These properties define the text content displayed by a text-based element. You can add a single text item or create a play list of text items that will be displayed in sequence.

​
Managing the Play List

You can:
  • Add, edit, or remove text items.
  • Rearrange the order of play list items.
  • Use navigation buttons to browse through play list items.
  • View the total duration of all play list items.

​
Text-Based Play List Item Options

TypeDescription
TextDisplays static text directly entered into the element.
Text from Content LibraryReferences a text file stored in the PADS4 content library (recommended). Content is automatically synchronized across all PCs.
Text from FileReferences a text file outside the content library. These files must be manually distributed across PCs.
No TextCreates a pause in the play list, useful for timing adjustments.

​
Content

  • Directly enter static text or provide a file reference depending on the chosen type.
  • If using Text from File, ensure the file path is correct and accessible.

​
Duration

  • Specifies the display time (in seconds) for each text item or pause in the play list.
  • The timing determines how long the text remains visible before moving to the next item.

​
Effect

  • Select an incoming transition effect for each play list item.
  • Set the effect duration (in seconds).

​
Additional Considerations

  • Multi-Line Text Handling:
    • If entering multiple lines manually, press [Enter] to separate lines.
    • For text files, Data Source Text Conversion Properties determine how multi-line text is processed.
  • Real-Time Data Handling:
    • If the text element is connected to a data source, play list properties are disabled.
    • The element’s content will instead be determined by the real-time data feed.
  • Updating Text Files:
    • When using text files, only file references are included in the presentation.
    • If the text file is updated, the new content will be used during playback without modifying the presentation itself.