OpenOffice.org OpenOffice - 3.3 Manual de usuario descargar pdf (Pagina 410)

Introduction to forms

This chapter covers the use of forms within Writer documents. Most of the

information here also applies to forms in other OpenOffice.org components, but there

are some differences.

The chapter presents information on using forms in four main sections: setting up a

basic form, an example for creating a form, linking a form to a data source, and

finally some advanced techniques.

OpenOffice.org forms cover a lot of ground and not everything is included here.

Notable omissions are using forms in HTML documents and writing macros to link to

form controls.

When to use forms

A standard text document displays information: a letter, report, or brochure, for

example. Typically the reader may edit everything or nothing in the document. A

form has sections that are not to be edited, and other sections that are designed for

the reader to make changes. For example, a questionnaire has an introduction and

questions (which do not change) and spaces for the reader to enter answers.

OpenOffice.org offers several ways to enter information into a form, including check

boxes, option buttons, text boxes, pull-down lists, and other items, collectively known

as form controls.

Forms are used in three ways:

• To create a simple document for the recipient to complete, such as a

questionnaire sent out to a group of people who fill it in and return it.

• To link into a database or data source and allow the user to enter information.

Someone taking orders might enter the information into a database using a

form.

• To view information held in a database or data source. A librarian might call up

information about books.

Using forms to access a database offers a fast and easy way to build up complex

graphical front ends. Your form can include not only the fields that link up to the data

source but also text, graphics, tables, drawings and other elements.

A typical way to use a simple form is:

1) You design the form, then save it when you are happy with it.

2) You send the form to others (for example, by email).

3) They fill in the form, save it and send it back to you.

4) You open the form and see what their answers are.

Tip

By using a data source, or setting a form to update over the web, you

can automatically gather data. However, both of those are more complex

and you might prefer to keep things simple.

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OpenOffice.org OpenOffice - 3.3 Manual de usuario Pagina 410