Editing library objects using the data columns

All library objects have a number of properties, which are displayed in the columns of the list view. You can edit these properties by editing the data in the list view (note that not all columns are editable). The properties displayed in the list view vary depending on the type of object selected. Some complex library objects, such as calendars and filters, can only be edited fully using their Properties dialog. Note that not all library objects have Properties dialogs.

To edit the data in a particular column, click the field that you want to edit. If that field is editable it changes to a text box, a drop down list box or another type of control, depending on the type of field you are editing. A drop-down list box might contain a hierarchy of options if the property you are editing is hierarchical. When you have made your edit, press ENTER to move the focus onto the object below; if there is no object below, an new object is created. Click an empty area of the list view to finish editing and deselect any selected field.

If you enter an invalid value into a field, an error message is displayed in the Library Explorer status bar and you cannot leave the field until the error is corrected or cancelled by pressing ESC.

Note the following points about the properties of library objects:

The Name column displays the name of the object. This column remains in view when you scroll the list view horizontally. When using Asta Enterprise, a key is displayed on the object icon to indicate its locked status (a gold key means the object is locked to you; a grey key means the object is locked to another user). To change the name of a library object, right-click the name then select Rename.
Fields that refer to other library objects become drop-down list boxes when you click them. For example, clicking the Calendar field for a permanent resource enables a drop-down list box from which you can select any one of the available calendars.
Clicking a field that displays a colour enables the colour selector. Click the colour you want to select it.
Clicking a field that displays a pattern enables the pattern selector. Click the pattern you want to select it.
Clicking some fields (such as a line style field) pops up a control for you to make selections for a combination of related objects. Make the selections that you want then click away to confirm your edits and close the control.
User-defined fields are displayed in data columns and are editable.

When a field is an editable text box, you can select the data in the field and cut or copy it then paste it into another editable field. To cut or copy data from a field, select it then right-click the field and select Cut or Copy. To paste the data into another field, right-click the destination field and select Paste.

If you right-click a field which is not an editable text box and you choose Cut, Copy or Paste, the action is performed on the library object, not on the individual field.