Entering Data in a Grid

The type of data that can be entered in a cell is usually evident from the column heading. However, leaving the mouse over a cell for a moment actives a ToolTip that provides additional information about the cell.

To update a cell, simply select it and begin typing, or click again within the cell to specify a text insertion point. Enter the new data for the cell, and then click with the mouse on the next cell to be edited or press the TAB key on your keyboard to advance to the next cell. If you make a mistake in a cell, the contents will turn red, but you can continue entering data in other cells. However, you will not be able to press the dialog box's OK button until the error is corrected. Assuming there are no errors, CIP RC/PT Girder will update the views in the graphic windows of the project as you edit each cell. This provides feedback much sooner and also simplifies sensitivity analysis.

Following is a list of the eight basic cell types that can be found in grids:

Textual Cells	These cells are used for entering text data and may have validation requirements, e.g., cells might represent component names, which must be unique and non-blank. If validation requirements are not met, the cell value displays in red and the OK button will be disabled until the error has been corrected.
Integer Cells	These cells are used for entering data in an integer format (i.e., no decimal point). CIP RC/PT Girder utilizes the regional settings of your computer to determine how numbers should be formatted. For example, 5280 will usually display as 5,280 in the United States, and -5280 will display as -5,280; if your regional settings specify parenthesis for negative numbers, then -5280 will display as (5,280). Refer to your documentation on the Microsoft® Windows® operating system for information on your regional settings. When entering/editing data, you can choose to follow these conventions or ignore them- CIP RC/PT Girder is quite flexible processing numeric input. However, as you leave a cell, the program reformats the value to the regional settings. If an entry contains non-numeric characters or is out of range, the field displays in red, indicating an error, and the OK button for the dialog box will be disabled until you correct the error.
Decimal Number Cells	These cells are used for entering data in a decimal format. CIP RC/PT Girder utilizes the regional settings of your computer to determine how numbers should be formatted. Refer to your documentation on the Microsoft® Windows® operating system for information on your regional settings. If an entry contains non-numeric characters or is out of range, the field displays in red, indicating an error, and the OK button for the dialog box will be disabled until you correct the error.
Stationing Number Cells	This cell type is a variation of the decimal number cell but adds a '+' symbol before the value's hundreds position. When you enter the value, the program automatically adds this symbol.
Bearing Number Cells	This cell type is used to enter angular values, in standard bearing format using N\|S degree [[minute] seconds] E\|W nomenclature. For example, a bearing of due north could be entered as N 0 E, N 0 0 0.00 E, or N 0 W. If an entry does not adhere to the formatting standards above, the field displays in red, indicating an error and the OK button for the dialog box will be disabled until you correct the error. These cells also support the keyword NORMAL to denote a normal or radial orientation or the command SKEW x.x where x.x is a positive or negative skew (from a normal) angle. These two methods of specifying angles makes it very easy to specify normal or skewed supports and have them not change if the alignment changes.
Drop-Down Lists	This cell type is used to make a selection from a predetermined set of values. You can activate the drop-down list by either clicking on the down arrow or pressing the space bar after selecting the cell. You can then use the arrow keys to move up and down the list or simply click on the desired item with the left mouse button. No validation is possible or needed on this type of cell.
Toggle Cells	These cells are used to represent a two-state switch. The current state is always described in the cell's label. Clicking the cell toggles its state and updates the label as well. No validation is possible or needed on this type of cell.
Button Cells	This cell type is generally used to open an auxiliary dialog box to capture data that does not change very often. The label of this type of button always includes an ellipsis (…) to indicate that a supplemental dialog box will be opened. No validation is possible or needed on this type of cell, although validation will probably occur within the auxiliary dialog box.