the [New] option in the

To create a new image using the [New] option:

1. Pull down the File menu, and select [New] or

2. Enter a file name and attributes for your

3. Click on [OK].

menu.

File

press <F9>.

The Image Attributes dialog box displays.

image.

See the ElixiGraphics User Guide for detailed information about the options in this dialog box.

An image area displays in the work area and the name of your image displays in the Work Area menu bar.

Use the drawing and transformation tools to create your image.

Using the drawing tools

You can create or edit an image using the drawing tools. To use a drawing tool, select it from the Toolbox or from the Tool menu.

For example to use the Line tool, select the Line tool in the Toolbox or pull down the Tool menu and select [Line]. The Line toolbox displays the Line tool options.

Figure 6-3. Line toolbox

To set the color of the drawing tool, click on the [FG] button until the color you want displays in the button. If you are a full-color user, select a color from the Choose Foreground Color dialog box that displays when you click on the [FG] button.

6-6 ELIXIR GETTING STARTED GUIDE

To set the color of the background, click on the [BG]

button until the color you want displays in the button. If you are a full-color user, select a color from the Choose Background Color dialog box that displays when you click on the [BG] button.

To draw with a drawing tool, click and drag the mouse in the Work area.

You can set properties for a drawing tool by selecting the tool options. The options you select display in the preview panel.

Using the transform tool

You can use the Transform tool to apply transformation operations to an image or image area. The following figure shows available transformation operations.

To perform a transformation operation:

1. Select the Transform tool.

ELIXIGRAPHICS BASICS

The Transformation toolbox displays

2. Select the area you want to transform by dragging the mouse in the work area. (To transform the whole area, skip this step.)

The selected area displays in a dashed box.

3. Select a transformation operation from the Toolbox or from the Transform menu.

In the previous figure, the Rotate operation is selected.

4. Select applicable options for the transformation.

In the previous figure the [180 degrees] Rotate option is selected.

ELIXIR GETTING STARTED GUIDE 6-7

ELIXIGRAPHICS BASICS

5. Click on the [Go] button to perform the

Note that the options in the Toolbox change, depending on the transformation tool you select.

transformation operation.

The following figure shows an example of a [180 degrees] Rotate operation. Repeatedly clicking on the [Go] button rotates the image or image area in 180° increments.

Figure 6-4. Rotate example

Resetting an image

You can reset an image toclear all edits since the last save operation. To reset an image, pull down the File menu and select [Reset].

Saving an image

To save an image to the current file, pull down the File menu and select [Save] or press <Ctrl> + <S>.

The image is saved to drive:\ELIXIR\PICS\PRINTER directory with an .LP3 extension.

To save an image to a new file, pull down the File menu and select [Save As] or press <F7>, and enter a new file name in the Save Image dialog box. When you click on [OK], the image is saved in the drive:\ELIXIR\PICS\PRINTER directory with an .LP3 extension.

6-8 ELIXIR GETTING STARTED GUIDE

Proof printing an image

ELIXIGRAPHICS BASICS

To proof-print an image, pull down the

File

menu and

select [Print] or press <Ctrl> + <Shift> + <F10>. Select your proof printer and other print options from

the Print dialog box. When you click on [OK], the image prints on the selected printer.

See the ElixiGraphics User Guide for detailed information about printing an image.

ELIXIR GETTING STARTED GUIDE 6-9

A. Troubleshooting

This appendix contains information about solving common problems you might encounter when using Elixir Suite for Xerox software. It includes information about installation, protection keys, and problem solving for the ElixiSys Desktop, ElixiForm, ElixiGraphics, and ElixiFont applications. It also lists all operational and error messages issued by the Elixir Suite for Xerox products.

For information about minimum and maximum parameters, please refer to the appropriate Elixir Suite for Xerox product documentation.

If you encounter "out of memory", "disk full", or other memory or disk errors, please refer to your Microsoft Windows or MS-DOS documentation for further information.

Notes and cautions

The following general note applies to the Elixir suite for Xerox software.

Elixir software has been tested with HP Windows printer drivers for proof printing. Other printer drivers are not supported and may produce unpredictable results when used with Elixir software.

ELIXIR GETTING STARTED GUIDE A-1

TROUBLESHOOTING

Installation

This section contains general problem-solving information about first time installation and reinstallation of Elixir Suite for Xerox software.

If you encounter a problem when installing Elixir software, make sure that the appropriate ElixiKey is connected to the LPT1 parallel port of your PC. See chapter 1 "Introduction" for more information about installation and ElixiKeys.

If you have any problems running your Elixir software after installation, ensure that you have the right toolset selected for your Elixir software and try running the software again. See the toolset table in chapter 1 "Introduction" for information regarding toolsets.

When installing Elixir Suite for Xerox software over an existing Windows version, make sure that the ElixiKeys connected to LPT1 are the same as the ones connected for the previous installation.

If you are going to use one or more different keys (for example, when adding an Elixir product to your system), connect all the appropriate keys, delete all program files from the drive:\ELIXIR directory, and reinstall the Elixir Suite for Xerox product.

Software protection keys

This section provides information for using software protection keys.

If you are using Sentinel Pro and SuperPro protection keys, make sure that the Sentinel Pro keys are placed closest to the PC.

A-2 ELIXIR GETTING STARTED GUIDE

If you are using more than one SuperPro protection key, place any SuperPro keys with a xxxxx016xx lot number before any SuperPro keys without the 16 series number.

If the parallel port on your PC uses a WinBond 83757 or 28375F I/O controller chip and you are experiencing difficulties with the software protection keys, please call Elixir Technologies for assistance.

ElixiSys Desktop

This section contains information for solving common problems occurring while using the ElixiSys Desktop.

After installing another software package, Elixir software operates erratically

The existence of a BWCC.DLL file in a directory other than the Windows \SYSTEM directory may cause errors when performing operations such as copying files to Elixir folders using the UserFiles icon.

TROUBLESHOOTING

Elixir installs a BWCC.DLL file dated 1993 or later in the Windows \SYSTEM directory during installation. Other programs may also install BWCC.DLL files in different directories. Delete any other versions of the BWCC.DLL file from your hard disk to prevent errors.

Keys are not being recognized due to a nonstandard parallel port address

Modify the Check_Key_Port parameter in the ELIXIR\DESKTOP\SYSTEM\SYSTEM.INI with the appropriate address below:

Check_Key_Port=DEFAULT Check_Key_Port=LPT1 Check_Key_Port=LPT2 Check_Key_Port=LPT3 Check_Key_Port=0x278 Check_Key_Port=0x378 Check_Key_Port=0x3BC

ELIXIR GETTING STARTED GUIDE A-3

TROUBLESHOOTING

Unless there is a problem with key-checking, the DEFAULT option should be used.

Tape drive not responding

If your tape drive device is off-line when you attempt to access it, or if it does not respond when it is on-line, a dialog box prompts you to cancel or retry the tape copy operation. You may be required to click on [Cancel] more than once or to bring the tape drive on-line to cancel the operation.

Elixir supports the Overland Data TX8 controller card and software. Currently, no Windows driver for the card exists. Support for an alternate controller card and software will be provided in a future release.

If you have difficulty copying files to or from an installed tape drive from within the Read from Tape Device or Write to Tape Device dialog boxes, first ensure that your tape drive heads are clean and free of debris. If you continue to experience problems, you should run Overland Data's XTEST utility (included with the tape drive software) to check for any possible tape drive hardware or software failures.

In addition to using the Tape icon, you can also run the DSK2TAP or TAP2DSK stand-alone utilities to copy files to or from tape, respectively. See chapter 2, "Installation" for information about configuring your PC for a tape drive, and see the ElixiSys Desktop User Guide for information about the DSK2TAP and TAP2DSK utilities.

No default printer available

The ElixiSys Desktop uses the printer(s) or print driver(s) you set up in your Windows environment. If you have not defined a default printer or print driver in Windows, you cannot print from the Desktop. Set up a default printer or print driver using the Windows Print Manager and retry the print operation.

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Xerox Elixir for Xerox Getting Started Guide

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual