Guia Wblocks 4

Writer’s Blocks 4
user's manual
Ashley Software
Copyright  1994-2012 Ashley Software

All Rights Reserved
THIS PUBLICATION, OR PARTS THEREOF, MAY NOT BE REPRODUCED IN ANY FORM, BY ANY METHOD, FOR ANY PURPOSE.
WRITER’S BLOCKS END USER LICENSE AGREEMENT (EULA)
1. ASHLEY SOFTWARE ("LICENSOR") IS WILLING TO LICENSE THE ENCLOSED SOFTWARE TO YOU ONLY IF YOU ACCEPT ALL
OF THE TERMS IN THIS LICENSE AGREEMENT. PLEASE READ THE TERMS CAREFULLY BEFORE YOU INSTALL THE SOFTWARE,
BECAUSE BY INSTALLING THE SOFTWARE YOU ARE AGREEING TO BE BOUND BY THE TERMS OF THIS AGREEMENT. IF YOU
DO NOT AGREE TO THESE TERMS, LICENSOR WILL NOT LICENSE THIS SOFTWARE TO YOU, AND IN THAT CASE YOU SHOULD
RETURN THIS PRODUCT PROMPTLY, INCLUDING THE PACKAGING, THE CD-ROM, AND ALL WRITTEN MATERIALS, TO THE
PLACE OF PURCHASE PROMPTLY FOR A REFUND.
Ownership of the Software
2. The enclosed Licensor software program ("Software") and the accompanying written materials are owned by Licensor
[or its suppliers] and are protected by United States copyright laws, by laws of other nations, and by international treaties.
Grant of License
3. You are granted a personal, non-exclusive license to use Writer’s Blocks on each of your computers for your exclusive
use only. You may make one archival or backup copy of the Software for your own use. However, because the Software is
protected by the copyright laws, it is illegal: to make additional copies or otherwise duplicate the Software by any other
means (including electronic transmission); to give copies to another person; or, to modify, adapt, translate, rent, sublicense,
loan, resell for profit, distribute, create derivative works based upon or network the Software or any part thereof.
Restrictions on Use and Transfer
4. You may permanently transfer the Software and accompanying written materials (including the most recent update
and all prior versions) if you retain no copies and the transferee agrees to be bound by the terms of this Agreement. Such a
transfer terminates your license. You may not rent or lease the Software or otherwise transfer or assign the right to use the
Software, except as stated in this paragraph.
5. You may not reverse engineer, decompile, or disassemble the Software.
Satisfaction Guaranteed
If you are not 100% satisfied with this Software, Ashley Software's entire liability and your exclusive remedy shall be to
remove the Software from your computer and return it within 30 days of purchase to the store where you purchased it with
a dated receipt for a full refund. If you purchased the Software directly from Ashley Software, then return the Software
within such 30 day period to Ashley Software, 27758 Santa Margarita Pkwy-302, Mission Viejo, CA 92691.
Limited Warranty
6. This program is provided “as-is” without warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied, included but not limited to
any implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. The entire risk as to the quality and
performance of the program is with you. Some states do not allow the exclusion of implied warranties, so the above
exclusion may not apply to you. This warranty gives you specific legal rights. You may have others, which vary from state
to state.
7. ASHLEY SOFTWARE does not warrant that the functions contained in the program will meet your requirements or that
the software is free from bugs, interruptions, errors, or other program limitations. However, ASHLEY SOFTWARE warrants
the CD-ROM on which the program is furnished to be free from defects in material and workmanship under normal use for
a period of ninety (90) days from the date of delivery to you, as evidenced by a copy of your receipt.
8. LICENSOR'S ENTIRE LIABILITY AND YOUR EXCLUSIVE REMEDY SHALL BE, AT LICENSOR'S CHOICE, EITHER (A) RETURN OF
THE PRICE PAID OR (B) REPLACEMENT OF THE SOFTWARE THAT DOES NOT MEET LICENSOR'S LIMITED WARRANTY AND
WHICH IS RETURNED 1
LICENSOR WITH A COPY OF YOUR RECEIPT. Any replacement Software will be warranted for the remainder of the original
warranty period or 90 days, whichever is longer. These remedies are not available outside the United States of America.
9. This Limited Warranty is void if failure of the Software has resulted from modification, accident, abuse, or
misapplication.
10. IN NO EVENT WILL LICENSOR BE LIABLE TO YOU FOR DAMAGES, INCLUDING ANY LOSS OF PROFITS, LOST SAVINGS, OR
OTHER INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF YOUR USE OR INABILITY TO USE THE SOFTWARE.
Because some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of liability for consequential or incidental damages, the above
limitation may not apply to you.
11. This Agreement is governed by the laws of the State of California.
12. If you have any questions concerning this Agreement or wish to contact Licensor for any reason, please write: Ashley
Software, 27758 Santa Margarita Pkwy - 302, Mission Viejo, CA92691.
INFORMATION IN THIS PUBLICATION IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE.
Writer’s Blocks is a trademark of Ashley Software.

Table of Contents
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHAPTER 1 BEFORE STARTING ......................................................................................................................................... 1
WELCOME TO WRITER'S BLOCKS 4................................................................................................................................................... 1
SUPPORT SERVICES........................................................................................................................................................................ 1
SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS................................................................................................................................................................. 1
INSTALLING THE SOFTWARE ............................................................................................................................................................ 2
SELECTING A PRINTER .................................................................................................................................................................... 2
EDITING THE SERIAL NUMBER ......................................................................................................................................................... 3
DEACTIVATING THE SOFTWARE ........................................................................................................................................................ 3
REGISTRATION.............................................................................................................................................................................. 3
CHAPTER 2 WHAT'S NEW IN 4 .......................................................................................................................................... 5
CHAPTER 3 THE BASICS .................................................................................................................................................... 9
STARTING WRITER'S BLOCKS ........................................................................................................................................................... 9
TO EXIT WRITER'S BLOCKS ........................................................................................................................................................... 10
SAVING YOUR FILE ...................................................................................................................................................................... 10
UPDATING WRITER’S BLOCKS........................................................................................................................................................ 11
THE DISPLAY .............................................................................................................................................................................. 12
THE WRITER'S BLOCK .................................................................................................................................................................. 14
WRITER’S BLOCKS WORKSPACE ..................................................................................................................................................... 15
BLOCK PANEL............................................................................................................................................................................. 15
MANUSCRIPT PANEL ................................................................................................................................................................... 16
SPLIT PANELS ............................................................................................................................................................................. 16
THE POWER PANEL ..................................................................................................................................................................... 16
THE POWER EDITOR .................................................................................................................................................................... 18
STATUS SWITCHES ...................................................................................................................................................................... 18
THE POWER TOOLS ..................................................................................................................................................................... 19
CHAPTER 4 USING WRITER'S BLOCKS ............................................................................................................................. 21
THE WRITER’S BLOCKS CONCEPT ................................................................................................................................................... 21
HOW TO USE WRITER’S BLOCKS .................................................................................................................................................... 21
EDITING BLOCKS ......................................................................................................................................................................... 24
BLOCK TITLES ............................................................................................................................................................................. 24
BLOCK ZOOM ............................................................................................................................................................................. 25
BLOCK FOOTNOTES ..................................................................................................................................................................... 25
ADDING BLOCKS ......................................................................................................................................................................... 26
USING BLOCK STYLES................................................................................................................................................................... 27
COLUMNS ................................................................................................................................................................................. 27
INSERT COLUMN ......................................................................................................................................................................... 28
DELETE COLUMN ........................................................................................................................................................................ 28
MOVING BLOCKS ........................................................................................................................................................................ 29
ARRANGING BLOCKS.................................................................................................................................................................... 29
MOVING COLUMNS .................................................................................................................................................................... 30
WORKING WITH MULTIPLE BLOCKS ............................................................................................................................................... 30
WORKING WITH THE MANUSCRIPT ................................................................................................................................................. 32
BLOCKMARKS ............................................................................................................................................................................. 32
USING BLOCKMARKS ................................................................................................................................................................... 32
SYNCHRONIZING ......................................................................................................................................................................... 33
EDITING THE MANUSCRIPT ........................................................................................................................................................... 33
IMPORTING DOCUMENTS INTO WRITER’S BLOCKS ............................................................................................................................. 34
Table of Contents
CONVERTING A MANUSCRIPT TO BLOCKS.......................................................................................................................................... 34

AUTOMATIC OPTIONS.................................................................................................................................................................. 34
AUTOARRANGE .......................................................................................................................................................................... 34
AUTOCENTER............................................................................................................................................................................. 35
AUTONUMBER ........................................................................................................................................................................... 35
LINKING .................................................................................................................................................................................... 38
PRINTING .................................................................................................................................................................................. 39
CHAPTER 5 THE WRITER'S BLOCKS MENUS ..................................................................................................................... 41
USING THE RIBBON MENU ........................................................................................................................................................... 41
USING RIGHT-CLICK MENUS ......................................................................................................................................................... 42
CHAPTER 6 THE APPLICATION MENU ............................................................................................................................. 43
NEW ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 43
OPEN ....................................................................................................................................................................................... 44
CLOSE....................................................................................................................................................................................... 44
SAVE ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 44
SAVE AS.................................................................................................................................................................................... 44
IMPORT .................................................................................................................................................................................... 45
EXPORT..................................................................................................................................................................................... 46
PAGE SETUP .............................................................................................................................................................................. 46
BLOCKS MENU ........................................................................................................................................................................... 47
MANUSCRIPT MENU .............................................................................................................................................................. 50
PRINT PREVIEW .......................................................................................................................................................................... 51
PRINT SETUP.............................................................................................................................................................................. 52
PRINT ....................................................................................................................................................................................... 52
RECENT FILE LIST ........................................................................................................................................................................ 53
WRITER’S BLOCKS OPTIONS .......................................................................................................................................................... 54
GENERAL GROUP ........................................................................................................................................................................ 54
DISPLAY GROUP ......................................................................................................................................................................... 56
BLOCK DEFAULTS GROUP ............................................................................................................................................................. 58
COLUMN DEFAULTS GROUP .......................................................................................................................................................... 59
LINK DEFAULTS GROUP ................................................................................................................................................................ 62
EXIT ......................................................................................................................................................................................... 63
CHAPTER 7 THE HOME TAB ............................................................................................................................................ 65
CLIPBOARD GROUP ..................................................................................................................................................................... 65
PASTE ....................................................................................................................................................................................... 65
CUT ......................................................................................................................................................................................... 65
COPY ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 65
FORMAT PAINTER ....................................................................................................................................................................... 66
FONT GROUP ............................................................................................................................................................................. 66
PARAGRAPH GROUP .................................................................................................................................................................... 66
NAVIGATION GROUP ................................................................................................................................................................... 67
EDITING GROUP ......................................................................................................................................................................... 67
FIND......................................................................................................................................................................................... 67
REPLACE ................................................................................................................................................................................... 68
CLEAR....................................................................................................................................................................................... 69
STYLES GROUP ........................................................................................................................................................................... 69
ZOOM GROUP ............................................................................................................................................................................ 69
BLOCKS GROUP .......................................................................................................................................................................... 69
ARRANGE BLOCKS ....................................................................................................................................................................... 70
RENUMBER................................................................................................................................................................................ 70
Table of Contents
LEVEL BLOCKS ............................................................................................................................................................................ 70

RESIZE BLOCKS ........................................................................................................................................................................... 70
CHAPTER 8 THE BLOCKS TAB .......................................................................................................................................... 71
BLOCK ACTION GROUP ................................................................................................................................................................ 71
ADD BLOCK ............................................................................................................................................................................... 71
DELETE BLOCK............................................................................................................................................................................ 71
CUT/COPY/PASTE BLOCK COMMANDS ........................................................................................................................................... 72
CUT BLOCK ................................................................................................................................................................................ 72
COPY BLOCK .............................................................................................................................................................................. 72
PASTE BLOCK ............................................................................................................................................................................. 72
FONTS GROUP ........................................................................................................................................................................... 73
TITLE FONT ................................................................................................................................................................................ 73
BLOCK FONT .............................................................................................................................................................................. 73
FOOTNOTE FONT ........................................................................................................................................................................ 74
BLOCK PROPERTIES GROUP........................................................................................................................................................... 74
SELECT BLOCK ............................................................................................................................................................................ 74
SELECT ALL BLOCKS ..................................................................................................................................................................... 74
BLOCK COLOR ............................................................................................................................................................................ 74
BLOCK STYLES ............................................................................................................................................................................ 75
APPLYING A STYLE ....................................................................................................................................................................... 75
CREATING A NEW STYLE................................................................................................................................................................ 76
MODIFYING A STYLE .................................................................................................................................................................... 77
FOOTNOTE PROPERTIES GROUP ..................................................................................................................................................... 77
HIDE/SHOW FOOTNOTES ............................................................................................................................................................. 77
FOOTNOTE COLOR ...................................................................................................................................................................... 77
REFERENCES .............................................................................................................................................................................. 78
EDIT REFERENCE TYPE.................................................................................................................................................................. 80
CREATE NEW REFERENCE TYPE ...................................................................................................................................................... 81
INSERT GROUP ........................................................................................................................................................................... 82
IMAGE ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 82
INSERT SYMBOL .......................................................................................................................................................................... 82
CHAPTER 9 THE COLUMNS/LINKS TAB ........................................................................................................................... 83
COLUMN PROPERTIES GROUP ....................................................................................................................................................... 83
SHOW/HIDE COLUMNS................................................................................................................................................................ 83
COLUMN FONT........................................................................................................................................................................... 83
COLUMN COLOR ......................................................................................................................................................................... 83
COLUMN OPTIONS GROUP ........................................................................................................................................................... 84
SELECT COLUMN......................................................................................................................................................................... 84
INSERT COLUMN ......................................................................................................................................................................... 84
DELETE COLUMN ........................................................................................................................................................................ 85
LINKING GROUP ......................................................................................................................................................................... 85
ADD LINK .................................................................................................................................................................................. 85
DELETE LINK .............................................................................................................................................................................. 86
LINKING PROPERTIES GROUP......................................................................................................................................................... 86
HIDE/SHOW LINKS ...................................................................................................................................................................... 86
LINK STYLE ................................................................................................................................................................................ 86
LINK COLOR ............................................................................................................................................................................... 87
CHAPTER 10 THE DISPLAY TAB ....................................................................................................................................... 89
BLOCK MENUS ........................................................................................................................................................................ 89
BLOCK GROUP ........................................................................................................................................................................... 89
Table of Contents
ARRANGE BLOCKS ....................................................................................................................................................................... 89

LEVEL BLOCKS ............................................................................................................................................................................ 89
DISPLAY GROUP ......................................................................................................................................................................... 90
QUICKVIEW ............................................................................................................................................................................... 90
DISPLAY BLOCKS ......................................................................................................................................................................... 90
HOME ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 92
END ......................................................................................................................................................................................... 92
BOOKMARKS .............................................................................................................................................................................. 92
ZOOM GROUP ............................................................................................................................................................................ 93
PANELS GROUP .......................................................................................................................................................................... 94
BLOCK PANEL............................................................................................................................................................................. 94
SPLIT PANELS ............................................................................................................................................................................. 94
SHOW/HIDE POWER PANEL.......................................................................................................................................................... 94
BACKGROUND COLOR .................................................................................................................................................................. 94
APPEARANCE GROUP................................................................................................................................................................... 95
CLASSIC MENU ........................................................................................................................................................................... 95
RIBBON MENU ........................................................................................................................................................................... 95
MANUSCRIPT MENU .............................................................................................................................................................. 96
PAGE GROUP ............................................................................................................................................................................. 96
NORMAL ................................................................................................................................................................................... 96
PAGE LAYOUT ............................................................................................................................................................................ 96
PAGE FIT ................................................................................................................................................................................... 96
DISPLAY GROUP ......................................................................................................................................................................... 97
HEADERS AND FOOTERS ............................................................................................................................................................... 97
GRID LINES ................................................................................................................................................................................ 97
ZOOM ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 98
PANELS GROUP .......................................................................................................................................................................... 98
BLOCK PANEL............................................................................................................................................................................. 98
SPLIT PANELS ............................................................................................................................................................................. 99
SHOW/HIDE GROUP ................................................................................................................................................................... 99
PARAGRAPH MARKS .................................................................................................................................................................... 99
STATUS BAR .............................................................................................................................................................................. 99
RULER .................................................................................................................................................................................... 100
APPEARANCE GROUP................................................................................................................................................................. 100
CLASSIC MENU ......................................................................................................................................................................... 101
RIBBON MENU ......................................................................................................................................................................... 101
CHAPTER 11 THE OPTIONS TAB .................................................................................................................................... 103
AUTOMATIC GROUP .................................................................................................................................................................. 103
AUTOARRANGE ........................................................................................................................................................................ 103
AUTONUMBER ......................................................................................................................................................................... 103
AUTOCENTER........................................................................................................................................................................... 104
AUTOMAX .............................................................................................................................................................................. 104
AUTOSIZE................................................................................................................................................................................ 104
AUTOTYPE GROUP .................................................................................................................................................................... 104
AUTOTYPE .............................................................................................................................................................................. 105
AUTOSCRIPT GROUP ................................................................................................................................................................. 107
AUTOSCRIPT ............................................................................................................................................................................ 107
MANUSCRIPT GROUP ................................................................................................................................................................ 109
AUTOSCROLL ........................................................................................................................................................................... 109
AUTOSYNC .............................................................................................................................................................................. 109
Table of Contents
CONVERT GROUP...................................................................................................................................................................... 110

CONVERT BLOCKS TO MANUSCRIPT .............................................................................................................................................. 110
CONVERT FOOTNOTES TO END NOTES .......................................................................................................................................... 110
CONVERT MANUSCRIPT TO BLOCKS .............................................................................................................................................. 111
CONVERTING AN IMPORTED MANUSCRIPT TO BLOCKS ..................................................................................................................... 111
CONVERTING A BLOCKMARKED MANUSCRIPT TO BLOCKS ................................................................................................................. 111
CHAPTER 12 THE MANUSCRIPT TAB ............................................................................................................................. 113
FORMAT OPTIONS GROUP .......................................................................................................................................................... 113
FONT...................................................................................................................................................................................... 113
PARAGRAPH............................................................................................................................................................................. 114
TABS ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 115
BULLETS AND NUMBERING ......................................................................................................................................................... 116
INSERT PAGE BREAK .................................................................................................................................................................. 118
MORE OPTIONS GROUP ............................................................................................................................................................. 118
HEADERS AND FOOTERS ............................................................................................................................................................. 119
COLUMNS ............................................................................................................................................................................... 120
FORMAT IMAGE........................................................................................................................................................................ 121
FORMAT TEXT FRAME................................................................................................................................................................ 124
DOCUMENT BACKGROUND COLOR ............................................................................................................................................... 126
INSERT GROUP ......................................................................................................................................................................... 127
SYMBOL .................................................................................................................................................................................. 127
HYPERLINK .............................................................................................................................................................................. 128
IMAGE .................................................................................................................................................................................... 129
TEXT FRAME ............................................................................................................................................................................ 129
CHAPTER 13 THE TABLE TAB ......................................................................................................................................... 131
INSERT GROUP ......................................................................................................................................................................... 131
TABLE ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 131
COLUMN TO THE LEFT................................................................................................................................................................ 131
COLUMN TO THE RIGHT ............................................................................................................................................................. 132
ROW ABOVE ............................................................................................................................................................................ 132
ROW BELOW ........................................................................................................................................................................... 132
DELETE GROUP ........................................................................................................................................................................ 132
TABLE ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 132
ROWS..................................................................................................................................................................................... 132
COLUMNS ............................................................................................................................................................................... 132
SELECT GROUP ......................................................................................................................................................................... 133
TABLE ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 133
ROWS..................................................................................................................................................................................... 133
COLUMNS ............................................................................................................................................................................... 133
PROPERTIES GROUP .................................................................................................................................................................. 133
TABLE PROPERTIES .................................................................................................................................................................... 133
GRID LINES .............................................................................................................................................................................. 135
CHAPTER 14 THE TOOLS TAB ........................................................................................................................................ 137
BLOCKS GROUP ........................................................................................................................................................................ 137
NUMBER BLOCKS ...................................................................................................................................................................... 137
RENUMBER BLOCKS................................................................................................................................................................... 138
RESIZE BLOCKS ......................................................................................................................................................................... 138
SORT ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 139
ASSIGN KEYS ............................................................................................................................................................................ 139
BLOCKMARKS GROUP ................................................................................................................................................................ 141
Table of Contents
GO TO BLOCKMARK .................................................................................................................................................................. 141

INSERT BLOCKMARK .................................................................................................................................................................. 141
DELETE BLOCKMARK.................................................................................................................................................................. 141
CLEAR ALL BLOCKMARKS ............................................................................................................................................................ 142
SYNCHRONIZE MANUSCRIPT TO BLOCKS ........................................................................................................................................ 142
PROOFING GROUP .................................................................................................................................................................... 143
SPELL CHECK ............................................................................................................................................................................ 143
THESAURUS ............................................................................................................................................................................. 144
SPELL AS YOU TYPE ................................................................................................................................................................... 145
WORD COUNT ......................................................................................................................................................................... 145
RESET IGNORE .......................................................................................................................................................................... 146
CHAPTER 15 THE WINDOW AND HELP TAB .................................................................................................................. 147
WINDOW TAB ...................................................................................................................................................................... 147
ARRANGE DOCUMENTS GROUP ................................................................................................................................................... 147
CASCADE ................................................................................................................................................................................. 147
TILE HORIZONTAL ..................................................................................................................................................................... 147
TILE VERTICAL .......................................................................................................................................................................... 147
ARRANGE ICONS ....................................................................................................................................................................... 147
SWITCH WINDOWS LIST ............................................................................................................................................................. 147
HELP TAB .............................................................................................................................................................................. 148
WRITER’S BLOCKS INFORMATION GROUP ...................................................................................................................................... 148
WRITER’S BLOCKS HELP ............................................................................................................................................................. 148
TIPS AND TRICKS ....................................................................................................................................................................... 148
ABOUT WRITER’S BLOCKS .......................................................................................................................................................... 149
LEARNING CENTER .................................................................................................................................................................... 149
Chapter 1 Before Starting 1
CHAPTER 1 BEFORE STARTING

Welcome to Writer's Blocks 4
You have just chosen the most powerful and intuitive program for organizing your written material.
Writer’s Blocks has been designed to provide you with many powerful tools to assist you with your
writing tasks, yet it is flexible enough for you to customize to your own style. From the shortest
children’s book to the most technical research paper, Writer’s Blocks is the perfect tool that will allow
any writer to write better.
This User’s Guide will give you an overview of the Writer’s Blocks environment in Chapter 3 “Getting
Started” and explain how the major features work in Chapter 4 “Using Writer’s Blocks”. Then each
Writer’s Blocks command will be thoroughly explained in subsequent chapters.
Support Services
Generally, registered users will receive the fastest technical assistance by sending an e-mail to:
support@writersblocks.com
You may also leave a message for us at (949) 713-9222.
If you are experiencing some type of problem, be prepared to give the following information:
• The type of hardware you are using.
• Which Windows operating system you are using.
• What happened and what you were doing when the problem occurred.
• The exact wording of any messages that appeared on your screen.
We are interested in your comments and feedback. E-mail us at:
info@writersblocks.com
or write to us at the following address:
Ashley Software
27758 Santa Margarita Pkwy. #302
Mission Viejo, CA92691
We look forward to hearing from you!
System Requirements
Before you install this program, make sure that your computer meets or exceeds these requirements:
Windows 7, Windows Vista, or Windows XP (Home or Professional Edition)
256 megabytes of RAM minimum
75 MB of free hard disk space
2 Writer’s Blocks
Windows mouse
Windows printer driver installed
Adobe Acrobat
Installing the Software

1. Before you install the program, close any programs that you have running on your computer.
2. Insert the Writer’s Blocks CD in your CD-ROM drive.
Note: If the installation program does not start automatically, double-click the ‘My Computer’ icon,
and then double-click on the CD-ROM icon. When the window opens displaying the contents of the
CD-ROM, double-click SETUP.EXE.
3. Follow the prompts to install the program.
Each Writer’s Blocks license (CD or download) allows you to activate Writer’s Blocks on up to five
computers. This should provide you with enough activations for all of your computers for your own
exclusive personal use. Activations are maintained and tracked by an online activation server. An
activation may be restored to the activation server by deactivating Writer’s Blocks (see below). If you
run out of activations, please contact us with your name, serial number, and License ID at
support@writersblocks.com
Selecting a Printer
The first time you run Writer’s Blocks, you will need to select a printer. Choose a printer from the
Print Setup dialog and click the OK button.
Chapter 1 Before Starting 3
Editing the Serial Number

If you downloaded our free trial and activated it upon purchase, the demo serial number will appear in
the About Writer’s Blocks dialog. This is easily edited by selecting About Writer’s Blocks from the Help
tab.
The serial number is displayed in the box in the middle of the dialog. Select and delete the demo serial
number and replace it with the serial number provided in the email (if you purchased the download) or
on your Getting Started card (located on the inside cover the CD case).
You can also edit the name and company entered in the dialog. Click OK to close the dialog and save
your changes.
Deactivating the Software

In order to move a Writer’s Blocks activation to another computer you must first deactivate a computer
to return its activation to the activation server. You have five activations with each purchase.
Deactivating will keep you from losing an activation when you replace a computer. Follow the
instructions at the link below to deactivate a copy of Writer’s Blocks:
http://www.writersblocks.com/wb4deactivate.htm
Registration
Please register online after installing the software. In order to keep you informed about product
updates and provide you with technical support we must know who you are. Only registered users are
entitled to technical support.
Chapter 2 What's New in 4 5
CHAPTER 2 WHAT'S NEW IN 4

To our version 3 customers, thank you for upgrading to this new version. We are confident that you will
find it well worth it. To our new customers, we welcome you!
Here are a few new features of Writer’s Blocks version 4:
New Ribbon Interface
Writer's Blocks 4 uses a new interface based on the Microsoft®Office Fluent™user interface also known
as the Ribbon menu system. The Ribbon interface makes accessing Writer's Blocks commands and
features easier than ever before. You also have the option to use the Writer’s Blocks 3 drop-down and
toolbar menus if you prefer.
Block Footnotes
Now your blocks can contain notes, footnotes, references, sources or any other additional information
in a new separate text area below the block text area of a block. We call this second text area the block
footnote.
Footnote Font
You can format the text of footnotes independently of the block formatting.
Footnote background color
You can set the footnote background color independently of the block background color.
Hide or Show Footnotes
Footnotes can be displayed or hidden as required. Choose Hide or Show Footnotes from the Blocks Tab
to hide or display all footnotes.
New Spell Check Tool
We have added a powerful new Spell Checker with a 140,000 word U.S./U.K. dictionary. It features
"spell as you type" and right click to spell the selected word.
New Thesaurus Tool
We've also added a great new Thesaurus to Writer's Blocks 4. The thesaurus contains over 60,000 terms
with synonyms, antonyms and related words.
AutoMax
This new feature automatically enlarges just the current block being edited which enables you to see
more text as you edit a block. You can choose the AutoMax block size from the Writer’s Blocks Options
dialog.
Zoom Power Panel
Now you can change the zoom level of the Power Panel independent of the block zoom. This allows you
to see large text in the Power Panel while seeing normal size text in of your blocks on screen. Just hover
the mouse over the Power Editor, hold down the CTRL key, and scroll the mouse wheel.
6 Writer’s Blocks
Drag and Drop Columns

One the most requested features for Writer's Blocks 4 has been the ability to drag-and-drop a column of
blocks. Hold down CTRL+ALT then drag a column to a new location. The column heading and all blocks
in the column will be moved to the new location. Existing columns will make room for the incoming
column.
Selecting Blocks is Easier
We listened when you said it was difficult to select a block by SHIFT-Clicking on its border. Now you can
select a block by holding down the CTRL key (or SHIFT key) and clicking anywhere inside a block.
SHIFT-Click to Select a Range of consecutive Blocks
Writer's Block 4 uses the standard SHIFT-Click to select a consecutive range of blocks that is found in
other Windows programs.
CTRL-Click to Select Individual Blocks
Writer's Block 4 uses the standard CTRL-Click to select a single block or a non-consecutive range of
blocks that is found in other Windows programs.
Moving a Block is Easier
Now it’s obvious where to grab a block on the border because your cursor will change to a four-sided
arrow just like when you move a picture in a lot of programs.
Insert Graphics in Blocks
Now you can insert graphics in your blocks. Select graphics from the Insert File dialog or paste graphics
from the Windows Clipboard. Use grips to resize graphics in your blocks. Note, however, that Graphics
in blocks are not printed. Graphics are transferred to the manuscript when using the Convert Blocks to
Manuscript function. Graphics in the manuscript will be printed.
Insert Symbols in Blocks
You can now insert common symbols using the Symbol dialog. Use symbol fonts such as Wingdings and
Webdings.
Insert Graphics in Manuscript
Now you can insert graphics in your manuscript. Select graphics from the Insert File dialog or paste
graphics from the Windows Clipboard. Use grips to resize graphics in your manuscript or use the Format
Image dialog to size and position your images.
Insert Symbols in Manuscript
You can now insert common symbols using the Symbol dialog. Use symbol fonts such as Wingdings and
Webdings.
Text Highlighter
We've added text highlighter so you can emphasize your ideas using a text background color.
Mouse Wheel Scrolls Text in Blocks
Use the mouse wheel to scroll the text in the current block. Click in a block then, hover the cursor over
the current block to scroll text that isn’t visible in the block.
Chapter 2 What's New in 4 7
Hyperlinks in Blocks
Block can now contain hyperlinks to web pages. Clicking on a hyperlink launches your default browser
and the loads the linked web page.
Hyperlinks in Manuscript
The manuscript can now contain hyperlinks to web pages. Clicking on a hyperlink launches your default
browser and the loads the linked web page.
Link to Files in Blocks
Blocks can now contain hyperlinks to files on your computer. Clicking on a hyperlink launches the
program associated with the file and opens the linked file.
Link to Files in Manuscript
The manuscript can now contain hyperlinks to files on your computer. Clicking on a hyperlink launches
the program associated with the file and opens the linked file.
Office 2007 Style Super Tooltips
Super Tooltips take tooltips to whole new level, making Writer's Blocks features much more
discoverable to the user.
Ability to Manage References
Academic writing requires that you carefully track and cite sources you use in the preparation of your
work. Writer's Blocks 4 now has an optional footnote section in the bottom portion of each block for
source information. Writer’s Blocks ships with several pre-defined reference types. These may be edited
to suit your individual needs. Footnotes can be converted to endnotes at the end of your manuscript.
More Manuscript Import and Export formats
In addition to the standard Microsoft® Word Doc file, RTF, HTML, and plain text files, you can now
import and export Word Docx and Adobe Acrobat PDF files into the Manuscript panel.
Word Count Selected Blocks or Text
The Word Count function now has an option to only count words of selected blocks or selected text. Of
course, you can still get the word count of all of your blocks and your complete manuscript.
Copy Block with CTRL + Drag
Writer's Blocks uses the same drag and copy shortcut used to duplicate graphics found in other
programs. Simply hold down the CTRL key and drag and drag a block to a new location. A copy of the
original block will appear at the location of the dropped block.
Edit Footnote Text in Power Panel
The Power Panel now has two areas for viewing and editing your text. A horizontal splitter bar
separates the Blocks text area from the Footnote text area. Resize the Power Panel or adjust the splitter
to reveal the Footnote text area.
Format Blocks from the Power Panel
Now you can format your text when editing using the Power Panel. Use the buttons on the Home tab to
apply fonts and formatting to your text and footnotes.
8 Writer’s Blocks
Index Card Printing

Writer's Blocks now allows you to print on individual index cards. Writer’s Blocks lets you print each
block on a separate index card of any size supported by your printer.
Print on all Paper Sizes supported by your printer
Writer's Blocks now lets you print to any paper size supported by your printer.
Format Column Headings
Column headings now support formatting of individual words and characters with different fonts and
colors.
Block Styles Include Footnote Formatting
Blocks styles let you apply formatting the each element of a block including the title, blocks, and
footnote font. Each block can have a separate background color for the blocks text and footnote.
Paste Special Clipboard Option
This option lets you paste formatted text or unformatted text from the Windows clipboard. Formatted
text retains the formatting from the source document and unformatted text takes on the formatting of
the destination block.
Drag and Drop Text in the Manuscript
Although blocks have supported drag and drop in previous versions of Writer’s Blocks, now you can drag
and drop text or graphics in your manuscript. You can also drag and drop to and from your blocks, a
web page or other programs.
Multi-Level Undo/Redo of Block Text
When working in your blocks, you may undo multiple text editing steps that you have taken or redo
what you have undone. The undo history of each block is independent of the undo history of all other
blocks. That means, for example, you can undo the text edits of your last block and then undo the text
edits of your first block without affecting any edits of the blocks in between.
The undo history of the Block Panel is independent of the Manuscript Panel. That means you can undo
editing in your blocks without affecting recent edits in your manuscript.
Multi-Level Undo/Redo in the Manuscript
When working on your manuscript you may undo multiple editing steps that you have taken or redo
what you have undone. The undo history of the Manuscript Panel is independent of the Block Panel.
That means you can undo editing in you manuscript without affecting recent edits in your blocks.
Chapter 3 The Basics 9
CHAPTER 3 THE BASICS

This chapter will introduce you to the basic elements of Writer’s Blocks. It will cover how to start and
exit the program, how to save your documents and how to update Writer’s Blocks. It will also describe
the parts of the Writer’s Blocks workspace.
Starting Writer's Blocks

1. To start Writer’s Blocks 4 from the Start menu, select All Programs.
2. Select the Writer’s Blocks 4 folder.
3. Choose Writer’s Block 4
(These directions are for Windows 7. Other versions of Windows may vary slightly.)
You may also double-click the Writer’s Blocks 4 icon that was placed on your desktop during installation.
The first time you start Writer’s Blocks, the Tutorial.wbk file will be loaded automatically. This will
acquaint you with some of the basic features of Writer’s Blocks. To reload the Tutorial at any time,
select Interactive Tutorial from the Getting Started dialog. You will also need to select a printer (see
Chapter 1).
After the first time you launch Writer's Blocks, you'll be presented with the Getting Started Dialog which
has four options:
• New Document – to begin a new document. Be sure to save and name it.
• Existing Document – launches the Open dialog so you can select an existing file
• Last open document – opens the last document edited (the name is displayed). When you
choose to open the last document edited, you can check the ‘Set as default’ button. When you
set the default to always open the last document edited you will not be presented with the
10 Writer’s Blocks
Getting Started dialog. You can remove this default setting using the Writer's Blocks Options
dialog, located in the Application button menu.
• Interactive Tutorial – opens Tutorial.wbk, a Writer’s Blocks file that steps you through some of
the basic functions of Writer’s Blocks.
Check the ‘Set as default’ button to make whatever choice you make the default every time you
open Writer’s Blocks.
The Visit Learning Center button will take you to the Learning Center
(www.writersblocks.com/wb4tutorials.com) on our website. The Learning Center has videos and
webpages on various Writer’s Blocks tasks.
To Exit Writer's Blocks

There are two ways to exit Writer’s Blocks:
1. Click the ‘Close’ button in the upper right-hand corner of the program window.
2. Click the round WB4 Application Menu button in the upper left corner of the Ribbon to display the
Application Menu. Click the ‘Exit Writer's Blocks’ button in the lower right corner of the Application
Menu drop-down to exit the program. Choose ‘Close’ from the Application Menu to close the
currently edited document while leaving the program open.
You will be prompted to save any unsaved changes to your document.
Saving Your File

When you begin a new Writer’s Blocks document, it is given the default file name ‘Untitled’. This
filename is displayed on the top of the Writer’s Blocks window:
Writer's Blocks - [Untitled]
You will want to change this name to one that is meaningful to you by selecting the Save As command
from the Application Menu.
Writer’s Blocks documents are saved with the .wbkfile extension.
You should save your documents frequently as you work.

There is an Automatic Save feature that creates a backup copy of your active file using the extension
'._bk'. This file is created in a Writer’s Blocks 4 subdirectory called BACKUP.
Updating Writer’s Blocks

Periodically, we will have updates to Writer’s Blocks with bug fixes and minor changes. To check for
updates, select
1. From the Start menu, select All Programs.
2. Select the Writer’s Blocks 4 folder.
3. Select Update Writer’s Blocks.
Follow the onscreen prompts. You will be notified if you an update is available. Follow the prompts to
update Writer’s Blocks.
The Display
The following illustration highlights the important parts of the Writer’s Blocks display followed by a brief
description of each part. More detailed explanations are given following this overview.
In this example, the ‘Split Panels’ option has been selected. This allows you to see the Block Panel on the
left and the Manuscript Panel on the right. You can also choose to display either panel alone. This
document only contains one block which has been converted to the Manuscript Panel. Editing a block is
not automatically reflected in the Manuscript Panel.
Writer’s Blocks Ribbon Menu– The Ribbon menu contains tabs and groups of menus for performing the
functions of the program. Click on a tab at the top of the Ribbon menu to access each menu. To perform
a command on the Ribbon, simply click on a button on the Ribbon. Some menu commands can also be
executed using keyboard shortcuts.
Some menu groups have settings that you can set using a dialog box. These dialogs can be opened by
clicking on the dialog box launcher as shown below.
If you hover your mouse cursor over a button on the Ribbon (without clicking), a ToolTip will be
displayed giving you a brief description of the button’s function.
Block Panel– The panel on the left side of the workspace is the block panel. This panel contains your
blocks.
Menu Indicator–Indicates that either the Blocks Menu or the Manuscript Menu is active. Clicking
anywhere in the Block Panel activates the Blocks Menu and clicking anywhere in the Manuscript Panel
makes the Manuscript Menu available.
Writer’s Block –This is the basic unit of the Writer’s Blocks software: a moveable block for your text.
You work with blocks in the Block Panel which is on the left when the screen is split. Writer's Blocks
automatically word-wraps text and scrolls as you input information. There is a function (‘Convert Blocks
to Manuscript’) that will take all of the text in the blocks and place it sequentially into the Manuscript
Panel which is displayed on the right when the screen is split.
Columns –Blocks are organized into columns and they are added from top to bottom, left to right. The
number of blocks per column is controlled by you. The default column guide color is light gray and may
be displayed or hidden. The block workspace is 100 columns wide and 50 blocks tall (at a 250% zoom
level).
Vertical And Horizontal Scroll Bars – The scroll bars enable you to adjust which portion of the
workspace is visible in the display area. You can view another area of the workspace by clicking on a
scroll bar, a scroll arrow or dragging a scroll box.
Splitter Bar - The Writer’s Blocks display area is divided into two panels which are separated by the
Splitter bar. The Splitter bar can be dragged with the mouse to adjust how much of each panel is visible
in the workspace.
Manuscript Panel– The panel on the right side of the workspace is the manuscript panel. This panel
contains an integrated, full-featured word processor. The Formatting Ruler and Status Bar are part of
the Manuscript Panel.
Formatting Ruler - The Formatting Ruler can be used to adjust paragraph margins and tab
settings.
Status Bar - The Status Bar displays the page number of the current page, the cursor position,
and current line of the manuscript.
Power Panel – The Power Panel is a floating window containing the Power Editor, the Power Tools, and
the Status area. This window can be moved and resized and is separate from the Writer’s Blocks
window and can be moved over other programs.
You can make the Power Panel bigger by dragging any edge of the panel. The Power Panel may be
displayed or hidden.
The Power Panel sections are described below:
Power Tools - Buttons that allow you to execute frequently used program commands.
Power Editor - A large text box which displays the contents of the current block, even if not
currently in view in the Block Panel. This text box allows you edit the text of the current block.
Edits made using the Power Editor are simultaneously reflected in the Block Panel.
Current Block Title- The title of the current block is displayed above the Power Editor. Block
titles can be edited by clicking here as well as in the Block Panel.
Current Block Text- The Power Editor displays the text located in the current block.
Status Area - The status area lists the frequently used automatic options. Options are toggled on
and off by clicking on option name. If an option is on, it will be displayed in red. If an option is
off, it will be displayed in gray.
Hide/Show Power Panel - This button toggles the Power Panel display on and off.
The Writer's Block

Description - A Writer’s Block is a moveable container for text. Each block has a text area, an optionally
displayed footnote area and a title.
Current Block - The current block is the block being edited. Only one block is current at a time. A
shadow will appear around the block to visually indicate which block is current. You make a block
current by simply clicking anywhere in the block. You can also make a block current by pressing the TAB
key or by clicking on the Next Block or Previous Blocks button (in the Power Tools) which will move you
through the blocks sequentially.
The Power Editor in the Power Panel at the bottom of the screen also displays the contents of the
current block.
Editing - Text can be entered and edited directly in the current block or in the Power Editor. Both areas
will be updated simultaneously. Just like a word processor, the text that you enter will automatically
wrap to the next line; you do not need to press the Enter key to go to a new line. You can use the
mouse wheel or arrow keys to scroll through block text.
Block Zoom - You can change the size of the blocks using Block Zoom to manipulate how many or few
blocks can be displayed in the workspace at once. Changing the block size changes how much text is
displayed and how many blocks can fit on your screen but does not change the font size or how much
text a single block can contain.
Block Attributes - You can control look of each block in many different ways. You can customize the
background color of the block as well as the font and color of the title. These attributes may be
different for different blocks. You can create Block Styles to define a group of block attributes. You can
also format individual characters and words of your blocks.
Footnote–This is the bottom area of a block where you can enter source information for a bibliography
or reference list. When you convert blocks to the manuscript, all of the footnotes are placed at the end
of the manuscript.
Writer’s Blocks Workspace

The Writer's Blocks workspace is divided into two panels: the Block Panel and the Manuscript Panel. You
can display just one of the panels or you have the option to split the workspace to see both panels side
by side. The left panel is the Block Panel and the right panel is the Manuscript Panel. A Splitter Bar lets
you control where the split occurs by simply dragging it to change how much of each panel is displayed.
Block Panel
The Block Panel is a large, scrollable area which contains your blocks. The Block Panel is approximately
100 columns wide and 50 blocks tall (at a 250% zoom level).
This panel allows you to create blocks, add and edit text, and to easily move blocks by dragging and
dropping them as you continue to develop the organization of your written material. By adjusting the
zoom factor, the Block Panel can provide you with a “bird’s eye” view of your written material.
Scroll bars at the bottom and right edges of the Block Panel allow you to pan the block display area to
view your blocks. You have the option to display the Power Panel or hide it to give you a larger view of
your blocks.
Blocks are arranged in columns. Column borders can be displayed to assist you with the organization of
your blocks. Each column has a heading, which may be edited by clicking on it. A neutral area exists to
the left, the right, and above the columns. You can move blocks to the neutral area if you are not sure
where to place them. Blocks in the neutral area are ignored by the Arrange, AutoNumber, and Print
functions.
Moving around the Block Panel
There are many ways to easily navigate around the block panel.
• You can drag the vertical and horizontal scroll bars.
• If your mouse has a mouse wheel you can use it to pan the Block Panel vertically and
horizontally. You can toggle between scrolling vertically and horizontally three ways:
1) Holding down the shift key
2) Double-clicking your mouse wheel
3) Double-clicking in the Block Panel background.
(Neutral Area shaded for illustration only)
Manuscript Panel
The Manuscript Panel contains the Writer’s Blocks built-in full-featured word processor. You can work
exclusively in the Manuscript Panel without even creating blocks, but most likely, you will enter your
text into blocks and then convert your block text to a manuscript. At this point, you can develop your
written material in the Manuscript Panel while referencing your blocks. There are many sophisticated
features for working with your blocks and manuscript that will be described in detail in later chapters.
Text entered in your blocks and manuscript are independent. Any editing done in the manuscript will
not be reflected in your blocks. Think of it as your notes in your blocks and your final document in your
manuscript. You can update each panel with the other with the Convert Manuscript to Blocks and
Convert Blocks to Manuscript functions. You can export your work to Word if you need more advanced
word processing features.
Split Panels
When the workspace is split, the Block and Manuscript Panels are separated by a vertical splitter bar. By
adjusting the splitter bar left or right you can control how much of each panel is displayed. There are
buttons on the Ribbon to display the Block Panel, the Manuscript Panel, or Split Panels.
The Writer's Blocks menus change depending on what panel you're working in. Not all commands are
available in each panel. The active menu (Blocks Menu or Manuscript Menu) is indicated at the far right
of the Ribbon by the Menu Indicator.
The Power Panel

The Power Panel is a small rectangular window near the bottom of the screen that is used when
working in the Block Panel. It contains a large text box called the Power Editor and six command
buttons called the Power Tools. The Power Panel also contains Status Switches that indicate the state
of the automatic options.
The Power Panel floats over the workspace and can be moved to anywhere on the screen by clicking and
dragging the panel. The Power Panel can be resized by dragging its edges.
The Power Panel can be hidden to give you a larger workspace. Select Display/Hide Power Panel from
the Ribbon’s Display tab or by clicking on the Hide/Show Power Panel button in the lower right-hand
corner of the Block Panel. You can also click the Hide button in the upper right corner of the Power
Panel to hide the panel.
The Power Panel has its own Options menu that is displayed by clicking on the up-arrow in the upper left
corner of the Power Panel. The table below describes each of the menu items.
Power Panel Options:
Hide Editor Hides the Power Editor displaying only the Power
Tool command buttons.
Hide Tools Hides the Power Tools displaying only the Power
Editor and Status Switches.
Solo Panel Hides the Writer’s Blocks program, displaying
only the Power Panel. Press the Escape key to
cancel Solo Panel.
Reset Power Reset the Power Panel to its original location and
Panel size at the bottom of the screen.

Move Allows positioning of the Power Panel using the
keyboard cursor keys.
Always on Top Power Panel will float above all Windows
programs.
Close Hides the Power Panel.
Save Power Saves Power Panel position and options as
Panel defaults between sessions.
Tip: To reference your blocks while working in another application, set the Power Panel options to
'Always on Top' and 'Solo Panel'. This will allow you, for example, to use your web browser to
search for information and cut and paste directly into your blocks at the same time. The TAB Key
or Next and Previous buttons will step you through your blocks while you work. Press Escape to
cancel 'Solo Panel' and re-display the Writer’s Blocks workspace.
The Power Editor

The Power Panel contains a large textbox that can be used to edit the current block. This area is called
the Power Editor. Clicking in the Power Panel’s textbox will move the cursor to the Power Editor and
you can begin editing. The Power Editor will typically allow you to display more text than can be seen in
a block at lower zoom levels.
When you edit a block’s text, it is simultaneously updated in the current block. One useful feature of
the Power Editor is that it allows you to edit the current block – even if the current block is not visible in
the display area. You do not need to use the Power Editor to edit your blocks. You can also enter text
directly into any block in the display area above.
The Power Panel has a block text area and a footnote area. To reveal the footnote area, move your
cursor to the bottom of the block text area until you get the splitter:
Drag the splitter to reveal the footnote area.
You can also edit the title of the current block by clicking on the block title displayed above the Power
Editor. Click elsewhere in the workspace or press the TAB key when you are finished editing a blocks
text or title.
Status Switches
The Power Panel has a group of switches above the Power Editor which control the frequently used
Writer’s Blocks Options. Options can be turned on and off by clicking on the option name. Option
names are highlighted in red when enabled and shown in gray when disabled. Options can also be
controlled from the Ribbon menu’s Options tab. See Chapter 12 (The Options Tab) for detailed
descriptions of these options.
The Power Tools

To the right of the Power Editor are command buttons called Power Tools. The Power Tools allow you
to quickly and easily execute frequently used program commands by clicking on the button of the
command you wish to execute.
Add Block – Adds a new block below the current block.

ArrangeBlocks – Arranges the blocks neatly into columns.
Home – Positions the display so that the top of the first column is in the upper left corner of the Block
panel.
Tip: To locate the last block in your document, hold down the Control key and click on the Home
command. This executes the End command, also found in the Display tab.
Renumber Blocks– Automatically renumbers your blocks to reflect their current order.
Previous – Makes the previous block current.
Next – Makes the next block current.
Chapter 4 Using Writer’s Blocks 21
CHAPTER 4 USING WRITER'S BLOCKS

This section will introduce you to some of the main features of Writer's Blocks and explain how they are
used. It will also provide you with an overall understanding of how Writer’s Blocks can work for you.
Detailed descriptions of all menu items can be found in the following chapters.
The Writer’s Blocks Concept

Writer’s Blocks is based on the very simple idea that breaking any project into discrete pieces (blocks)
makes it easier to handle and more manageable. Writing is a complicated process which requires you to
simultaneously juggle thinking about the main ideas you want to get across, the logical presentation of
those ideas, sentence structure, creative expression, grammar and vocabulary. Writer’s Blocks’ visual
presentation and interaction allow you to focus on these different activities in a way that a word
processor simply can’t.
The columns provide your first level of organization – they might represent chapters, plot points or
anything that makes sense for what you are writing. The next level of organization are the blocks
themselves. Each block should can contain one idea, one topic or one piece of research. You can
brainstorm and enter just a few words or write with as much detail as you like. Blocks can be formatted
using different fonts, text color, and background colors to visually highlight and distinguish themes,
threads, concepts and key ideas.
You can control how many blocks you see on screen at once by changing the zoom. By zooming out, you
can get a visual overview of your writing. Unlike with a word processor, seeing all of your ideas on
screen together can trigger more ideas and stimulate greater creativity. It is easy to drag and drop your
blocks to play around with the order. If you want to focus on just one idea, enter it in a block, make the
block really big and type away. The choice is yours because Writer’s Blocks is a tool, not a method. It
doesn’t matter what you are a writing: a novel, movie script, research paper, autobiography, legal brief
or dissertation, Writer’s Blocks will help you writer faster and better.
How to Use Writer’s Blocks

When you open Writer’s Blocks, you will see one blank block on the screen. Just start typing – it’s that
simple. Create a new block every time you have a new idea. Just click on the Add Block command. We’ve
put that in a few places, on the Home Tab, on the Blocks Tab and on the Power Panel plus you can also
press CRTL+A. If you enter multiple ideas in one block, you will lose the ability to play around with the
arrangement by dragging and dropping the blocks. Rename the column headings to something that
make sense to you by just clicking on the Column Heading and typing. You can easily move your blocks
around by dragging and dropping. Just move your cursor to the edge of the block until you see the 4
sided arrow, click and drag. If you have a block that doesn’t fit anywhere, just drag it to the neutral area
to the left of or above the columns.
If you need to keep track of your references, each block contains an optional footnote area. You can
format the footnote to any standard you require and these can be used to generate endnotes.
You can customize the look of your screen in numerous ways. You can create block styles, control the
number of blocks per column and change the block size by adjusting the Block Zoom allowing you to get
a “birds-eye” view of what you have written or focusing in on one topic. Or, turn on AutoSize to make
each block just big enough to see all of its text.
Once you have developed the outline of what you want to say in your blocks, you can use the Options
Tab Convert Blocks to Manuscript command to transfer your block text to the Manuscript Panel. This
puts all of your block text (including column titles and blocks titles) into a sequential, word processing
format ready to be edited with the built-in word processor. Now you can split the screen so that you can
refer to your blocks on the left and further elaborate on the manuscript on the right. Your blocks and
the manuscript remain linked so that if you want to change the order of your blocks, you can have the
manuscript rearranged to reflect the new order. Once your manuscript is complete, you can export it as
a Word file (among other formats) and bring it into a full-fledged word processor.
There is another way to begin using Writer’s Blocks. If you have already written something in a word
processor and you would like to break it down into blocks so that you can improve its overall
organization, you can import it as a Writer’s Blocks manuscript and then convert the manuscript into
blocks.
Writer’s Blocks is flexible to accommodate any writing style because it doesn’t impose any method on
you – it just lets you write and gives you an easy and intuitive way to view and manipulate what you
have written.
Here’s an example of a movie screenplay with just the Block Panel displayed. The column headings have
been customized to reflect the different stages of plot development. AutoSize is on so that each block is
big enough to display all of its text.
Here’s the same file after Options Convert Blocks to Manuscript with just the Manuscript Panel displayed. The
Manuscript Panel allows you to work in a linear way with basic word processing functions.
And here’s the same file with the Split Panels display. Your blocks are displayed in the left panel and the
manuscript in the right panel while you elaborate on your manuscript text. A moveable splitter bar
allows you to adjust how much of each panel is visible.
Now that you understand the basic concept behind Writer’s Blocks, here’s more detail on the various
functions.
Editing Blocks
When you begin a new session using Writer’s Blocks, you are presented with a new document
containing one empty block with the default title. A flashing cursor is in the upper left corner of the
block’s text area indicating the current insertion point. A shadow behind the block indicates which block
is the current block. A block must be current to be edited. To make a new block current you may simply
click on it or press the TAB key to move through the blocks sequentially. You may use SHIFT-TAB to
move backwards through your blocks.
Blocks allow you to capture each thought, idea, or piece of information in a separate block. If you add
more text than the block can display, it will scroll to reveal the new text as you enter it. Like most word
processors, Writer’s Blocks automatically “wraps” the lines of text to fit in the block as you type. If you
insert text, change the size of your blocks or change the block font, Writer’s Blocks adjusts the line
breaks for you.
There is an optional footnote section in the bottom half of each block that you can turn on or off. It is
described below.
A block’s size does not affect the amount of text it can contain, just how much is displayed. Conversely,
the amount of text in a block does not affect the size of a block. Blocks do not grow to fit the contained
text unless the AutoSize option is turned on. You can enter a large amount of text into each Writer’s
Block (approx. 64,000 characters). As mentioned above, Writer's Blocks will probably be more useful to
you if you put less information in each block, and try to limit each block to a single point or idea.
Blocks can be customized in many ways. You can change the default block title, text color, text font,
footnote font, font color, and background color of your blocks and footnotes. You can also format
individual letters or words within your blocks.
Block Titles
Although block titles can edited, each new block is given a title automatically. The title of each new block
consists of the default block title and a number. For example “Block 7” or “Scene 23”.
The block title settings are adjusted on the Application MenuWriter’s Blocks Options - Block Defaults
tab. Your block titles can start at any number and be numbered by any increment. For example if the
default title is ‘Block’ and the counter is 16 and the increment is 2, then the title of the next block added
will be ‘Block 18’.
Block titles contain only one line of text and do not word wrap. Block titles may be longer than can be
displayed at a given zoom setting.
Editing individual titles. Clicking on the title of the block moves the cursor to the title of the current
block. Edit the title and then press TAB or click elsewhere on the workspace to continue.
Block titles can also be edited using the Power Panel. Clicking on the block title above the Power Editor
displays a flashing cursor at the insertion point. The title of the current block is updated simultaneously
in the Block Panel above.
You can read more about numbering blocks in the AutoNumber section later in this chapter.
Block Zoom
While blocks can hold a large amount of text, the amount of text that is visible is controlled by the Block
Zoom setting and the AutoSize option. Use the Zoom drop-down menu in the Home tab.
One benefit of Writer's Blocks is to the ability to maximize what is on visible screen and keep as much of
your work in view as possible. Block Zoom controls the size of your blocks similar to the Zoom control of
other programs with a major difference. When other programs zoom, everything is scaled equally
(including white space) so less information is displayed on screen. The Writer's Blocks zoom changes the
size of your blocks, however, the font size and the amount of space between your blocks remains the
same. So for instance, when you increase the size of your blocks, the distance between your blocks does
not also increase so that more blocks can fit on the screen.
When the AutoSize option is on, each block is sized to display all of the text entered in the block and
footnote. You can turn AutoSize on and off from the Options tab or from the Power Panel. Turning
AutoSize off will not resize your blocks. To reset your blocks to a uniform size, use Block Zoom.
If the Power Panel is displayed, you can toggle AutoSize on and off using the Status Switch area of the
Power Panel.
To AutoSize your blocks one time based on their current amount of text, use the Resize command.
Unlike when AutoSize is on, blocks will not grow as you enter more text.
Block Footnotes
Blocks contain a second text area at the bottom of each block called the Block Footnote. The Block
Footnote can contain notes, citations, references, sources or any other additional information. Block
Footnotes are edited and formatted just like block text. Block Footnotes may be hidden or displayed.
You can control the display of your Block Footnotes BlocksTabHide/Show Footnotes.
There is an option to ‘Convert Footnotes to Endnotes’ which will place all of the footnotes on a separate
page at the end of the manuscript to create endnotes (bibliography, etc.).
Tip: Change the default footnote color to be different than the block color so that you can easily
distinguish between the two block areas in Application Menu -> Writer’s Blocks Options -> Block
Defaults: Footnote Color.
Adding Blocks
There are four ways to add a new block:
1. Select the ‘Add Block’ command from the Navigation group of the Home tab.
2. Select the Add Block command from the Block tab.
3. Click on the Add Block command in the Power Panel:
4. Press the CTRL + A keyboard shortcut
The Add Block command places a new, empty block just below the current block. The new block
becomes the current block and is indicated by the block shadow.
If an existing block is already below the current block, the new block will be placed on top of the existing
block, hiding the block beneath it. Turn on AutoArrange to automatically make room for new blocks.
If a column heading is current when a block is added, the new block will appear at the top of the
column, just below the heading.
The number of blocks you can have in a document is limited only by the memory of your computer in
conjunction with the amount of Windows resources remaining.
Tip: To quickly add many blocks, continue to hold down the CTRL key while pressing A.
You can specify how many blocks you would like in each column with the Blocks per Column setting
found on the Application Menu Writer’s Blocks Options Column tab.
Using Block Styles

A Block Style is collection of formats (such as text font, title font, footnote font and block and footnote
color) that you name and store as a group. When you apply a style to block, all formatting of the style is
applied at once. Styles can be used to give related blocks the same visible attributes for easy
recognition and organization.
To apply a style, select the block or blocks you want to format, and then select the style name from the
Home Tab Styles Group drop-down menu on the Home tab or Styles dialog from the Blocks tab.
To create a new style, select Block Styles from the Block Properties group of the Blocks tab and click on
the ‘New’ button.
Columns
Blocks are organized into Columns from top to bottom and columns are ordered from left to right – like
a newspaper. Columns may represent chapters, acts, or segments of a story. For example, scenes in a
novel may be arranged within a column chronologically from top to bottom. Or each column may
represent a category of information or any other grouping you choose.
Columns may be displayed or hidden by selecting Columns/Links Tab Show Columns/Hide Columns.
Each column title may be unique. Click on a column title to begin editing. A flashing cursor is shown at
the insertion point. When editing is complete, press the TAB key, click on a block, or click elsewhere on
the workspace to continue. The default column title is ‘Column’ but you can change this by selecting
Application Menu Writer’s Blocks OptionsColumn Defaults tab – Title.
You can display up to one hundred columns when blocks are sized at 250%. The number of columns
displayed is set by selecting Application Menu Writer’s Blocks OptionsColumn Defaults tab –
Number of Columns.
You can globally rename and renumber the column headings by selecting ToolsNumber Blocks.
Insert Column
A blank column can be inserted by selecting Column/Links TabInsert Column. Click the Column
heading where you want to insert the new column. The new column will be inserted before this
column. If a column heading is not selected, the Insert Column command will be disabled.
This command is only enabled when a column heading is selected.
Delete Column
To delete a column, click the heading of the Column you want delete. Select Column/Links TabDelete
Column to delete the column. The currently selected column will be deleted. Blocks in the deleted
column (and subsequent columns) will be move one column to the left. Any blocks in the column will be
placed in the previous column on top of any existing blocks in the previous column. To delete a column
and all of its blocks, delete the blocks first and then delete the column.
(Neutral Area shaded for illustration only)
The neutral area is the area above and to the left (and right) of the columns. If you are not sure where
you would like to place a block or of the block is just a note to yourself that doesn’t belong in any
particular column, you can move the block to the neutral area. Blocks in the neutral zone are not
affected by the Arrange or AutoNumber functions and are not printed.
You can customize the default column border color and font by selecting Writer’s Blocks
OptionsColumn Defaults tab. Individual column titles may be formatted by clicking on a column title
and using the commands on the Home tab of the Ribbon. You may also format the column titles using
the Column Font command found on the Columns/Links tab of the Ribbon.
Moving Blocks
Using the Mouse
When you move the mouse pointer over the border of a block, the mouse pointer will change to a 4
sided arrow to indicate that the block can be dragged by clicking the left mouse button and holding it
down. To move a block, you simply drag and drop it, just like other Windows programs. Release the
mouse button to drop the block at the new location.
Blocks can be positioned on top of other blocks. To avoid this, use the Arrange Blocks function as
needed. If AutoArrange is on, blocks will be moved automatically to make room for the dropped block.
Using the Keyboard
You can also move blocks using the cursor keys. Hold down the ALT key, and then press the arrow key of
the direction you wish to move the block. The block will move one half column distance with each right
or left arrow key press. Hold down the Alt key and the SHIFT key while pressing a cursor key to move the
block in smaller steps.
Note: AutoArrange is only performed when blocks are dragged and dropped using the mouse. Use the
Arrange Blocks command after moving blocks using the keyboard.
Tip: To move a block (or group of blocks) to a location not visible on the display, turn on AutoCenter
and use the keyboard to move the block(s). As you press the arrow key, the display will keep
recentering around the selected block allowing you to move the block(s) to any location in your
document.
Arranging Blocks
The Arrange Blocks command allows you to quickly and neatly order your blocks. Arrange Blocks can be
selected from the Display tabor by clicking on the Arrange Blocks icon in the Power Tools section of the
Power Panel.
The Arrange Blocks function orders the blocks within each column from top to bottom. Blocks are
equally spaced without any overlap. Writer’s Blocks considers a block to be within a column if the center
of the block falls within the column border, even if the columns are not displayed.
The keyboard shortcut for Arrange Blocks is CTRL+B.
Moving Columns
You can move a column and its blocks to a new location using drag and drop. Hold down CTRL+ALT to
begin dragging a column. The mouse cursor will change to a blue four-way arrow and the background of
the column below the cursor will be highlighted in blue. Click and drag the selected column to a new
location. The column heading and all blocks in the column will be moved to the new location. Existing
columns will be moved to make room for the incoming column.
Working With Multiple Blocks

Sometimes you will want to work with a subset of your blocks. You may want to format more than one
block at a time, or you may want to move a group of blocks together. Perhaps you want to print just
some of your blocks. In order to do these things, you will need to select more than one block at a time
before performing the desired action. There are several ways to do this.
Selecting non-consecutive blocks:
Hold down the CTRL key and click anywhere in the block you wish to select. The border of the block will
turn gray indicating it has been selected. Continue to hold down the CTRL key and selecting as many
blocks as you like. Clicking on a selected block (while still holding the CTRL key) will unselect the block.
Selecting consecutive blocks:

Hold down the SHIFT key and click anywhere in the first block and then click anywhere in the last block
in the series you wish to select. The borders of the selected blocks will turn gray indicating they have
been selected. All blocks in between will be selected.
Selecting blocks by dragging a selection box:
You may also drag a selection box around the block or group of blocks that you wish to select by clicking
in a blank area of the workspace and dragging the mouse. When you release the mouse, any blocks that
are completely enclosed by your selection rectangle will be selected. The borders of the selected blocks
will turn gray. Click anywhere in the workspace to unselect all blocks.
Selecting all blocks:

To select all blocks, select BlocksSelect All Blocks or hold down the CTRL key and double click on a
blank area of the Block Panel. Individual blocks can be un-selected by holding down the CTRL key and
clicking on the selected block or by using a selection box.
You can use any combination of the above methods to select and unselect blocks.
UnSelecting all blocks:
Press the ESCAPE key or click anywhere in the workspace to unselect all blocks.
Moving Groups of Blocks:
You can move selected blocks as a group by dragging any one of the selected blocks. When you release
your mouse button, all of the selected blocks will move as a group. If AutoArrange is on, the position of
each block is considered independently which can yield unexpected results.
Pressing the Escape key, clicking on any block, or clicking in the display area will unselect all blocks.
Working with the Manuscript

Once you are ready to begin developing your outline into the completed document, the contents of your
blocks can be copied into the word processor part of Writer’s Blocks called the Manuscript Panel. This is
done by selecting OptionsConvert Blocks to Manuscript. A copy of the text from each block (title and
text but not footnote) is placed sequentially in the manuscript panel with the original block formatting.
If columns are displayed, the heading of each column is copied to the manuscript panel in sequence with
your blocks. Once the blocks are converted to the manuscript, the text in the blocks remains
independent from the text in the manuscript. Each can be edited without affecting the other.
Footnote text is not copied to the manuscript in-line with block text, but is optionally placed at the end
of your manuscript.
Blockmarks
When Converting Blocks to Manuscript, a relationship is established between each block in the Block
Panel and the corresponding text in the Manuscript Panel. The relationship between a block and the
manuscript text is maintained by a Blockmark. Blockmarks are stored in the block titles of your
manuscript.
You can edit and format the Blockmark text in your manuscript without affecting Blockmarks as long as
all of characters of the Blockmark are not deleted.
Note: When editing a Blockmark, add the new text before deleting the existing text to ensure that
the Blockmark is not deleted.
When the mouse pointer is moved over a Blockmark, then the pointer changes to a hand with a finger
pointing upward.
Using Blockmarks
Blockmarks make it easy to refer back to your original blocks while working on the manuscript. There
are several ways you can do this:
• With Split Panels and AutoCenter turned on, clicking on a Blockmark (i.e. Block Title in the
Manuscript) will scroll the block display area so that the corresponding block is panned to the
center of the Block Panel.
• With Split Panels and AutoScroll turned on, clicking on a block in the Block Panel will scroll the
manuscript to the corresponding Blockmark location.
• Double-clicking on a Blockmark in the Manuscript Panel displays the Block Viewer, which shows
the contents of the Blockmarked block in a small window hovering over the manuscript. This
allows you to reference your blocks while displaying the Manuscript Panel full screen. Once
displayed, only a single click in a different Blockmark is required to see the contents of a
different block. Click the close button to hide the block viewer window.
Synchronizing
If you decide to rearrange blocks after you have started working on your manuscript, you can
automatically rearrange the sections of your manuscript to reflect the new arrangement of your blocks.
Select ToolsSynchronize to have your manuscript rearranged to match the new order of your blocks.
Synchronizing your manuscript will NOT change the text in the Manuscript to correspond to the text of
your blocks.
Editing the Manuscript

You can edit all aspects of your manuscript without affecting the content of your blocks or the
relationships between Blockmarks and blocks.
As you develop your manuscript you may need to add new blocks and arrange them as required. Here’s
how to incorporate a new block or blocks into an existing manuscript:
Converting new blocks to an existing manuscript:
Place the cursor at the location in your manuscript where you would like the new block information.
Select the new block or blocks.
Select OptionsConvert Blocks to Manuscript. When prompted to 'Convert Selected Blocks?' answer
‘Yes’.
Next you will be prompted ‘Do you want to replace all of the text in your manuscript?’ If you click ‘Yes’
then all of your text in your manuscript will be overwritten. If you click ‘No’, the titles and text of the
selected blocks will be added after to the Manuscript at the insertion point location. Click ‘Cancel’ to
cancel the conversion of blocks to manuscript.
Blockmarks will be added to your manuscript corresponding to each converted block.
Manually inserting a Blockmark:
You can manually Blockmark a section of your manuscript to create a relationship to any block in your
document:
In the Block Panel, select the block to Blockmark.
In the Manuscript Panel, highlight the text to be blockmarked.
Select ToolsInsert Blockmark.
Deleting Blockmarks:
To delete a Blockmark, place the cursor anywhere within the Blockmarked text and select ToolsDelete
Blockmark.
When you delete a block or group of blocks, the corresponding blockmarks are removed leaving the
manuscript text in place.
It is not required that all blocks have a corresponding Blockmark in the manuscript. New blocks that
have been added since a Convert to Manuscript has been performed, and therefore do not have a
corresponding Blockmark location in the manuscript, are ignored when synchronizing.
Importing documents into Writer’s Blocks

You can import documents created with other word processors into the Writer's Blocks Manuscript
Panel by selecting Application Menu Import. Writer's Blocks can import files of the following formats:
Microsoft® Word (.docx)
Microsoft® Word 97-2003 (.doc)
Rich Text Format (.rtf)
Plain Text or ASCII Text (.txt)
Hypertext Markup Language (.html)
Adobe Acrobat (.pdf)
Writer's Blocks Manuscript format (.wbm).
Converting a manuscript to blocks

An existing document you may have created with another program can be imported into the Manuscript
Panel (see above) and converted to blocks. Each section of your manuscript that you want in a separate
block should be separated by two blank lines (also known as triple spaced). You will be prompted to
indicate whether or not your manuscript contains titles. If you answer ‘Yes’, the first line of text after
each triple spaced will become the title of the next block.
Automatic Options
There are nine automatic options that allow you to customize the way the program works to suit your
project or working style. These options are designed to automate basic and advanced functions to save
you time and let you focus on writing. The nine options are: AutoArrange, AutoCenter, AutoNumber,
AutoSize, AutoType, AutoMax, AutoScript, AutoScroll, and AutoSync.
All of the options can be controlled by the commands of the Options tab. The status of the first five
options is displayed in the Status Area of the Power Panel and can be turned on and off by clicking on
the option name. When an option is on, it is displayed in red. When it is off, it will be displayed in gray.
For complete documentation on these options, refer to the Options tab chapter.
AutoArrange
The AutoArrange option will keep your blocks arranged neatly in columns as you move them around.
This function will automatically position blocks in columns and rows so that blocks are equally spaced
within columns.
When AutoArrange is on, the Blocks per Column setting is ignored when adding new blocks. If
AutoArrange is on while adding new blocks, they will continue to be added below the current block in
the current column, regardless of how many blocks are in the column.
AutoCenter
AutoCenter pans the display so that the current block is in the middle of the Block Panel. This feature
allows you to Tab through your blocks without having to use the scroll bars to keep the current block in
view.
With Split Panels displayed and AutoCenter on, clicking on a Blockmark in the Manuscript Panel pans the
corresponding block to the center of the Block Panel, making it the current block.
AutoNumber
As you move your blocks around, you may notice that the block numbers do not reflect their new order.
The AutoNumber feature will automatically renumber your blocks to reflect their current order. If
AutoNumber is on, each time you move, add or delete a block, Writer’s Blocks automatically renumbers
your blocks.
After any block is moved, Writer’s Blocks determines the new order of the blocks and begins updating
the title of each block in each column starting with the top block in the left-most column. Blocks are
renumbered top to bottom in columns left right. The block title defaults are set in the Application
MenuWriter’s Blocks OptionsBlocks Defaults Tab.
For example, if you have blocks with the following titles:
Block 2, Block 4, Block 6, Car Chase, Block 1, Block 5
The result of renumbering would be as follows:
Block 1, Block 2, Block 3, Car Chase, Block 5, Block 6
Locking Titles - The title of an individual block may be locked to prevent it from being changed by
AutoNumber. This allows you add meaningful titles to some blocks and prevent them from being
renumbered. To lock a block title, select BlocksBlock Properties Dialog Launcher – OptionsTab.
Choose the Lock Title check box.
Skip When Renumbering - You may choose whether or not a block is counted during renumbering. This
allows you to intermix note or comment blocks in your document without having them numbered. To
prevent AutoNumber from counting a block, select BlocksBlock Properties Dialog Launcher – Options
tab and select the Lock Title and Skip When Renumbering check boxes. If the Car Chase block is set to
Skip When Renumbering in the example above, then the result of renumbering would be as follows:
Scene 1, Scene 2, Scene 3, Car Description, Scene 4, Scene 5
AutoSize
AutoSize will size each block to display all of the text in the block. Each block is enlarged vertically at the
current block zoom. If footnotes are displayed, blocks will be enlarged to display all footnote text also.
Turning the option off does not return blocks to their original size. Blocks will remain 'AutoSized' until
the Block Zoom is changed. To set your blocks back to normal size, select a block zoom from the Ribbon.
AutoType
The AutoType function automatically completes words you have used previously in your document.
Unlike other programs, you are not required to create a list of words that you want completed
automatically. Writer’s Blocks uses all words in your blocks and manuscript as your word list.
Once you have typed the minimum number of letters (as specified in AutoType settings), Writer’s Blocks
compares what you have typed to words already in your document. If a match is found, the remaining
characters of the first matching word in the word list are inserted into your document and are
highlighted in a user-selected color.
To accept the suggestion, press the ENTER key to accept the suggested word completion or stop typing
for a moment (a user-specified amount of time) to automatically accept the word completion. If the
suggestion is not correct, simply keep typing and the suggestion will be removed.
A User Word List can be created to store frequently used words or phrases. This list can be saved along
with other preferences for use with future documents.
Click on the Dialog Box Launcher on the AutoType Group of the Ribbon’s Options tab to adjust the
AutoType settings.
AutoMax
This feature automatically enlarges the current block being edited, enabling you to see more text as you
edit a block. When you click on another block the AutoMaxed block returns to its original size and the
new current block is enlarged. You can choose the AutoMax size of the block under Writer's Blocks
Options.
AutoScript
AutoScript uses the standard Tab and Enter screenplay formatting system to assist with script and
screenplay development. AutoScript stores character names, scene descriptions, and other screenplay
elements for automatic insertion similar to the AutoType function.
Selecting AutoScript toggles the AutoScript option on and off. When typing with AutoScript turned on,
Writer’s Blocks determines the current screenplay element based on the current paragraph margins.
AutoScript stores new screenplay elements as you type them and recalls stored elements for automatic
insertion into your script.
The TAB and ENTER keys are used to move between screenplay elements in logical order based on the
rules of screenplay formatting. When changing to a new screenplay element Writer’s Blocks displays a
popup list of previously entered slug lines, scene locations, character names, time elements, extensions,
and transitions for insertion into your script.
Typing the first few unique characters of an entry in the list will cause the matching word to be
autocompleted in your script at the insertion point. To accept the suggested word press Enter. You can
also insert a word by clicking on the word in the list and then pressing Enter. Additionally, you can
simply double click on a word in the list.
Typing additional characters that do not match any words in the list causes the list to be hidden and the
word suggestion removed from your script. Pressing Enter moves you to the next element and stores
the last element entered in the appropriate scene element list.
You can also enter screenplay elements directly in the element lists using the Script Settings dialog.
Select the AutoScript Dialog Box Launcher to display the Script Settings dialog.
The Script Settings dialog is used to create and edit script element lists and adjust screenplay element
margins. The default settings are the widely accepted elements names and margins for a submission
script also known as a spec script.
AutoScroll
AutoScroll is an option that facilitates working with both your blocks and manuscript in Split Panel
mode. With AutoScroll on, clicking on a block will scroll to the corresponding Blockmark in your
manuscript. Using AutoScroll along with AutoCenter makes navigating your document faster and easier.
AutoSync
When AutoSync is on, moving a block will cause the Manuscript text to be rearranged to reflect the new
order of your blocks. The AutoSync option will keep your blocks and manuscript in the same order.
You can also perform a manual synchronization using the Synchronize Manuscript to Blocks command
found on the Tools tab in the Blockmarks group.
Linking
Writer’s Blocks allows you to create a visual relationship between two or more blocks. This function is
called Linking. When two blocks are linked, a line is drawn connecting them.
When a linked block is moved, links to it are re-drawn to reflect the block’s new position. Blocks link to
it are not moved with the linked block. A block may be linked to any number of blocks. If a linked block
is deleted, all links to it are also deleted. Links are created and deleted with commands from the
Columns/Links tab. All links may be displayed or hidden as required.
Formatting Links
Links can be formatted using different colors, arrowheads, line widths, and line types. Link attributes
are selected using the Links Style dialog. Link formatting is only applied to new links. Existing links
cannot be reformatted.
Printing
You can print your documents to any supported Windows printer. You may print the blocks of your
document or your manuscript. To set the printing options, select Page Setup from the Application
Menu. Page orientation, margins, headers and footers can all be specified from the Page Setup dialog.
You may preview your document using the Print Preview command on the Application Menu. Print
Preview will display your document as it will appear on the printed page. You may view all pages of your
document using the Next and Previous buttons.
Printing Blocks
When printing your blocks, they are printed just as viewed on screen: from left to right, top to bottom.
Blocks are printed on subsequent pages until all blocks are printed. Blocks, links, and columns that are
not printed completely on a page will be printed on subsequent pages with a little overlap to permit
easy re-assembly.
By matching up the individual pages of your Writer's Blocks printout, it is possible to create very large
graphical paper outlines:
page 1 page 2
page 3 page 4
To prevent partial blocks from printing on a multiple pages, you can turn the Don’t Split Blocks option
on. Select Page Setup from the Application Menu to set this option.
If you currently have blocks selected in your document when you print, you will have the option to print
only selected blocks.
Printing Index Cards
Writer's Blocks allows you print your blocks on individual index cards or perforated Laser Index Cards
(Avery #5388). Writer's Blocks prints each block on a separate index card and allows you to control
which of the following are printed: title, text, column, links, headers and footers. Writer’s Blocks will
print on any card size supported by your printer.
Printing a Manuscript
You may print your manuscript from the Manuscript menu. You can print all or a selected range of
pages.
Page Setup Dialog
The page setup dialog that is displayed depends upon whether the blocks menu or manuscript menu are
in use.
Chapter 5 The Writer's Blocks Menus 41
CHAPTER 5 THE WRITER'S BLOCKS MENUS

Using the Ribbon Menu
Writer's Blocks 4 uses a new interface called the Ribbon menu system based on the Microsoft®Office
Fluent™user interface. The Ribbon is designed to help you quickly find the commands that you need to
complete a task. Commands are organized in logical groups, which are collected together under tabs.
To select a command from the Ribbon, click on the tab containing the command, then click on the
command you want to perform. When your mouse pointer is over the Ribbon area, you can use the
mouse wheel to scroll through the different Ribbon tabs. If you hover over a button, a tip for that
command will be displayed with a brief description of the tool’s function.
You can also use the keyboard to select commands from the Ribbon. KeyTips provide keyboard access
to every tab and command in the Ribbon. When the ALT key is typed, KeyTips appear for all of the tabs
in the Ribbon.
Typing the letter or number associated with any tab opens that tab and displays the KeyTips for all
commands on that tab. In the example below, a D was pressed causing the Key Tips to be displayed for
all of the Display Tab menu items. Pressing the letter associated with any command will select that
command and perform the associated action.
Some Ribbon commands are only available when working in the Block Panel and others are only
available when working in the Manuscript Panel. The right-most tab of the Ribbon is empty and only
indicates whether Blocks menus or Manuscript menus are currently active. Click in either panel to select
Blocks menus or Manuscript menus.
Some menu groups have settings that you can enter in a dialog box by clicking on the dialog box
launcher as shown below.
Using Right-Click Menus

You can also right-click to display popup menus containing useful commands. Right-clicking over the
text area of a block displays a popup menu with editing, spell, and thesaurus commands. Right-clicking
over the block display area displays a popup menu with commands from the Display tab, such as
Arrange, Home, End, and Zoom. You can also right-click in the Manuscript Panel to display the same
popup menu as the block text popup menu.
Chapter 6 The Application Menu 43
CHAPTER 6 THE APPLICATION MENU

The Application Menu contains commands that are performed on the entire document like Open, Save
and Print. To access the Application Menu, click on the round Application Button in the upper left
corner of the Ribbon. The Application Menu also provides a list of recent documents, access to Writer’s
Blocks Options for changing user settings and preferences, and the program exit command or button.
New
Selecting New creates a new Writer’s Blocks document. The default filename of this document is
"Untitled.wbk". This is a temporary name that you should change when you save your file. If you
already have an Untitled.wbk open, then the new name will be Untitled1.wbk. The number part of the
name will be incremented for any new documents created during the Writer’s Blocks session.
After a new document is created, one empty block is displayed on the screen, ready for you to begin
writing.
Open
Selecting Open displays a standard Open dialog box allowing you to open your previously created
Writer’s Blocks files.
You may open Writer’s Blocks documents with the .wbk extension (including Writer’s Blocks 3 files) and
Writer’s Blocks backup files with the ._bkextension.
You can have several Writer's Blocks documents open at the same time. The names of all open files are
displayed in the Switch Windows menu. Only one document may be active at a time.
Close
Selecting Close prompts you to save your document if you have unsaved changes to your document and
then closes the active document.
Select ‘Yes’ to save your changes to the current filename and location. If your file has not been saved
previously, this command displays the Save As Blocks dialog, prompting you to specify a name and
location for your document (see Save As below).
Select ‘No’ if you wish to close the active document but do not wish to save your changes.
Select ‘Cancel’ to end the Close command and leave the active document open.
Save
Selecting Save saves the current file to its previously saved filename and location. If your file has not
been saved previously, this command displays the Save Blocks As dialog, prompting you to specify a
name and location for your document (see Save As below).
A good rule is to save every time you have completed any work that you wouldn’t want to redo in the
event of a power failure or some other unforeseen problem.
Sometimes a tiny spark of genius is captured in your blocks. And sometimes a large lightning strike takes
out power in your neighborhood leaving you without lights or your brilliant idea.
Please Save Often.
Save As
This command displays the Save Blocks As dialog or the Save Manuscript As dialog, depending on which
panel is active, prompting you to specify a name and location for your document. Selecting Save As
allows you to save the current document to the current filename or allows you to specify a new
filename and location.
When you are typing a name in the file name box, you do not need to type the extension .WBK.
Tip: You may want to create different versions of your work so that you can return to a previous stage
if you later decide that you don’t like changes you have made.
Import
Selecting Import allows you to import a document into the Manuscript Panel. The import function is
only available from the Manuscript menu.
You can import the following file types:
Rich Text Format (*.rtf)
Hypertext Markup Language (*.htm)
Microsoft® Word (*.docx)
Microsoft® Word 97-2003 (*.doc)
Adobe PDF Text Import (*.pdf)
Plain Text (*.txt)
Plain Unicode Text (*.txt)
An Open dialog box is displayed allowing you to choose the file to be imported.
In the Files of Type box, select the type of file you wish to Import. Only files of the selected type are
displayed.
Warning: Importing a file will overwrite your existing manuscript. A warning box will remind you of this
and ask if you want to continue.
Tip: You can also cut or copy text from a file type supported by Writer’s Blocks and paste the text
directly into a block or your Writer’s Blocks manuscript.
Export
Selecting Export allows you to save your manuscript in several text formats. The export function is only
available from the Manuscript menu.
You can save your manuscript as the following file types:
Rich Text Format (*.rtf)
Hypertext Markup Language (*.htm)
Microsoft® Word (*.docx)
Microsoft® Word 97-2003 (*.doc)
Adobe PDF Text Import (*.pdf)
Plain Text (*.txt)
Plain Unicode Text (*.txt)
The right panel of the Application Menu will allow you to choose between a pdf file or Other Format. If
you select ‘Other Format’, you will see the Save As dialog box. Select the type of file you wish to export.
Page Setup
Page Setup will be different for the Blocks menu versus the Manuscript menu.
Blocks Menu
Selecting Page Setup from the Blocks menu displays the Block Page Setup dialog, allowing you to select
the various options controlling the printed output of your document. Here you can select options such
as page orientation, page output format, font override options, margins, and headers and footers.
To save any changes made to the page setup options, click the ‘OK’ button. To discard all changes made
to any page setup options, click the CANCEL button.
The Page Setup dialog has five tabs containing the various page setup options:
Layout Tab
The Layout tab contains general print setup settings such as orientation, output and options. The
Preview shows a graphical representation of the currently selected options.
Orientation
Select landscape or portrait print output.
Output
Select to output your document as Blocks or Index Cards. Selecting the Index Cards radio button
enables the Index Card tab of the dialog.
Options
Selecting the Font Override box will use the fonts selected in the Font Overrides tab for the printed
output. You may prefer different fonts for your printed output versus the screen.
Margins Tab
The Margins tab lets you adjust the page margins of your printed output. To adjust the print margins,
use the arrow buttons to the right of each textbox or enter numbers directly into each textbox using the
keyboard. Margins can be set to any value between 0.5" to 2.0".
Header/Footer Tab
The Header/Footer tab controls the content and formatting of an optional header and footer that
appears on every printed page. You can create and print headers and footers to record the date,
filename or any other information about your document.
The From Edge setting controls the location of the header and footer with respect to the top and
bottom edges of the page. You can enter any value from 0.25" to 2.0".
A toolbar above the Header textbox allows you to insert header and footer print options by clicking on
different icons. The insertion point must be in the Header or Footer textbox to enable the toolbar.
Moving the mouse cursor over an icon displays a brief description of its function to the right of the
icons.
The Font button displays the Font dialog allowing you to select the font for the header and footer.
Formatting is applied to all text in the header and footer.
Header and footer justification may be selected using the radio buttons at the bottom of the tab.
Font Overrides Tab

The Font Overrides tab allows you to select substitute print fonts for block titles, block text, footnote
text, and column headings. A preview with the currently selected font overrides is shown in the Block
Preview window. The Font Overrides tab is enabled when you select the Font Override options from the
Layout tab.
A text description of the Font Overrides is displayed at the bottom of the dialog. Buttons are provided
for font selection to the right of the description area. Clicking on a button brings up the Font dialog
allowing you to select a font for that block element.
Tip: Use Font Overrides when creating documents for others to read. A uniform font throughout the
document will be easier to read.
Index Card Tab

Writer's Blocks allows you to print your blocks on individual index cards or three blocks per page on
Avery type 5388 perforated index card stock.
The Index Card tab allows you to control the Margins and which block elements are printed.
To set the Margins, use the scroll bars to the right of each textbox or enter numbers directly into each
textbox.
The Print Items options allow you to specify what is to be printed on each index card.
The Index Card Layout options allow you to choose 1 block or 3 blocks per printed page.
The Preview window reflects the selected margins and Print Items options.
When printing on individual index cards the orientation can be landscape or portrait. When printing
index cards three to a page, the orientation of text relative to the cards is always landscape.
MANUSCRIPT MENU
Selecting Page Setup from the Manuscript menu displays the Manuscript Page Setup dialog where you
can select the paper type, orientation and specify page margins.
Print Preview
Selecting Print Preview will shows you how the active document will look on the printed page based on
the currently selected Page Setup options.
Block Print Preview

The Toolbar above the Print Preview window contains icons to control the Preview. Placing your mouse
over an icon will display a ToolTip with the name of the icon.
Select the red close button to close the Print Preview display and return to the Block Panel to continue
editing your document.
Print Setup
Selecting Print Setup displays the standard Windows Print Setup dialog which allows you to change your
printer settings such as paper size and orientation.
Printer
The Printer section of the Print Setup dialog box is used to select a specific printer and printer settings.
Select the printer to use from the 'Name' drop-down list. Click on the ‘Properties’ button to configure
the printer for printing (the Properties dialog is different for each printer-type).
Paper
The Paper section of the Print Setup dialog is used to select the paper size used for your output.
Size
The Size drop-down list contains different paper sizes that are supported by your printer. Select the
paper size that you want to use from this list.
Orientation
The Orientation section is used to select the orientation (landscape or portrait) for your printed output.
Print
Selecting Print displays your printer’s Print dialog and allows you to print the active Writer's Blocks
document.
If you have blocks selected, you will be prompted to print only the selected blocks. Answer ‘Yes’ to print
only selected blocks, answer ‘No’ to print all blocks in your document.
Recent File List

The names of the most recent files you have saved are listed on the right side of the Application menu.
Clicking on a filename will open that document.
Writer’s Blocks Options

Selecting the Writer’s Blocks Options button allows you to set various program options. There are five
buttons in the left panel to select the five option groups: General, Display, Block Defaults, Column
Defaults and Link Defaults Select the option group containing the options you wish to change and
modify the settings as required.
Options are saved with each document allowing each document to contain a unique combination of
program options. You may make the current options your default choices by selecting the ‘Save As
Defaults’ check box near the bottom of the dialog. You must click ‘OK’ to save your defaults. All new
files will use the default options saved to disk.
NOTE: New documents use the saved options, existing files use the options saved with the file.
Tip: Create documents with your preferred options to use as templates for your various types of
writing projects.
General Group
The General Group contains options relating to the automatic functions of Writer's Blocks as well as the
option to open the last document saved when starting Writer’s Blocks.
Main Options for Working with Writer’s Blocks
The Options check boxes allow you to turn frequently used options on and off. These options can also
be set in the Options tab. When you set the options here, you also have the option of selecting ‘Save As
Defaults’ so that future files will use these option settings. Refer to Chapter 12 – The Options Tab for
detailed descriptions of these options.
Tip: You can also toggle these options on and off in the Power Panel.
AutoArrange
The AutoArrange checkbox toggles the AutoArrange option on and off.
AutoCenter
The AutoCenter checkbox toggles the AutoCenter option on and off.
AutoMax
The AutoMax checkbox toggles the AutoMax option on and off.
Use the drop-down to select the Auto Max size from 50% - 999%.
AutoNumber
The AutoNumber checkbox toggles the AutoNumber option on and off.
AutoSize
The AutoSize checkbox toggles the AutoSize option on and off.
AutoType
The AutoType checkbox toggles the AutoType option on and off.
Automatic Backup Options
Writer's Blocks allows you to automatically save your active Writer's Blocks document at user
defined time intervals. To activate this feature, select the 'Every' check box and specify the number
of minutes between automatic saves in the minutes textbox.
The Automatic Save feature creates a backup copy of your active file using the extension '._bk'. This
file is created in a Writer’s Blocks 4 subdirectory called BACKUP. For example, the backup copy of a
Writer's Blocks file with the filename
MYFILE.WBK
would have the filename
MYFILE._BK
This feature is intended as an emergency recovery of your document and is not a substitute for
saving and backing up your documents often.
Startup Options
Here you have the option to automatically open the last document you saved every time you start
Writer’s Blocks.
Save as defaults
You may make the current options your default choices by selecting the ‘Save As Defaults’ check box
on the bottom of the dialog. You must click ‘OK’ to save your defaults. All new files will use the
default options saved to disk.
Display Group
The Display Options group contains options for controlling the Writer's Blocks display.
Display Options
Check boxes allow you to set the visibility of the column borders and the Power Panel.
Classic Toolbar Display
Check boxes allow you to set display the Standard Toolbar and Formatting Toolbar when using the
Classic Menus.
Background Color
The current background color of the Block Panel is displayed in the color bar. Clicking the Color
button displays the Color dialog. Select a color and click ‘OK’ or click ‘Cancel’ to discard your
changes.
Block Shadow Color
The current color of the block shadow used to indicate the current block is displayed in the color
bar. Clicking the ‘Color’ button displays the Color dialog. Select a color and click ‘OK’ or click ‘Cancel’
to discard your changes.
Block Zoom
The Block Zoom command allows you to set the block size of the current document. You may select
a block zoom from the drop-down list or you may enter a block zoom value directly in the text area
of the drop-down. The range of the zoom setting is 50% to 999%.
Block Defaults Group

The Block Defaults group allows you to specify the default title font, block font, footnote font, block
color, title text, and block numbering of your blocks. These default settings will apply to all new blocks
added to your document and do not affect existing blocks in your document.
Block Title Settings

A block title has two parts: a text part and a number part. The text part is specified in the Title
textbox. You may enter a word such as: Block, Idea, Scene or Page or you may leave it blank. The
number part is calculated and appended to the text part to complete the title.
All new blocks added to your document will use this setting as their initial title.
Starting Block
The Starting Block is the number of the first block in your document. This number is also used when
AutoNumbering.
Next Block
The Next Block value is the number of the next new block added to your document.
Increment
The Increment setting is the increment between block numbers in your document.
Generally, changes to the Block Defaults affect only new blocks added to your document. However,
the new settings will be used for all blocks when renumbering.
Block Defaults are saved with each Writer’s Blocks file.
Gutter Height
The Gutter Height setting controls the vertical spacing between blocks within a column. This is
useful when linking blocks because it provides more space in which to display the links. The Gutter
Height drop-down list allows you to select from a range of 1 to 9.
The new block Gutter Height will be used the next time your blocks are arranged or you change your
Block Zoom setting.
Block Font and color settings for all new blocks
Text Font
Choose the default text font of all new blocks. A text description of the current block text font is
displayed. Clicking on the ‘Font’ button will display the Windows font dialog.
Select the font of your choice and click ‘OK’ or click ‘Cancel’ to discard your changes.
Title Font
Choose the default text font of the title of all new blocks. A description of the current block title
text font is displayed. Clicking on the ‘Font’ button will display the Windows font dialog. Select the
font of your choice and click ‘OK’ or click ‘Cancel’ to discard your changes.
Block Color
Choose the default block color of all new blocks. The current block color is displayed in the color bar.
The Block Color button displays the Windows color dialog. Select a color and click ‘OK’ or click
‘Cancel’ to discard your changes.
Footnote Font
Choose the text font of the footnotes of all new blocks. A description of the current footnote font is
displayed. Clicking on the ‘Font’ button will display the Windows font dialog. Select the font of your
choice and click ‘OK’ or click ‘Cancel’ to discard your changes.
Footnote Color
Choose the default footnote color of all new blocks. The current Footnote Color is displayed in the
color bar. The Block Color button displays the Windows color dialog. Select a color and click ‘OK’ or
click ‘Cancel’ to discard your changes.
Column Defaults Group

The Column Defaults Group allows you to choose the default column font, column color, column title,
and the number of columns in your Writer's Blocks document.
Title
Enter the default column title. Changing the default will rename existing columns. Select the ‘Save
As Defaults’ check box then the default title will be used for new documents.
First Column
The First Column setting determines the position of the first visible column in the workspace. This
setting allows you to leave the first few columns blank as a staging area for notes, etc.
For new documents, Column title numbering will begin with one.
Tip: Blocks in invisible columns are considered part of your document for arranging, printing or
renumbering whereas blocks in the neutral zone are not considered part of your document for
these functions.
Number of Columns
The Number of Columns preference determines how many columns are displayed. You may enter
any number up to 100.
Note: At larger Block Zoom levels greater than 250%, all 100 columns may not be visible.
Blocks per Column
The Blocks per Column preference determines how many blocks are placed in each column when
adding new blocks. When AutoArrange is turned on, the Blocks per Column setting is ignored.
If the block being added

would cause the Blocks
Per Column number to be
exceeded, the new block
will be added at the top of
the next column.
You can also set a block to be the last block in a column. This may be set by the Options tab in the Block
Properties dialog from the Block tab.
Gutter Width
The Gutter Width setting controls the horizontal spacing between columns.
The Gutter Width drop-down list allows you to select the column gutter width from a range of 1 to
9.
This setting will be used the next time you arrange your blocks or change your block zoom setting.
Column Font
Choose the default font for all column headings. A text description of the current Column Font is
displayed. The ‘Font’ button displays the Windows font dialog.
Select a font and click ‘OK’ or click ‘Cancel’ to discard your changes.
Column Color
Choose the default column border color. The current column color is displayed in the color bar. The
Column Color button displays the Windows color dialog.
Select a color and click ‘OK’ or click ‘Cancel’ to discard your changes.
Link Defaults Group

The Link Defaults group allows you to specify the link font, link color, link style, link weight, and arrow
type. These default settings will apply to all new links added to your document and do not affect
existing links in you document. You cannot change the attributes of existing links.
Line Type
Choose the link line type for all new links to be a solid, dash or dot.
Line Weight
Choose the thickness of new links.
The Line Weight drop-down list allows you to select from three line weights.
Arrow Style
Choose the arrow style for new links. There are five different arrow styles from which to choose.
Link Font
Choose the default font used for link information when printing on index cards. A text description of
the current Link Font is displayed.
The Link Font button displays the Windows font dialog. Select a font and click ‘OK’ to save, or click
‘Cancel’ to discard your changes.
Link Color
Choose the color of new links. The current color is displayed in the Link Color indicator.
The Link Color button displays the Windows color dialog. Select a color and click ‘OK’ to save, or
click ‘Cancel’ to discard your changes.
Exit
Selecting Exit prompts you to save each of your open documents if you have made changes and closes
the program.
Select ‘Yes’ to save your changes to the current filename and location. If you have not yet named your
file (i.e. it is still named UNTITLED.WBK), the ‘Save As’ dialog box will be displayed to allow you to name
your file.
Select ‘No’ if you wish to exit but do not wish to save your file.
Select ‘Cancel’ to return to Writer’s Blocks.
Chapter 7 The Home Tab 65
CHAPTER 7 THE HOME TAB

The Home tab contains commands relating to editing, formatting, and arranging your document. These
commands include the Windows Clipboard commands such as Cut, Copy, and Paste, the Font settings,
Paragraph settings, and the Block commands such as Arrange Blocks and Renumber Blocks.
Clipboard Group
The Windows Clipboard is a temporary storage area that is available to all Windows programs. Text can
be cut, copied and pasted with the clipboard commands, just as with other Windows programs.
Paste
The Paste command inserts a copy of the text or graphic in the Windows Clipboard after the insertion
point. You may paste the text or graphic from the Clipboard as many times as you like.
Clicking on the arrow below the Paste button presents options to paste formatted or unformatted text.
If the Clipboard is empty, the Paste option is not available.
Cut
The Cut command will delete the selected text from your document and place it in the Windows
Clipboard. If no text is selected, the Cut command will be disabled.
Copy
The Copy command will place a copy of the selected text in the Windows Clipboard. If no text is
selected, the Copy command will be disabled.
Format Painter
The Format Painter command copies the attributes from one block to another block or a group of
selected blocks. The text font, title fort, and block color of the current block will be copied to the target
block or selected blocks.
To use the Format Painter:
Make the block whose attributes you wish to copy the current block (by clicking on it or tabbing to it).
Select Format Painter. A flashing rectangle will appear around the current block indicating that it is the
source block. The mouse pointer will change to a paintbrush.
Click on the text area of the target block. You must click in the text area of the target block to complete
the command. The source block's attributes will be copied to the target block.
Font Group
The Font Group allows you to select the font, color, size, and font style of a block or group of selected
blocks. Hovering over each tool will cause a tooltip to be displayed.
Clicking on the Dialog Box Launcher will open the Font dialog box.
Paragraph Group
The Paragraph Group allows you to set the paragraph justification for the current paragraph or selected
paragraphs in a block or in the manuscript. If no texted is selected all of the text in a block will receive
the selected paragraph justification.
Clicking on the Dialog Box Launcher will open the Paragraph Dialog allowing you to set the right and left
indents and alignment for the selected paragraph.
Above the Alignment buttons are buttons to display the Block Panel, Split Panels, or the Manuscript
Panel. Larger versions of the Panel Display buttons are also found on the Display tab.
Navigation Group
The Navigation Group has tools for stepping through your blocks and also includes the Add Block
command.
Add Block – Adds a new block below the current block.

Home – Positions the display so that the top of the first column is in the upper left corner of the Block
panel.
Next – Makes the next block current.
Previous – Makes the previous block current.
End – Positions the display so that the last block in the file is in the middle of the display.
Larger versions of the Add Block, Home, End commands are found on other tabs.
Editing Group
The Editing Group has the following commands:
Find
Clicking on the Find command displays the Find dialog which allows you to search your document for
specific text.
Enter the text you wish to find in the ‘Find what’ box and press the ‘Find Next’ button. Block text, titles
and column headings are searched if you are in block mode. Selecting the ’Match Case’ check box will
make the search case sensitive. The search begins after the insertion point in the current block. If a
match is found, the element with the matched text is moved to the center of the screen and the
specified text is highlighted.
Clicking on the ‘Replace’ button brings up the Replace dialog (see below).
After the text has been found in your document, you can choose to Select blocks with the text by
pressing the corresponding buttons. These options are unavailable until the ‘Find Next’ button has
found the first instance of the search text.
If AutoCenter is on, performing a Find will turn AutoCenter off.
Replace
Selecting Replace allows you to replace text in your document.
The Replace command will search block text, titles and column headings if you are in block mode. Enter
the text you wish to find in the ‘Find what’ box and press the ‘Find Next’ button.
The search begins after the insertion point in the current block.
Clicking on the ‘Font’ button displays the Font Dialog. This allows you to specify the formatting of the
Replace Text.
Selecting the ‘Match Case’ check box will make the search and replace case sensitive.
Once the first instance is found, you have the following options:
Replace - replaces the ‘Find what’ text with the ‘Replace with’ text
Select - selects the block in which the ‘Find what’ text appears
Clear
The clear command deletes selected text from a block or the manuscript and does not place it in the
Windows Clipboard.
Styles Group
The Styles drop-down lets you assign block styles from the Home tab. Clicking on the arrow will display
a drop-down list box containing the names of all block styles contained in the document.
Clicking on the Dialog Box Launcher will open the Styles Dialog allowing you to assign, modify, and
create new styles. For more information about Styles, see the following chapter.
Zoom Group
The Zoom drop-down list allows you to set the block zoom of the current document. You may select a
block zoom from the drop-down list or you may enter a block zoom amount directly in the text box to be
left of the drop-down button. The range of the zoom setting is 50% to 999%. .
Blocks Group
The Blocks group has the following commands:
Arrange Blocks
The Arrange Blocks command arranges the blocks neatly in the display area by spacing them equally
from top to bottom within each column.
Renumber
The Renumber command renumbers all of the blocks based on the block title and number settings.
These are specified in the Application Menu Writer’s Blocks OptionsBlock Defaults.
Level Blocks
The Level Blocks command arranges the blocks so that each column contains the number blocks you
entered in the Level Blocks dialog.
When you select ‘Level Blocks’ you will be prompted to enter the number of blocks you want in each
column.
Resize Blocks
The Resize Blocks command resizes each block to display all of the text contained in each block. You can
think of it as a one-time AutoSize.
Chapter 8 The Blocks Tab 71
CHAPTER 8 THE BLOCKS TAB

The Blocks tab contains commands to perform actions for adding, deleting, cutting, copying and pasting
blocks, changing block fonts and other block properties. You can also insert images and symbols into
your blocks as well as work with the footnote portion of your blocks here.
Block Action Group
Add Block
The Add Block command places a new, empty block just below the current block. The new block
becomes the current block and is indicated by the block shadow.
If an existing block is already below the current block, the new block will be placed on top of the existing
block, hiding the block beneath it. Turn on AutoArrange to automatically make room for new blocks.
If a column heading is current when a block is added, the new block will appear at the top of the
column, just below the heading.
The number of blocks you can have in a document is limited only by the memory of your computer in
conjunction with the amount of Windows resources remaining.
A block can also be added by clicking on the Add Block in the Power Tools.
Delete Block
Selecting Delete Block deletes the current block or group of selected blocks. When deleting a group of
selected blocks you'll be prompted to confirm the delete operation.
When a block is deleted, all links to a block are also deleted.
Cut/Copy/Paste Block Commands

The Block Cut, Copy, and Paste commands are similar to the standard Windows Cut, Copy, and Paste
commands, however, the block commands are performed on a single block or group of blocks. These
commands use the Writer's Blocks Clipboard which is not available to other programs. Blocks cannot be
pasted into any other Windows program.
To perform a block cut or copy operation at least one block must be selected. To select a block use any
method described in the Chapter 4 section titled Working with Multiple Blocks.
Cut Block
Selecting Cut Block deletes the selected block(s) from the current document, placing it in the Writer’s
Blocks Clipboard. The block(s) can now be pasted into any open Writer’s Blocks document using the
Paste Block command.
Copy Block
Selecting Copy Block places a copy of the currently selected block(s) in the Writer's Blocks Clipboard.
The block(s) can now be pasted into any open Writer’s Blocks document using the Paste Block
command.
Paste Block
Selecting Paste Block will place any blocks in the Writer's Blocks Clipboard in the same location as they
appeared in the source document. To paste the blocks into another Writer's Blocks document, make
the target document active and select Paste Block from the Block tab. The pasted block or blocks will be
automatically selected so that they may be moved to a new location to prevent covering up any existing
blocks in the same location.
The source and destination documents must have the same block zoom setting. If the destination file
has a different zoom setting you'll receive a message prompting you to change the zoom setting before
the command can continue. It is a good idea to make room in the destination file for the incoming
blocks.
Fonts Group
Title Font
Selecting Title Font displays the standard Windows Font dialog allowing you to set the font, color, size,
and font style of a block or group of selected blocks.
Select a font and click ‘OK’ to save your selection or click ‘Cancel’ to discard your changes.
Block Font
Selecting Block Font allows you to select the font, color, size, and font style of the text in a block or
group of selected blocks. The Block Font command displays the standard Windows font dialog.
Tip: If no text is selected, ALL of the block’s text will receive the new font.
Footnote Font
Selecting Footnote Font allows you to select the font, color, size, and font style of the text in the
footnote portion of block or group of selected blocks. The Block Font command displays the standard
Windows font dialog.
Tip: If no text is selected, ALL of the block’s footnote text will receive the new font.
Block Properties Group
Select Block
Selects the current block in your document allowing you to perform operations such as formatting,
moving, deleting, printing as well as Cut Block and Copy Block. Selected blocks will be highlighted in
gray.
Select All Blocks

The Select All Blocks command selects all of the blocks in your document. You can then perform
operations such as formatting, moving, and deleting blocks. After issuing the Select All Blocks
command, all of the blocks in your document will be highlighted in gray indicating that they are all
selected.
Tip: You may select all blocks by holding down the CTRL key while double-clicking in the display area.
To de-select all of the blocks, use the Escape key or click the text area of any block.
Tip: To select all but a few blocks, use the Select All command and then de-select specific blocks using
the SHIFT-click or selection box methods.
Block Color
This command assigns a color to a block or group of selected blocks. The Block Color command displays
the Windows Color dialog:
You can create custom colors by clicking the ‘Define Custom Colors’ button. Custom colors created or
modified using the Windows Color dialog are saved between writing sessions. Custom colors created
with the Font and Fill drop-down menu ‘More Colors’ option are not saved.
Block Styles
A style is a collection of block formats, such as text font, title font, footnote font and block color, that
you name and store as a group. Once you create a style, you can easily format a block by applying the
style.
To quickly apply a style to the current block or selected blocks, choose the desired style from the Styles
drop-down menu.
To create or modify styles, or view the description of existing styles, click on the Dialog Box Launcher to
display the Block Styles dialog. Block Styles are saved within your document.
Tip: Create a template file of your preferred block styles to use in future files. Start a new file, create
the styles and save with a recognizable name, like ‘template.wbk’.
Applying a style
Select the block or groups of blocks you wish to format and then select the style you wish to apply from
the Styles list. The Block Preview window will preview the selected style. Click the ‘Apply ‘button to
apply the selected style to the current block or selected blocks.
Creating a new style

Select the ‘New’ button. The Create New Style dialog will appear with a sample of the Normal style
displayed in the Block Preview. Select an existing style to base the style new on.
Use the title font, text font, footnote font, block color and footnote color buttons to modify the new
style. Enter a name for your new style in the ‘Name’ box and click ‘OK’ to create the new style. To
discard your changes, click the ‘Cancel’ button.
Modifying a style
To modify an existing style, select the name of the style to be modified in the Styles box and click the
Modify button to display the Modify Style dialog.
Using the title font, text font, footnote font, block color and footnote color buttons, modify the selected
style and click the ‘OK’ button to save your changes. To discard your changes, click the ‘Cancel’ button.
Footnote Properties Group
Hide/Show Footnotes
This command toggles the display of the footnote area of the blocks. All footnotes are displayed or
hidden at the same time you cannot hide just some footnotes.
Footnote Color
This command assigns a color to the footnote of a block or group of selected blocks. The Footnote Color
command displays the Windows Color dialog.
You can create custom colors by clicking the Define Custom Colors button. Custom colors created or
modified using the Windows Color dialog are saved between writing sessions. Custom colors created
with the Font and Fill dropdown menu ‘More Colors’ option are not saved.
References
The Reference dialog allows you to enter your references data into the footnotes of your blocks.
Reference Type: A drop-down menu where you select the reference type for the data you will enter in
the element fields. Each reference type can have difference reference elements to describe the parts of
a reference. Writer’s Blocks includes templates for several reference types. You can edit these
reference types by clicking on the ‘Edit Reference Type’ button.
Reference Number: Click the arrows to select from existing reference numbers. The single right and left
arrows step you through your references. The double-left button will take you to the first Reference
Type while the double-right button will take you to the last Reference Type. When you click the right-
arrow to an empty reference number, you will be asked if you want to create new reference entry.
Edit Reference Type Button: Launches the Edit Reference dialog where you can specify how the selected
Reference Type is to be formatted
New Reference Type Button: Launches the Create New Reference dialog allowing you to specify the
reference elements of the new reference type and to specify how the reference type is to be formatted.
Reference Elements: Each reference type can have up to fifteen reference elements. Enter the
appropriate data in each reference field next to the reference element name. A scroll bar on the right of
the dialog allows access to all fifteen elements.
Reference Style: A preview of the edited reference is displayed based on the reference elements and
reference type settings and formatting. The preview is updated in real-time as you edit and format
reference elements.
Add: Click this button to insert the selected reference into the footnote of the current block.
OK: Click ‘OK’ to save all of the changes to your references.
Cancel: Click ‘Cancel’ to discard all of the changes to your references.

Editing a reference type will change the reference element for all references using that reference type.
However, references already inserted into blocks are not updated to use the modified reference type.
To update a block’s reference, reinsert the reference.
Edit Reference Type

Clicking on the ‘Edit Reference Type’ button in the References dialog, displays the Edit Reference Type
dialog.
Reference Type: Edit the name of the reference type to describe the type of source material you will
enter for the reference.
Reference Elements: Each reference type can have up to fifteen reference elements. A scroll bar on the
right of the dialog allows access to all fifteen elements.
Field [1-15]: Field name - Enter a description name for each reference field.
Format: This setting determines how each element of the reference will be formatted when combined
with other elements to form the complete reference. Use the Format drop-down to select from the
following choices: None, Bold, Italic, Underline, and various combinations.
Enclosure: This setting determines how each element of the reference is enclosed when combined to
form the complete reference. Use the Separator drop-down to select from the following choices: None,
Quotes, Parentheses, Brackets.
Separator: This setting determines how each element of the reference is separated from the other
elements when combined to form the complete reference. Use the Separator drop-down to select from
the following choices: Period, Comma, Colon, Semi-colon, Hyphen, Underscore, and Equals sign.
Color: This setting determines the color of each element of the reference in the complete reference.
Use the Color drop-down to select from the following choices: Black, Blue, Green, Cyan, Red, Magenta,
Yellow, White, Gray, Light Blue, Light Green, Light Cyan, Light Red, Light Magenta, Light Yellow, and
Bright White.
All Checkbox: When the ‘All’ checkbox under a column is checked, selecting a setting from any drop-
down applies the selected setting to all elements of the reference.
Reference Style: A preview of the edited reference is displayed based on the reference elements and
reference type settings and formatting. The preview is updated in real-time as you edit and format
reference elements.
OK: Click ‘OK’ to save all of the changes to your references.
Cancel: Click ‘Cancel’ to discard all of the changes to your references.
Create New Reference Type

Clicking on the ‘Edit Reference Type’ button in the References dialog, displays the New Reference Type
dialog. This dialog is identical to the Edit Reference Type dialog except it is used to create a new
reference type instead of editing an existing reference type.
Insert Group
Image
Clicking on the ‘Image’ button displays the standard Windows File dialog to allow you to select a graphic
to import into a block. Writer’s Blocks lets you import images of the following file types:
JPEG (*.jpg)
Bitmaps (*.bmp)
GIF Images (*.gif)
Note: Although blocks may contain images, graphics in blocks are not printed. Images will be converted
to the manuscript where images will be printed.
Insert Symbol
Clicking the ‘Symbol’ button launches the Symbol dialog displaying the symbols associated with the
current font. Select the symbol you wish to insert and then click on the ‘Insert’ button to place the
symbol at the insertion point of the current block.
Chapter 9 The Column/Links Tab 83
CHAPTER 9 THE COLUMNS/LINKS TAB

The column and link tab commands are available when the Block menus active.
Column Properties Group
Show/Hide Columns
This command toggles the display of the column borders. This command’s caption changes depending
on whether or not the columns are currently displayed. If columns are visible the caption will be 'Hide
Columns' and conversely if the columns are hidden, the caption will be 'Show Columns'.
Column Font
Displays the Font dialog box where you can choose a new font for the whole column heading or selected
portion of the column heading. If no text is selected, the new font is applied to all text of the column
heading.
Column Color
Displays the Color dialog box where you can modify the column border color for the current column.
The Column Color command displays the Windows color selection dialog.
This commands is only enabled when a column heading is selected.
To change border color for all columns use the Writer’s Blocks Options dialog from the Application menu
and choose the Column Defaults group.
Column Options Group
Select Column
Selects all blocks in the current column. Click anywhere on the column heading to select it and then
click on ‘Select Column’ from the Column Options group. After issuing the Select Column command, the
blocks of the current column will be highlighted in gray indicating that they are selected. You may then
perform operations such as formatting, moving, and deleting blocks.
Insert Column
Inserts a blank, new column before the currently selected column. To insert a column, click in the
heading of the column where you wish to insert a new column. Clicking the ‘Insert Column’ command
shifts all columns (and blocks) one column to the right to make room for the inserted column.
Delete Column
Deletes the currently selected column and moves all blocks in the deleted column (and subsequent
columns) one column to the left. Any blocks in the column will be placed in the previous column on top
of any existing blocks in the previous column. To delete a column and all of its blocks, delete the blocks
first and then delete the column.
Linking Group
Links are visual relationships between blocks. This relationship is shown by drawing a line between
linked blocks. When you move a linked block, all links to it are re-drawn. A block can be linked to any
number of blocks. If you delete a block that is linked, all links to it will be deleted.
Add Link
Allows you to add a link between and two blocks. When you choose the Add Link command, the mouse
pointer changes to links of a chain:
Click on the block you wish to link from. You must click in the text area of the block (not the footnote
area).
Click on the target block’s text area. A link will be drawn between the two blocks. An optional
arrowhead at the middle of the link will indicate the direction of the link.
Delete Link
Allows you to delete links to and from the current block. When you choose the Delete Link command,
the mouse pointer changes to broken links of a chain with cross-hairs.
A red delete square appears near the midpoint of each link to and from the current block. Position the
cross-hairs over the delete square of the link you wish to delete and left-click to delete the link. Press
the ‘ESC’ key to exit the Delete Links command.
Tip: The delete squares may be obscured by other blocks. You may have to reposition blocks in order
to delete links.
Linking Properties Group
Hide/Show Links
Toggles the display of links. Links must be displayed to be printed. Links are only shown to and from
blocks that are visible. Links to and from hidden blocks are not displayed.
Link Style
Displays the Link Settings dialog allowing you to set the attributes of new links:
Select the link style, line weight, and arrow style of your choice and click ‘OK’ or click ‘Cancel’ to discard
your changes.
Link Color
Displays the Color selection dialog allowing you to set the color of new links. The Link Color command
displays the Windows color selection dialog:
Select a color and click ‘OK’ or click ‘Cancel’ to discard your changes. All new links will be drawn in the
new link color. You cannot change the color of existing links.
Chapter 10 The Display Tab 89
CHAPTER 10 THE DISPLAY TAB

The Display tab contains commands affecting the display or your blocks or manuscript. The Display tab
contains different commands depending on whether you are working in the Blocks Panel or Manuscript
Panel.
BLOCK MENUS
Block Group
Arrange Blocks
The Arrange Blocks command allows you to quickly and neatly order your blocks. Arrange Blocks can be
selected from the Ribbon or by clicking on the Arrange Blocks Power Tool.
The Arrange Blocks function orders the blocks within each column from top to bottom. Blocks are
equally spaced without any overlap. Writer’s Blocks considers a block to be within a column if the center
of the block falls within the column border, even if the columns are not displayed.
The keyboard shortcut for Arrange Blocks is CTRL+B.
Level Blocks
The Level Blocks command arranges the blocks so that each block contains the number blocks you input
in the Level Blocks dialog.
When you select ‘Level Blocks’ you will be prompted to enter the number of blocks you want in each
column.
Display Group
The Display Group menu items change for Block Panel and Manuscript Panel.
QuickView
QuickView will display the contents of any block in the Power Panel simply by moving the mouse pointer
over a block. If the Power Panel is hidden, QuickView is not available.
While QuickView is active, the mouse cursor changes to a magnifying glass.
When the mouse cursor is hovered over a block, the contents of the block are displayed in the Power
Panel.
Press ESC or click on any block to end QuickView.
Tip: To easily get an overview of your entire file, make your blocks small (Block Zoom set to 100% or
less) and use Quick View to view the contents of your blocks.
Display Blocks
This command launches the Display Blocks dialog which allows you to control which blocks are visible.
You can select individual blocks by their title or select a group of blocks by their style.
The Show Blocks list on the left contains the titles of all hidden blocks. The Hide Blocks list on the right
contains the titles of all visible blocks.
Show Blocks - To make a block visible, select the block title in the Show Blocks list and click the Show
button. The selected block will be displayed and its title will move to the Hide Blocks list. You may also
make a block visible by double-clicking on its title in the Show Blocks list box.
You may select multiple block titles in the Show Blocks list by holding down the SHIFT key to select
consecutive block titles or by holding down the CTRL key to select non-consecutive block titles. Click the
Show button to display the selected blocks.
To make all blocks with a particular style visible, select the style name in the By Style drop-down and
click the Show button. All blocks with the selected style will be displayed and their titles will appear in
the Hide Blocks list.
To show all hidden blocks in your document, click the Show All button. All blocks will be displayed and
their titles will appear in the Hide Blocks list box.
Hide Blocks - To hide a block, select the block title in the Hide Blocks list and click the Hide button. The
selected block will be hidden and its title will appear in the Show Blocks list. You may also hide a block
by double-clicking on its title in the Hide Blocks list.
You may select multiple block titles in the Hide Blocks list by holding down the SHIFT key to select
consecutive block titles or by holding down the CTRL key to select non-consecutive block titles. Click the
Hide button to hide the selected blocks.
To hide all blocks with a particular style, select the style name in the By Style drop-down and click the
Hide button. All blocks with the selected style will be hidden and their titles will appear in the Show
Blocks list box.
To hide all visible blocks in your document click the Hide All button. All blocks will be hidden and their
titles will appear in the Show Blocks list box.
Home
This command resets the Block Panel workspace to the Home position with the top of the first column in
the upper left-hand corner of the screen.
Remember that your Writer's Blocks display has a working area referred to as the "neutral area" to the
left and above the home position. Because of this neutral area, the scroll boxes will not be at the ends
of the scroll bars when returning to the Home position.
The Home command can also be performed by clicking on the Home command in the Power Panel.
End
The command resets the Block Panel workspace so that the last block in the active document is in the
center of the panel.
The Home command can also be performed by holding down the CTRL key and clicking the Home
command in the Power Panel.
Bookmarks
A bookmark identifies a block that you name for future reference. Bookmarks allow you to identify
specific blocks in your document so that you can find them easily later. Instead of scrolling through the
Block Panel to locate the block, you can go to it by using the Bookmark dialog. Selecting the ‘Bookmarks’
command will open the Bookmark dialog with the current block’s title in the Bookmark title field.
Existing bookmark names are displayed in the list box below. Edit the Bookmark Title to add meaningful
information and click on the Add button to create a new bookmark.
Alternatively, you can add a Bookmark by holding down the CTRL key while right-clicking on the text
area of a block.
The Add Bookmark dialog is displayed. The title of the block being bookmarked is the default name for
the bookmark. Edit the bookmark name or click ‘OK’ to accept the block title as the bookmark name.
The new Bookmark is added and the Add Bookmark dialog is closed.
To delete a bookmark select the Bookmark you wish to delete in the list box and click the Delete button.
The selected bookmark will be deleted and removed from the list of bookmarks.
To navigate to a bookmarked block, select the bookmark you wish to find and click the Go To button.
The bookmarked block will be panned to the center of the Block Panel.
Zoom Group
The Zoom drop-down list allows you to set the block zoom of the current document. This controls how
big the blocks are. You may select a block zoom from the drop-down list or you may enter a block zoom
amount directly in the text box to be left of the drop-down button. The range of the zoom setting is
50% to 999%.
Panels Group
The Panels group allows you to control the display of the Block, Manuscript, and Power Panels.
Block Panel
This command causes only Block Panel to be displayed and maximizes it to fill the Writer’s Blocks
workspace.
Split Panels
This command displays the Block Panel on the left side of the workspace and the Manuscript Panel on
the right. The two panels are separated by the splitter bar. By dragging the splitter bar left or right you
can control how much of each panel is displayed.
of the Ribbon by the Menu Indicator tab. [Note that this tab has no buttons]. To make a panel active,
click anywhere in that panel.
Manuscript Panel
This command causes only Manuscript Panel to be displayed and maximizes it to fill the Writer’s Blocks
workspace.
Show/Hide Power Panel

Allows you to toggle the display of the Power Panel in the Block Panel. This item is not available when
the Manuscript Panel is active. To hide the Power Panel in the Manuscript Panel, click on the Close
button in the upper right corner of the Power Panel.
Background Color
Allows you to set the Block Panel background color using the standard Windows color selection dialog.
Select the desired color and click ‘OK’ or ‘Cancel’.
Appearance Group
The Appearance Group allows you to choose between the Writer’s Blocks 3 Classic Menus or the new
Writer’s Blocks 4 Ribbon Menus.
Classic Menu
Select the ‘Classic Menus’ button to use the drop-down menu and toolbars found in Writer’s Blocks 3.
The Classic Menus only have commands for functions found in Writer’s Blocks 3. Refer to version 3 for
documentation of these menus.
Ribbon Menu
Click the Ribbon Menus command to use the Microsoft®Office Fluent™ user interface also known as the
Ribbon menu system. Commands that are new in Writer’s Blocks 4 can only be executed from the
Ribbon menus.
MANUSCRIPT MENU
Page Group
There are three ways to display your manuscript on screen:
Normal
This view does not display page borders or the margins. This view is useful when referencing your
blocks while editing the manuscript.
Page Layout
This view displays the document's pages on the blue manuscript panel background. In this view you can
see the page margins of the document, with the edges of the paper displayed. This view is useful when
editing your manuscript full screen.
Page Fit
This view displays the manuscript text formatted to fit the width of the Manuscript Panel. The
manuscript is displayed with no margins and with pages temporarily word wrapped to fit the width of
the panel. This view is useful when referencing your manuscript while editing your blocks.
Document status information is displayed in the status bar at the bottom of the screen in all views.
Display Group
Headers and Footers

Headers and footers are lines of text that appear at the top or bottom of every page. Headers and
footers may include page numbers, filename, date and time. Selecting ‘Headers and Footers ‘from the
Display tab of the Manuscript menu allows you to edit and format headers and footers in your
manuscript.
When you select Headers and Footers, a header window opens allowing you to enter your header text.
The Header/Footer Toolbar will be displayed below the Ribbon. The toolbar allows you to insert codes
to display the current page number, total number of pages, current date, current time and filename. To
enter Footer information, click on the ‘Switch’ icon or double-click on the footer area at the bottom of
any page.
Page
Number Date Filename Switch
Total Time Properties Close

Pages
The Properties icon allows you to specify the distance from the page border of the Header or Footer.
Click on the ‘Close’ icon when you are finished formatting your Header and/or Footer or click elsewhere
in your document.
Grid Lines
Selecting ‘Grid Lines’ from the Display tab of the Manuscript menu toggles the display of grid lines
displayed around all tables that you have inserted in your manuscript. Gridlines help distinguish the
cells of a table when a table is not formatted with borders. Note that grid lines are not printed and are
merely used as an aide when editing your manuscript. Use borders to display printable lines around
your tables and cells.
The widths of table columns can be adjusted by dragging the grid lines; however, it is not necessary to
have grid lines displayed to adjust column widths by dragging. Hovering over the edge of a cell or table
will change the mouse pointer to a left-arrow/right-arrow pointer indicating you may resize a cell by
clicking dragging a border of a cell.
Zoom
The Zoom drop-down list allows you to set the zoom of your manuscript. You may select a manuscript
zoom from the drop-down list or you may enter a zoom value directly in the text box to be left of the
drop-down button. The range of the manuscript zoom setting is 25% to 300%.
Panels Group
The Panels group allows you to control the display of the Block, Manuscript, and Power Panels.
Block Panel
This command causes only Block Panel to be displayed and maximizes it to fill the Writer’s Blocks
workspace.
Split Panels
This command displays the Block Panel on the left side of the workspace and the Manuscript Panel on
the right. The two panels are separated by the splitter bar. By dragging the splitter bar left or right you
can control how much of each panel is displayed.
of the Ribbon by the Menu Indicator tab. [Note that this tab has no buttons]. To make a panel active,
click anywhere in that panel.
Manuscript Panel
This command causes only Manuscript Panel to be displayed and maximizes it to fill the Writer’s Blocks
workspace.
Show/Hide Group
This group allows you to toggle the display of paragraph marks, the status bar and the ruler. These
commands are only for the Manuscript Panel.
Paragraph Marks
Selecting’ Paragraph Marks’ toggles the display of formatting characters such as paragraph marks, tabs,
and spaces.
Status Bar
Selecting ‘Status Bar’ toggles the display of the Status Bar at the bottom of the Manuscript Panel.
Current Cursor
Page/Total Position
Current Manuscript
Line Zoom
Ruler
Selecting ‘Ruler’ toggles the displays of the ruler which indicates the margin, indent, and tab settings for
the current paragraph. You can change the formatting of a paragraph by dragging the margin, indent, or
tab indicators to a new location using the mouse.
Tab Left Left Center Right Right

Type Margin Tab Tab Tab Margin
Mouse
Tab Hanging Decimal
Pointer
Location Indent Tab
To change the margins of a paragraph drag the margin indicator to the position you desire.
To add a tab stop using the ruler, click the ruler at the location where you want a tab stop.
To change the type of tab justification to be inserted (left, center, right, decimal, and right border), click
the ‘Tab Type’ icon in the upper left corner of the ruler.
To move a tab stop, drag it to a new position.
To delete a tab stop using the ruler, drag it off of the ruler using the mouse.
The unit of measure for the ruler is inches.
Appearance Group
The Appearance Group allows you to choose between the Writer’s Blocks 3 Classic Menus or the new
Writer’s Blocks 4 Ribbon Menus.
Classic Menu
Select the ‘Classic Menus’ button to use the drop-down menu and toolbars found in Writer’s Blocks 3.
The Classic Menus only have commands for functions found in Writer’s Blocks 3. Refer to version 3 for
documentation of these menus.
Ribbon Menu
Click the Ribbon Menus command to use the Microsoft®Office Fluent™user interface also known as the
Ribbon menu system. Commands that are new in Writer’s Blocks 4 can only be executed from the
Ribbon menus.
Chapter 11 The Options Tab 103
CHAPTER 11 THE OPTIONS TAB
Automatic Group
Clicking on the Dialog Box Launcher in the Automatic Group will display the Writer’s Blocks Options
dialog (which can also be accessed from the Application menu).
AutoArrange
Selecting ‘AutoArrange’ toggles the AutoArrange option on and off. When AutoArrange is on, blocks are
evenly spaced in columns every time a block is moved. This is helpful when dragging and dropping
blocks. If you drop a block between two existing blocks, the existing blocks will be moved to make room
for the new block.
After turning this option on, blocks will be arranged the next time that a block is moved.
When AutoArrange is on, the Blocks per Column preference is ignored when adding new blocks. This is
to prevent unexpected movement of blocks between columns while you are rearranging existing blocks.
It is recommended that you don’t have AutoArrange on while you are in the beginning stages of creating
your document (i.e. adding a lot of blocks) for this reason.
Note that this is different from the Arrange Blocks command which arranges your blocks one time when
the command is selected. The AutoArrange option will continually arrange blocks as you move them.
Tip: Clicking on the ‘AutoArrange’ option switch in the status area of the Power Panel will also turn
this option on and off. It will appear in red text when on.
AutoNumber
Selecting ‘AutoNumber’ toggles the AutoNumber option on and off. When AutoNumber is turned on, all
blocks are numbered consecutively based on position, top to bottom, within each column and left to
right across columns. Blocks are renumbered each time blocks are rearranged. Blocks are renumbered
based on the block defaults (Application MenuWriter’s Blocks OptionsBlock Defaults).
To prevent a block from bring renumbered, you can lock a block title (Blocks tabBlock Properties and
clicking on the Dialog Box Launcher).
Tip: Clicking on the ‘AutoNumber’ option switch in the status area of the Power Panel will also turn
this option on and off. It will appear in red text when on.
AutoCenter
Selecting ‘AutoCenter’ toggles the AutoCenter option on and off. When AutoCenter is on, the display is
panned so that the current block is always in the center of the Blocks Panel. This allows you to tab
through your blocks without having to adjust your display using the scroll bars to keep the current block
in view.
With Split Panels displayed, clicking on a Blockmark (block title) in the Manuscript Panel moves the Block
Panel display, centering the corresponding block to the center of the display area, making it the current
block.
Tip: Clicking on the ‘AutoCenter’ option switch in the status area of the Power Panel will also turn this
option on and off. It will appear in red text when on.
AutoMax
Selecting ‘AutoMax’ toggles the AutoScroll option on and off. AutoMax temporarily makes the size of
the current block large only while it is the current block.
AutoSize
Selecting AutoSize toggles the AutoSize option on and off. When AutoSize is turned on, each block is
sized to display all of the text in the block. As you type in a block with AutoSize on, the block will be
resized as you type to display all of the text in the block.
Tip: Clicking on the ‘AutoSize’ option switch in the status area of the Power Panel will also turn this
option on and off. It will appear in red text when on.
AutoType Group
AutoType
Selecting ‘AutoType’ toggles the AutoType option on and off. The AutoType function automatically
completes words you have used previously in your document. Unlike other programs, you are not
required to create a list of words that you want completed automatically. Writer’s Blocks uses all the
words in your blocks and manuscript as your word list.
Once you have typed the minimum number of letters (as specified in AutoType settings), Writer’s Blocks
compares what you have typed to words already in your document. If a match is found, the remaining
characters of the first matching word in the word list are inserted into your document and are
highlighted in a user-selected color.
To accept the suggestion, press the ENTER key to accept the suggested word or stop typing for a
moment (a user-specified amount of time) to automatically accept the suggested word. If the
suggestion is not correct, simply keep typing and the suggestion will be removed.
A User Word List can be created to store frequently used words or phrases. This list can be saved along
with other preferences for use with future documents.
Click on the Dialog Box Launcher on the AutoType Group of the Ribbon’s Options tab to adjust the
AutoType settings.
The AutoType Settings dialog allows you to adjust the following settings:
AutoComplete Delay Time-The duration of time before the suggested word will be automatically
accepted. This setting can range from 0.1 to 5.0 seconds in 0.1 second increments.
Minimum Number of Characters – The minimum number of characters that are required to detect a
word match. This setting ranges from 3-9 characters.
Minimum Word Length – The minimum number of characters that a word must have to be suggested as
a word. This setting ranges from 3-14 characters.
Add Word Key - You can add words to the User Word list while working in your document. Highlight the
word using the mouse and then press the designated Add Word Key on the keyboard. You will be
prompted to confirm your addition to the User word list. You may select one of the following keys to be
your Add Word Key: \ | / ` ~
AutoType Word Source – Click on the ‘Show’ button to display the words in the AutoType Word List.
The AutoType Word List is created when AutoType is turned on. You may choose the source of the
words by selecting from the drop-down list to the right of the Show button.
Double-click on a word in the AutoType Word list to add it to the User Word List (see User Word List
below). You may choose any combination of User Word List, Blocks, or Manuscript. Double-clicking on a
word will add it to the Word List.
Tip: To quickly build your AutoType list from an existing document, import or paste the document into
the Manuscript Panel and turn AutoType on.
Color–Select the color of the inserted portion of the suggested word. Clicking the ‘Color’ button displays
the Color dialog. Select a color and click ‘OK’ or click ‘Cancel’ to discard your changes. The current color
is shown to the left of the Color button.
User Word List -This is your own list of frequently used words or phrases that you would like to use with
the AutoType feature. The User Word List is saved with your file. Click on ‘Save As Defaults’ to save the
User Word List and make it available to all of your Writer’s Blocks documents.
Since AutoType will only find single word matches in your document, multi-word phrases must be
entered into the User Word List. For example, if you type the city ‘Tallahassee, Florida’ then the next
time you typed ‘Talla’ (with Minimum Number of Characters set to 5) then the AutoType feature would
recognize the match and complete the word Tallahassee. If you wanted the AutoType function to insert
the phrase ‘Tallahassee, Florida’ it must be entered into the word list to instruct the AutoType function
to complete the phrase using both words.
AutoType always searches the User Word List before searching the words in the blocks and manuscript.
Add - To add a word to the User Word List, enter the word in the Add Word Text field to the left of the
Add button. Press ENTER or click on the Add button.
Delete - To delete a word from the User Word List, select the word from the User Word List and click the
Delete button. Words may also be deleted by double-clicking on the word in the list.
To confirm your changes, click the ‘OK’ button. To discard your changes, click Cancel.
AutoScript Group
AutoScript
AutoScript uses the standard Tab & Enter screenplay formatting system to assist with script and
screenplay development. AutoScript stores character names, scene descriptions, and other screenplay
elements for automatic insertion, similar to the AutoType function.
Selecting ‘AutoScript’ toggles the AutoScript option on and off. When typing with AutoScript turned on,
Writer’s Blocks determines the current screenplay element based on the current paragraph margins.
AutoScript stores new screenplay elements as you type them and recalls stored elements for automatic
insertion into your script.
The TAB and ENTER keys are used to move between screenplay elements in logical order based on the
rules of screenplay formatting. When changing to a new screenplay element, Writer’s Blocks displays a
popup list of previously entered slug lines, scene locations, character names, time elements, extensions,
and transitions for insertion into your script.
Typing the first few unique characters of an entry in the list will cause the matching word to be
completed in your script at the insertion point. To accept the suggested word, press the ‘Enter’ key. You
can also insert a word by clicking on the word in the list and then pressing Enter. Additionally, you can
simply double click on a word in the list.
Typing additional characters that do not match any words in the list causes the list to be hidden and the
word suggestion removed from your script. Pressing ENTER moves you to the next element and stores
the last element entered in the appropriate list.
You can also enter screenplay elements directly in the element lists using the Script Settings dialog.
Select the AutoScript Dialog Box Launcher to display the Script Settings dialog.
The Script Settings dialog is used to create and edit script element lists and adjust screenplay element
margins. The default settings are the widely accepted element names and margins for a submission
script also known as a spec script.
When AutoScript is turned on the Styles drop-down can be used to format the different screenplay
elements. Select the text you wish to format and choose the screenplay format you wish to apply from
the Styles drop-down.
The selected text will be formatted with the paragraph margins for the screenplay element (scene,
character, dialog, etc.) you choose.
Manuscript Group
AutoScroll
Selecting AutoScroll toggles the AutoScroll option on and off. AutoScroll is an option that makes it easy
to work with both your blocks and manuscript in Split Panel mode. When you click on a block with
AutoScroll on, the Manuscript will scroll to the corresponding Blockmark in the Manuscript Panel.
AutoSync
Selecting AutoSync toggles the AutoSync option on and off. When AutoSync is on, moving a block will
cause the blockmarked text in your manuscript to be rearranged to match the new order of your blocks.
CAUTION: Save your work before executing this command on complex documents. This will provide
you with a pre-synchronized file in case you experience results that are unexpected to you.
SYNCHRONIZATION CANNOT BE UNDONE.
Convert Group
Convert Blocks to Manuscript

Once you are ready to begin developing your outline into the completed document, the contents of your
blocks can be copied into the Manuscript Panel.
The ‘Convert Blocks to Manuscript’ command will copy the text in your blocks or selected blocks to the
manuscript. If the manuscript already contains text, you will be asked, “Do you want to replace all of
the text in your manuscript?” If you click ‘Yes’, all of the text in the manuscript will be overwritten. If
you click ‘No’, the text will be added after the insertion point in the Manuscript. Click ‘Cancel’ to cancel
the conversion of blocks to manuscript.
When converting blocks to manuscript, a copy of the text from each block (title and text) is placed
sequentially in the manuscript panel with the original block formatting. The title of each block is placed
on a line with the text of the block placed on the line below. The title of the next block is separated from
the previous block by a blank line. Each of the block titles in the manuscript contains a Blockmark that is
the link to the original block. If you delete the block title in the manuscript, then it will no longer be
linked to the corresponding block.
If columns are displayed, the heading of each column is copied to the manuscript panel in sequence with
your blocks. Once the blocks are converted to the manuscript, the text in the blocks remains
independent from the text in the manuscript. Each can be edited without changing the other.
Footnote text is not copied to the manuscript in-line with block text, but is optionally placed at the end
of your manuscript. You will be prompted to create end notes at the end of your document. If you click
‘Yes’, all of the footnote text from your blocks will be copied to the end of the manuscript. If you click
‘No’, footnote text will not be added to the manuscript. You can also convert block footnotes
independently using the ‘Convert Footnotes to End Notes’ command.
During conversion, Split Panels are displayed so that you can see the result of the conversion.
Convert Footnotes to End Notes

This command copies the text in each block footnote to the end of the manuscript. A pop up window
will appear, asking you to confirm that you want to create end noted. If you click ‘Yes’, all of the
footnote text from your blocks will be copied to the end of the manuscript. If you click ‘No’, footnote
text will not be added to the Manuscript.
During conversion, Split Panels are displayed so that you can see the result of the conversion.
Convert Manuscript to Blocks

The Convert Manuscript to Blocks function was designed to allow you to transfer existing notes or
outlines from other programs into blocks. You can convert imported documents to blocks using the
Convert Manuscript to Blocks. You can also convert a manuscript containing blockmarks back to blocks.
Converting an Imported Manuscript to Blocks

You can import an existing document created with another program into the Manuscript Panel and
converted to blocks.
Converting an imported document
For conversion of an imported document, each section of your imported document that you want in a
separate block should be separated by two blank lines (also known as triple spaced). You will be
prompted to indicate whether or not your manuscript contains titles. If you answer ‘Yes’, the first line of
text in each triple spaced paragraph will be used as the block title. If you answer ‘No’, the default block
title will be used.
Conversion to blocks will replace the text in each block with the corresponding manuscript text. The
function will create blocks as required to complete the conversion to blocks.
Block titles in your manuscript (or the first line of text of each section) will have blockmarks to
corresponding blocks in the Block Panel
Converting a screenplay
Turn AutoScript on to convert a screenplay into blocks. Writer’s Blocks will use scene descriptions
beginning with ‘INT.’ and ‘EXT.’ to distinguish between scenes of a screenplay, placing each scene in a
separate block.
You will be prompted to answer whether or not to use scene descriptions as block titles. If you answer
‘Yes’, lines beginning with beginning with ‘INT.’ and ‘EXT.’ will become block titles. If you answer ‘No’,
the default block title will be used.
Lines beginning with ‘INT.’ and ‘EXT.’ in the manuscript (or the first line of text of each section) will be
have blockmarks to corresponding blocks in the Block Panel.
Converting a Blockmarked Manuscript to Blocks

You can convert a manuscript (that was converted from blocks) back to blocks, if the manuscript
contains blockmarks. Each blockmarked section of the manuscript will be placed in the corresponding
blockmarked block.
Conversion to blocks will replace the text in each block with the corresponding manuscript text.
Blockmarks will replace block titles.
Chapter 12 The Manuscript Tab 113
CHAPTER 12 THE MANUSCRIPT TAB
The Manuscript tab is only enabled when using the Manuscript Menus. Some Manuscript commands
can also be selected directly from the Home tab of the Ribbon.
Format Options Group
Font
The Font command displays the manuscript Font dialog which allows you to change the font of selected
text or specify the font for all new text you type after the location of the insertion point. The manuscript
Font dialog also allows you to use subscripts and superscripts in your document.
Paragraph
The Paragraph command displays the Paragraph dialog. Use this dialog to set the line spacing,
paragraph alignment, as well as left and right indents. You may also specify the distance between the
top of the current paragraph and the bottom of the previous paragraph and the bottom of current
paragraph and the top of the succeeding paragraph.
The ‘Frame and Page Breaks’ tab lets you add borders (frames) around a paragraph or several
paragraphs. You can also insert page breaks and control pagination.
Tabs
Selecting ‘Tabs’ displays the Tab dialog where you can specify the position and alignment of each tab
stop in a paragraph. The default tabs appear, with tabs every one-half inch.
To add a tab stop, enter the new tab stop position and then press the ‘Set’ button. Leading zeros are
required; you must enter 0.5 instead of .5. Select the desired alignment (Left, Center, Right or Decimal).
To clear tabs, select them from the list and click on the ‘Clear’ button. To clear all tabs, click the ‘Clear
All’ button.
Tabs may also be added and adjusted using the Manuscript Ruler.
To add a tab stop using the ruler, click the ruler at the location where you want a tab stop.
To change the type of tab justification to be inserted (left, center, right, decimal, and right border), click
the Tab Type icon in the upper left corner of the ruler.
To move a tab stop, drag it to a new position.
To delete a tab stop using the ruler, drag it off of the ruler using the mouse.
The unit of measure for the ruler is inches.
Bullets and Numbering

Displays a dropdown menu to select the type of bullets or numbers you want to add to your text. Select
the paragraphs you wish to number or bullet, before selecting this option.
Attributes
You can fully customize the way your bullets or numbers appear with the Bullets and Numbering dialog.
Bulleted/Numbered – Select the desired style of bullets/numbers.

Bullet/Number position – the distance between the left margin and the bullet or number. You must
enter a leading zero for values less than 1.0 (Example: 0.50).
Text position – Enter the distance the text is positioned from the bullet/number.
Separating character – Select the character you want to use to increase bullet/number level.
Level – The current maximum level of indent (from 1 to 10).
Bullet character – Select from the bullets displayed or click the ‘Other’ button to select a bullet from the
symbols list.
Size– Size of bullet.
Number format - Customize the way you want your numbering to appear.
Number style- select the desired style from the drop-down menu.
Start at - specifies the starting number
Text in front – selecting any desired characters (such as ‘#’) that you wish to appear before the number
Text after – selecting any desired characters that you wish to appear after the number
Increase/Decrease Level
Increases or decreases the indent level of the current number. You can also increase the level by
pressing the separating character. You can decrease the level by hitting the backspace key.
Remaining menu items

The remaining menu items allow you to insert bullets or numbering without using the Bullets and
Numbering dialog.
Select from:
1, 2, 3
A, B, C
a, b, c
I, II, III, IV
i, ii, iii, iv
Bullets
to use the default number and bullet formats.
Insert Page Break

This command displays the ‘Insert Break’ dialog. From this dialog you can insert a page break, section
break, or line break at the insertion point. The text following the insertion point will begin at the top of
the next page or section.
More Options Group

Headers and Footers

This command displays the Header/Footer tab of the Page Setup dialog allowing you to adjust the
header and footer settings. This dialog controls the layout of headers and footers in the manuscript.
The Design section of the dialog allows you to specify a different header and footer for the first page of
your document. This is useful, for example, when omitting a page number on a title page.
The Distance From edge settings control the location of the header and footer with respect to the top
and bottom edges of the page. You can enter any value from 0.25" to 2.0".
A toolbar below the Ribbon allows you to insert header and footer text by clicking on different icons.
The insertion point must be in the Header or Footer textbox to enable the toolbar. Moving the mouse
cursor over a button displays a brief description of its function.
Page
Number Date Filename
Total Time Switch Between

Pages Header & Footer
The Page Number, Total Pages, Date, Time, and Filename button insert codes which determine their text
automatically. For example, the Date code will display and print the current date in the header each
time the document is opened or printed. The date will be automatically updated.
The Font button displays the Font dialog allowing you to select the font used for the header and footer.
Header and footer formatting is the same throughout the manuscript.
Header and footer justification may be selected using the Paragraph commands or dialog.
Columns
This command displays the Columns tab of the Page Setup dialog allowing you to insert and adjust
columns in your manuscript.
Format Image
This command displays the ‘Image Attributes’ dialog allowing you to format the selected image. The
Image Attributes dialog has three tabs:
Layout and Position Tab
Select the desired word Wrapping Style and Position Style. You can also select the Horizontal Alignment
and Vertical Alignment of your image.
Size and Distance Tab

This tab allows you to manually enter the Size, Scale and Distance from text of the selected image. The
image can also optionally be set to be moveable and/or sizeable with the mouse.
Saving Options Tab

Select the desired Saving Style. If you choose ‘Export image and imbed file reference’, you can specify
the file name and file type of the image. Saving Options allows you to control the resolution and
compression quality of the image.
Format Text Frame

You can insert a text frame in your manuscript which is a box that holds text (see the Insert Group later
in this chapter). Once you have inserted a frame, you may wish to edit its attributes and you do this here
once you have selected a text frame. This command displays the Text Frame Attributes dialog which
allows you to format the selected text frame. A text frame is formatted by clicking on the frame border.
The Text Frame Attributes dialog has three tabs:
Layout and Position Tab
Select the desired Wrapping Style and Position Style. You can also select the Horizontal Alignment and
Vertical Alignment of your text frame.
Size and Distance Tab

This tab allows you to manually enter the Size, Scale and Distance from text of the selected text frame.
The text frame can also optionally be set to be moveable and/or sizeable with the mouse.
Frame and Color

From this tab you can set the background color of the text frame and width of the text frame (or turn off
the frame line). You can also set the distance of the text from the frame with the Internal Margin
settings.
Document Background Color

This command launches the standard Windows color dialog allowing you to set the background color of
the manuscript.
Insert Group
Symbol
This command displays the Insert Symbol dialog. Choose a font and symbol and click the ‘Insert’ button
to insert the symbol at the insertion point in the manuscript.
Hyperlink
You can insert hyperlinks into your document. When you click on hyperlinked text, you will
automatically be taken to the location that the text is linked to. This command displays the Hyperlinks
dialog. Enter the text you want to be hyperlinked in the ‘Linked Text’ field. This text will be displayed in
your manuscript. Enter the hyperlink (for example, a web address) in the ‘Link to’ field.
Click ‘OK’ to insert the hyperlink at the insertion point of the manuscript. Click ‘Cancel’ to discard the
hyperlink and close the dialog.
Image
This command displays the file Open dialog allowing you to choose an image to insert into your
manuscript. Select the desired file type from the drop-down menu near the bottom of the dialog.
Navigate to the desired image, click on its filename and then click the ‘Open’ button.
Text Frame
This command inserts a moveable, sizeable text frame at the insertion point. The text frame can be
formatted with the ‘Format Text Frame’ button which is also located in the More Options Group of the
Manuscript tab (described earlier in this chapter). A text frame can be sized and positioned using grips in
your manuscript.
Chapter 13 The Table Tab 131
CHAPTER 13 THE TABLE TAB

The Table tab allows you to insert, delete and format Tables in the manuscript. The Table tab options
will be grayed out in Block mode.
Insert Group
Table
Inserts a table into the manuscript. The Table Attributes dialog is displayed allowing you to enter the
number of rows and columns. Select the number of rows and columns and click ‘OK’ to insert the Table.
Column to the Left

Inserts a column to the left of the current column. The new column will be the same width as the
existing columns. You may have to make the existing columns narrower to accommodate the new
column.
Column to the Right

Inserts a column to the right of the current column. The new column will be the same width as the
existing columns. You may have to make the existing columns narrower to accommodate the new
column.
Row Above
Inserts a row above the current row. The new row will be the same height as the current row.
Row Below
Inserts a row below the current row. The new row will be the same height as the current row.
Delete Group
The Delete group allows you to delete the current table, or the current row or column. Select from the
following choices:
Table
Deletes the currently selected table.
Rows
Deletes the currently selected row a table.
Columns
Deletes the currently selected table column of a table.
Select Group
The Select group allows you to select the current table, current row or cell. Select from the following
choices:
Table
Selects the table containing the current insertion point.
Rows
Selects the row of a table containing the current insertion point.
Columns
Selects the column of a table containing the current insertion point.
Properties Group
Table Properties
Displays the Table Properties dialog allowing you to add borders to your tables (i.e. frames), set the
background color of a table cell, and set the vertical alignment and spacing of table text.
Frame and Color Tab
Click in the sample display to turn on frame lines. You may select the Line width with the pull down
menu.
Select the Background color and Cell Margins and click ‘OK’.
Size and Formatting

You can specify the cell height to be a specific height or select ‘Auto’ height. The Vertical Alignment can
be set to Top, Center or Bottom. You can also optionally allow rows to break across pages.
Grid Lines
The Grid Lines command toggles the display of grid lines displayed around all tables in your manuscript.
Gridlines help distinguish the cells of a table when a table is not formatted with borders. Note that grid
lines are not printed and are merely used as an aide when editing your manuscript. To use borders to
display printable lines around your tables and cells, use the Table Properties dialog.
The widths of table columns can be adjusted by dragging the grid lines, however, it is not necessary to
have grid lines displayed to adjust column widths by dragging. Hovering over the edge of a cell or table
will change the mouse pointer to a left-arrow/right-arrow pointer indicating you may resize a cell by
clicking dragging a border of a cell.
Chapter 14 The Tools Tab 137
CHAPTER 14 THE TOOLS TAB
The Tools tab contains commands for numbering, resizing, and sorting your blocks. It also contains
commands for spell checking your blocks and manuscript. Some tools are only available when using
Block menus or Manuscript menus.
Blocks Group
Number Blocks
This command allows you to renumber all or just some of your blocks or columns. The Renumber dialog
is displayed:
Choose either the Blocks or Columns radio button to indicate what will be renumbered. If columns are
hidden, the Columns radio button will be disabled.
Range – Select the range of blocks or columns to be renumbered. Choose from ‘All Blocks (Columns)’ or
‘Current to End’.
If a group of blocks is selected when the Renumber dialog is displayed, the Range drop-down list will
contain an option to renumber only ‘Selected Blocks’. This option allows you to renumber selected
blocks even though they do not appear consecutively.
Prefix - The text portion of the block or column title to use when renumbering. After renumbering your
blocks or columns, the Prefix becomes the default prefix for this document.
The Prefix can be blank.
Starting Number - The number of the first column or block being renumbered and can be any value (you
don't have to start with 1). The Starting Number can be blank.
Ending Number - Entering an Ending Number limits the range of blocks or columns that will be
renumbered.
For example, setting the Starting Number to 12 and the ending number to 17 causes 5 blocks to be
renumbered.
Leaving the Ending Number blank will cause all blocks or columns in the range to be renumbered in the
document from the starting number to the end of your document.
Increment–Enter the increment between renumbered blocks or columns. The increment can be set to
any numerical value. For example setting the starting number to 5 and the increment value to 5 would
renumber your blocks as follows: Minute 5, Minute 10, Minute 15, etc.
Override Locking - The override locking check box at the bottom of the dialog allows you to override
block titles previously set with the Block Properties dialog.
You can omit any combination of values in the dialog. For example, omitting the prefix results in
renumbering with just the numerical portion of the title or heading. Additionally, omitting the increment
value results in all blocks or columns having the same number. Omitting both the starting number and
increment results in blocks or columns without a number in the title or heading. Lastly, omitting all
values results in blocks or columns having no titles or headings.
Renumber Blocks
The Renumber command renumbers all of the blocks based on the Block title and number defaults set
using the Writer’s Blocks Options dialog (accessed from the Application menu).
Resize Blocks
The Resize Blocks command resizes each block to fit the current amount of text in each block. To resize
blocks as you type, turn on AutoSize.
Sort
You may sort your blocks in ascending or descending order by: Title, Text, Block Color, Font Name, Font
Size, Font Color or Font Style. The Sort dialog will be displayed allowing you to sort your blocks by
various block properties.
Under “Sort By", use the drop-down list to select the first parameter by which to sort your blocks.
In the "Then By" frame, use the drop-down list to select a second parameter by which to sort your
blocks, if desired.
When blocks are sorted, they are leveled using the Blocks per Column setting specified in the Writer’s
Blocks Options dialog (accessed from the Application menu).
If Block Titles have a text part and a numerical part, then each will be sorted separately.
For example:
Block 32, Block 1, Block 5
would be correctly sorted as
Instead of
which would result from a purely alphabetical sort.
Assign Keys
You can assign different words or phrases to function keys for quick insertion into your document.
It is possible to have up to 22 key assignments by using the SHIFT key along with each function (F10 and
SHIFT+F10 are not available).
The ‘Assign Keys’ dialog is displayed:
Enter the desired key you would like associated with each text box to the left of the function key. Key
assignments are saved within each file allowing you to have different key assignment for different
documents. Each key assignment may be up to 256 characters long.
Clicking the Copy to Clipboard button copies all of your key assignment to clipboard from which they can
be pasted into a text editor for printing and reference.
Blockmarks Group
A blockmark is a relationship between each block in the Block Panel and the corresponding text in the
Manuscript Panel. The relationship between a block and the manuscript text is maintained by a Blockmark.
Blockmarks are stored in the block titles of your manuscript. Please refer to Working with the Manuscript
in Chapter 4 for more information.
Go To Blockmark
This command will scroll the manuscript to the Blockmark of the current block. The current block must
have an associated blockmark to perform this function.
Tip: AutoScroll (OptionsAutoScroll) performs the Go To Blockmark function each time a different
block becomes current.
Insert Blockmark
This command creates a blockmark in your manuscript. A blockmark is a link in the manuscript to a
block. This is useful when you enter text in your manuscript that you would like to associate with a
block for fast reference.
Select the Split Panels display by clicking on the Split Panels button from the Display tab.
Make the block that you would like to blockmark current.
Select the manuscript text that you would like to associate with your block. If text in the manuscript is
not selected, the Block Title will be inserted as the Blockmark.
Click the ‘Insert Blockmark’ command it create the blockmark.
When your cursor is over the Blockmark in your manuscript, it will change to an arrow pointing upward.
Delete Blockmark
This command allows you to manually delete a Blockmark from your manuscript. Place the cursor
anywhere in the text of the Blockmark that you wish to delete (usually the block title).
Click the ‘Delete Blockmark’ command.
Clear All Blockmarks

This command deletes all blockmarks from your manuscript. When blockmarks are deleted, the
relationship between your blocks and your manuscript are removed. Functions such as AutoScroll,
AutoSync, and Synchronize cannot be performed after blockmarks are removed.
Tip: To remove block titles from your manuscript before exporting, save your file under a new
name, clear all blockmarks, and then export. Your exported file will be free of block titles but
you will still be able to backtrack and work with blockmarked blocks and your manuscript if
necessary.
When you use this command you will be asked confirm that you wish to delete all blockmarks in your
manuscript. Click ‘Yes’ to proceed or click ‘No’ to cancel.
If you click ‘Yes’, you will be asked if you wish to delete all blockmarked text in your manuscript.
Click ‘Yes’ to delete all blockmarked text in the manuscript. Click ‘No’ to remove only the blockmarks,
leaving the blockmarked text in your document.
Synchronize Manuscript to Blocks

This command rearranges your manuscript text to correspond with the current order of your blocks.
This is done by placing the manuscript Blockmarks and all text following each Blockmark, in the same
order as the associated blocks in the Block Panel.
CAUTION: Save your work before executing this command on complex documents. This will provide
you with a pre-synchronized file in case you experience results that are unexpected to you.
SYNCHRONIZATION CANNOT BE UNDONE.
Tip: The AutoSync function synchronizes your manuscript each time your blocks are rearranged.
Proofing Group
Spell Check
The Spell Check command checks the spelling of all words in your blocks or manuscript. When you are
in the Block Panel, the block titles, text, and footnotes are checked for spelling errors. When you are in
the Manuscript Panel the manuscript will be checked for spelling errors.
The Spell Check begins at the current insertion point. If a word is found that is not found in the
dictionary, it is highlighted and the Spelling dialog is presented. The sentence containing the
unrecognized word is displayed, with the unrecognized work in red. A list of suggested replacement
words may be presented in the Suggestions list.
You may select one of the suggestions by clicking on it or you may enter your own substitution,
replacing the red text. Click ‘Change’ to replace a single occurrence of the unrecognized word with the
selected suggestion or click ‘Change All’ to replace all occurrences of the unrecognized word with the
selected suggestion.
To ignore a single occurrence of the unrecognized word click the ‘Ignore’ button.
To ignore all occurrences of the unrecognized word click the ‘Ignore All’ button.
To add the unrecognized word to the spell check dictionary click the ‘Add’ button.
Click the ‘Options’ button to change spell check settings.
Click ‘Cancel’ to close the Spell Check dialog.
As you Spell Check your document, you can choose to ‘Ignore’ a word flagged as misspelled by the Spell
Check function. The word will no longer be flagged as misspelled during subsequent spell checks. The
Reset Ignore command will clear the list of ignored words, allowing them to be flagged as misspelled.
Thesaurus
The Thesaurus command displays the Thesaurus dialog containing a list of synonyms for the selected
word in a block or the manuscript. The selected word is displayed in the ‘Looked Up’ field of the dialog.
If a synonym for the selected word is found, a list of suggested replacement words may be presented in
the Replace With Synonym/Antonym list. To replace the selected word with the selected suggestion
click ‘Replace’.
Clicking on a word in the Replace With Synonym/Antonym list changes the suggested word in the
Replace With Synonym/Antonym textbox. Click the Look Up button or double click the word in the
synonym list to find synonyms for the selected suggestion. The new looked up word will be displayed in
the ‘Looked Up’ field of the dialog.
Spell As You Type

This command toggles the Spell As You Type function on and off. This function will spell check as you
type. If a word is not found in the dictionary, it will be underlined with a red jagged line. Right click to
display suggested spellings for the misspelled or unknown word. You may select a replacement from
the list or press the ESCAPE key to continue typing.
Word Count
The Word Count command displays statistics about the number of characters, words, lines, or
paragraphs in your blocks or in your manuscript. You can optionally choose to have the function report
statistics on selected blocks or text only.
Reset Ignore
As you Spell Check your document, words flagged as ‘Ignore’ will not be flagged as misspelled during
subsequent spell checks. The Reset Ignore command will clear the list of ignored words, allowing them
to be flagged as misspelled.
Chapter 15 The Window and Help Tab 147
CHAPTER 15 THE WINDOW AND HELP TAB

WINDOW TAB
Arrange Documents Group
Cascade
Cascades all open document windows.
Tile Horizontal
Tiles all open document windows horizontally.
Tile Vertical
Tiles all open document windows vertically.
Arrange Icons
Arranges minimized document icons.
Switch Windows List

Listing of all open document windows. Selecting a document makes it the active document.
HELP TAB
Writer’s Blocks Information Group
Writer’s Blocks Help

Displays the Writer’s Blocks User Guide. The user guide is an Adobe Acrobat® document, therefore you
must have Adobe Acrobat®installed on your computer to view the document.
Tips and Tricks

Displays the Writer’s Blocks Tips dialog. You can step through the tips using the next and previous
buttons. You can select to display tips when the program starts by checking the ‘Show tips at startup’
box. To close the dialog, click the Close button.
Chapter 15 The Window and Help Tab 149
About Writer’s Blocks

This command displays the About dialog which displays general information about Writer’s Blocks
including the program version number and your serial number. There are also links to the Writer’s
Blocks home page and the Writer’s Blocks Customer Support Page.
Please include your serial number when contacting us for support.
Learning Center
This command takes you to the Learning Center at www.writersblocks.com/wb4tutorials.htm. Here you
will find a variety of videos and web pages to help you learn to use Writer’s Blocks.

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Writer’s Blocks 4

Copyright  1994-2012 Ashley Software

WRITER’S BLOCKS END USER LICENSE AGREEMENT (EULA)

Ownership of the Software

Restrictions on Use and Transfer

5. You may not reverse engineer, decompile, or disassemble the Software.

11. This Agreement is governed by the laws of the State of California.

INFORMATION IN THIS PUBLICATION IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE.

Writer’s Blocks is a trademark of Ashley Software.

CONVERTING A MANUSCRIPT TO BLOCKS.......................................................................................................................................... 34

LEVEL BLOCKS ............................................................................................................................................................................ 70

ARRANGE BLOCKS ....................................................................................................................................................................... 89

CONVERT GROUP...................................................................................................................................................................... 110

GO TO BLOCKMARK .................................................................................................................................................................. 141

CHAPTER 1 BEFORE STARTING

Installing the Software

Editing the Serial Number

Deactivating the Software

CHAPTER 2 WHAT'S NEW IN 4

Drag and Drop Columns

Index Card Printing

CHAPTER 3 THE BASICS

Starting Writer's Blocks

To Exit Writer's Blocks

Saving Your File

You should save your documents frequently as you work.

Updating Writer’s Blocks

The Writer's Block

Writer’s Blocks Workspace

(Neutral Area shaded for illustration only)

The Power Panel

Power Panel Options:

Panel size at the bottom of the screen.

The Power Editor

Drag the splitter to reveal the footnote area.

The Power Tools

Add Block – Adds a new block below the current block.

CHAPTER 4 USING WRITER'S BLOCKS

The Writer’s Blocks Concept

How to Use Writer’s Blocks

2. Select the Add Block command from the Block tab.

3. Click on the Add Block command in the Power Panel:

4. Press the CTRL + A keyboard shortcut

Using Block Styles

(Neutral Area shaded for illustration only)

Working With Multiple Blocks

Selecting consecutive blocks:

Selecting all blocks:

Working with the Manuscript

Editing the Manuscript

Importing documents into Writer’s Blocks

Converting a manuscript to blocks

CHAPTER 5 THE WRITER'S BLOCKS MENUS

Using Right-Click Menus

CHAPTER 6 THE APPLICATION MENU

Font Overrides Tab

Index Card Tab

Block Print Preview

Recent File List

Writer’s Blocks Options

Block Defaults Group

Block Title Settings

Column Defaults Group

If the block being added