"Descriptions for Whiteboard Objects"

When you create a line or geometric shape, A-Communicator's Whiteboard automatically generates a label for the object, which appears in both the "Object Selector" and "Descriptions for Whiteboard Objects" menus.

These labels identify each object in the order in which they are created. For example, in the screenshot below the first object created was the Rectangle so it was assigned number one. The second object created was StraightLine and so on.

In some instances, however, it may also be useful to create a descriptive name for an object. By default, these descriptions are unlocked (i.e. anyone participating in the group chat can edit or delete them.) Note, also, that the "Submit Description" button, and text entry field are disabled when the default descriptions are unlocked.

screenshot showing Lock Description and No Description buttons

To create a description, you must first lock the objects list by selecting the padlock icon. This prevents multiple users from attempting to make changes at the same time. Once the padlock is locked, the list of objects becomes "greyed out" and the "Submit Description" button and its associated text field become available.

screenshot of Unlock Description and Submit Description buttons

Begin by selecting an item from the "Object Selector" menu using either the mouse or keyboard. To access the menu using the keyboard, press the Tab key until the "Object Selector" menu is in focus, and then use the up/down arrow keys to cycle through the various descriptions. When satisfied with your choice, press the Spacebar.

screenshot of Object Selector menu

Next, put the text field in focus and type in a new description. Before selecting the "Submit Description" button be sure to check for spelling errors because once a description has been submitted it cannot be changed – even by its creator.

screenshot of entering a new description in the text field

Once the description has been submitted it is added to the object's label and appears in the "Object Selector" pull-down menu.

screenshot of new description added to Object Selection pull-down list

Note, also, that the object is removed completely from the "Descriptions for Whiteboard Objects" list. This prevents anyone from changing a description once it has been submitted.

screenshot shows removal of label from descriptions list

Back     Table of Contents     Next