The InfoMaker environment

When you start InfoMaker the first time

In InfoMaker, you always work within the context of a library. The first time you start InfoMaker, the default library is TUTOR_IM.PBL, which contains sample objects based on the PB Demo DB.

If you want to create a library of your own for storing new objects, click the New button on the PowerBar and use the library wizard on the Library tab page.

If you have used InfoMaker before

You can also select an existing library by clicking the Select Library button on the PowerBar and using the Browse or Recent tab pages. If you select a library that you used in an earlier version of InfoMaker, InfoMaker prompts you to migrate the library to this version.

When InfoMaker starts

When InfoMaker starts, it opens in a window that contains a menu bar and the PowerBar:

You can create new objects, open existing objects, change libraries, access the database, and perform other tasks by using menus or clicking buttons in the PowerBar.

About the PowerBar

What it is

The PowerBar is the main control point for working in InfoMaker. From the PowerBar you can create new objects and libraries and open existing objects.

Buttons on the PowerBar

From left to right on the PowerBar, here are the buttons and what you can do after you click a button:

This PowerBar button

Lets you do this

New

Create new objects

Open

Open existing objects

Preview

Run forms or preview reports

Select Library

Select an existing library

Library List

Specify libraries for user-defined form styles and shared queries

To-Do List

Keep track of object creation tasks and use links to quickly get you to the place where you complete the tasks

Library

Manage your libraries using the Library painter and create executable versions of reports, forms, and pipelines

DB Profile

Define and use named sets of parameters to connect to a particular database

Database

Maintain databases and database tables, control user access to databases, and manipulate data in databases using the Database painter

Exit

Close InfoMaker


Customizing the PowerBar

You can customize the PowerBar. For example, you can choose whether to move the PowerBar around, add buttons for operations you perform frequently, and display text in the buttons. For more information, see Using toolbars.

About PowerTips

In the PowerBar, when you leave the mouse pointer over a button for a second or two, InfoMaker displays a brief description of the button, called a PowerTip. PowerTips display in InfoMaker wherever there are toolbar buttons.

About wizards

InfoMaker provides you with wizards for easy creation of libraries and reports.

To access wizards:

  1. Click the New button in the PowerBar, or select File>New from the menu bar.

  2. In the New dialog box, select the tab page for the wizard you need.

This tab page

Has icons for

Library

A wizard for creating new libraries

Object

Object wizards for creating reports in specific presentation styles