Working with Columns

Stylus Studio provides several features to help you work with table columns in the Grid tab. Changes you make to tables in the Grid tab, such as adding a new column or reordering existing columns, are reflected in the underlying XML document.

This section covers the following topics:

Selecting a Column

Column operations can be performed when you select any cell in a column. When a cell (and, therefore, its column) is selected, it is highlighted with a yellow outline. As shown in Figure 134, the <title> column is selected - the cell containing Java Message Service is the one that is highlighted.

Figure 134. Selected Cells are Highlighted in Yellow

To select a column, click any cell in the column you wish to select.

Adding Columns

You can add two types of columns to tables in the Grid tab - attribute columns and element columns. The procedure for adding both types of columns is the same. When you add a column, it is inserted immediately after the last column of its type. You can move columns after you create them.

To add a column:
1. Select the row in which you want to add a column.
2. Click Add Attribute Column ( ) or Add Element Column ( ). These actions are also available from the XML > Grid Editing menu and from the grid shortcut menu.

The column is added to the table.

3. If you want, move the column to a new location in the row. See Reordering Columns.

Deleting Columns

To delete a column:
1. Select a cell in the column you want to delete.

A yellow border appears around the cell you select.

2. Click Delete Column ( ). This action is also available from the XML > Grid Editing menu and from the grid shortcut menu.

The column is deleted from the table.

Reordering Columns

You can reorder columns in the grid by dragging them to the position you desire.

To reorder a column:
1. Place the pointer on the left handle in the column header.
2. Press and hold mouse button one.

The cursor changes shape, as shown here.

Figure 135. Moving a Column

3. Drag the column to the location in the row you want.
4. Release the mouse button.

The column is placed in the new location within the row.

Renaming Columns

You can rename columns in the grid. This has the effect of renaming the corresponding attribute or element name in the underlying XML document.

Note

 

You cannot rename the root element from the Grid tab.

To rename a column:
1. Select a cell in the column you want to rename.

A yellow border appears around the cell you select.

2. Click Rename Column ( ). This action is also available from the XML > Grid Editing menu and from the column shortcut menu.

The column is renamed.

Changing a Value

You can change element and attribute values.

To change a value:
1. Double-click the cell whose value you want to change.

The cell field becomes editable, as shown here.

Figure 136. Changing a Value

2. Edit the value as required.
3. Press Enter.
 
Free Stylus Studio XML Training: