Step 4: Creating Your Page

3. Adding Text-General

A. Two ways to add text to your web page.

• Type your text in the Composer work space.
• Copy/Paste text from a word processed document.

B. Default styles.

You have already chosen font colors, and there is a default font size and style.

The default style for your text appearance is a prose paragraph style.

If you wish to change any aspect of the text, you must use the Composer format options.

C. Two ways to format text.

• The commands for both choices are similar to those found in word processing applications.

• Choice #1:  For initial formatting or reformatting particular words, lines, or sections of text, follow the arrows in the drop down Format Menu.

• Choice #2:  You can also reformat words, lines, or sections of text from the Text Format Tool Bar.

D. Using Heading for titles.

• Heading automatically changes font size for page and section titles.
• Heading sizes #1 and #2 are the best to use for titles.
• Heading can be accessed either from the Format Menu or from the Text Format Tool Bar #1.
• To use Heading, click on Heading and select the Heading size you want to use; then type the title in the Composer work space.
• When you finish the title, press Enter to revert to your normal font size and style.

E. Word wrapping and indenting.

• In paragraph style, words will wrap to the next line automatically. If you want a slight indent for a second line you can create a line break by pressing Shift + Enter.
• TAB ISN'T TAB! In order to indent text you must use the Indent button, Text Format Tool Bar #11 .
• "Un-indent" by using Decrease Indent #10.

F. Some Advice: Readability!

• Unless you have a compelling reason for a fancy font, stick with the default font style.
• Size of font is also important. Either default or larger font should be used.
• Don't be wordy with text. Shorter is better.

Centering text, Text Format Tool Bar Alignment button #12, is popular but not visually useful, except maybe for titles.  Keep your text left aligned. Your readers' eyes will be happy.

G. Begin Typing. See Outline.

• Type your page title at the top of the Composer work space.  Use Heading style #1 or #2.
• Type your welcome and/or goal statement.
• Now click on Save, Composition Tool Bar #3.

H. Using Preview

• What you see in Composer is not necessarily what you will get in Navigator.
• After you have saved your work, Click on the Preview button, Composition Tool Bar #5.
• This view shows you how your page will look on the web.
• Check Preview often to see if changes are needed.
• You must close Preview (from File Menu or button at the top corner of the screen) to return to Composer.

Next: Graphics

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