Can I import text from my word processing files?

Yes, the Import from Clipboard feature allows you to paste whole blocks of text from word processing files, provided you are using a Windows-based word processor. If the block of text includes more than one paragraph, the import function automatically makes individual paragraphs and inserts them at the correct hierarchy level. There is no need to insert a new paragraph first but if you do you can use the Windows Copy/Paste function (the clipboard) to copy text directly into a paragraph. These import functions apply to sections that already exist in the project—you can also add new sections.

How can I add sections that are not in the database?

There are several different ways:

• Use the "Section | Add New Section" function on the Document menu. This copies the master "template" into the project, using a section number and title that you define. For SpecLink^®, the template contains the 3 PARTS, the major Article headings, and commonly encountered standard language. For PerSpective^®, the template contains the 3 main headings and the 5 main performance criteria categories. You can customize the template section.
• Use the "Section | Copy" and "Section | Paste Into" functions on the Document Menu to copy a similar section that already exists, for further modification.
• Use the "Section | Add From RTF File" function on the Document Menu to import an existing word processing file saved in Rich Text Format. The imported section will be divided into paragraphs and indented by levels corresponding to what was in the RTF file. You can choose whether to have all the paragraphs pre-selected or not. There is also an embedded choice-coding feature for advanced users.

Can the specs be delivered "electronically"?

There are 3 ways to deliver the specs other than in hard copy:

• If your client is a subscriber to the same Catalogs you are, you can send the SpecLink^®/PerSpective^® project file to them. They need to have access rights to the catalogs that you do in order to view the sections in your project. If not, they will be able to print and export but not open, view, or change them. These "native" project files are fairly large, so you'll probably have to compress the file before transmitting by email—use any type of compression (e.g. zipping) that your recipient can uncompress.
• If your client is not a SpecLink^® or PerSpective^® subscriber, you can export the project to RTF (Rich Text Format), which can be read by any Windows^®-based word processor (which includes Microsoft® Word and WordPerfect for Windows). Each section is made into a separate file, named with the section number.
• You can also make PDF files.

Can the specs be made into PDF files for posting on the Internet?

If you have Adobe Acrobat^® installed on your computer the printers available will include the PDF "writer"—select that as your printer to create a PDF file.