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Blocks

  
     
Anatomy of a Block

As discussed above, a block is a preformatted two-column table. The left hand cell in each block provides a space to write a block heading. This heading describes the information contained in a block. The right hand cell is used for text (the main body of your document).

Each block is separated by a block line. These provide visual cues to a reader as to where each block of information, or topic, starts and finishes.

 
Add a Block

There are a number of ways to add a block to a page. The simplest way is to use the Scribe menu.

To add a block to your page:

  1. Click Scribe on the menu bar. (The Scribe menu will open).
    2.
  2. In the Scribe menu, click Block. (A preformatted block will be added to the page).

You should now have a block on your page that looks like this.

Note the grey lines (gridlines) that define the outside of the block. If you can't see these lines, read the section above about displaying formatting.

 
Add a Block Line

Block lines define the start and end of each block of text when a document is printed.

To add a block line beneath a block:

  1. Click on the paragraph mark directly beneath the block.
  2. Click on Scribe on the menu bar. (The Scribe menu will open).
  3. In the Scribe menu, click Block Line. (A preformatted block line will be added to your page).
  
Shortcuts Keys to Create Blocks

The Scribe Template provides shortcut keys for creating blocks and block lines. The shortcut keys are:

Shortcut Key Page Element
Ctrl+Shift+B Block ('B' for Block)
Ctrl+Shift+L Block Line ('L' for Line)

To create a block using shortcut keys:

  1. Click in the left-hand margin at the location you want to add a block.
    2.
  2. Hit Ctrl+Shift+B.

To create a block line using shortcut keys:

  1. Click in the left-hand margin directly below the last block.
    2.
  2. Hit Ctrl+Shift+L.
  
Suggested Length for Blocks

The trick with writing blocks is to keep them short. As a general rule, each block should contain just a few paragraphs and be no longer than a third of a page. If a block is getting to half a page in length, you should think about splitting it into two or more smaller blocks.

Remember: You are trying to direct a reader to information you have on the page. The more blocks you use, the more block headings you get. And the more block headings you have, the more you can direct a reader.

 
Choosing a Block Heading

As mentioned above, each block of text you create on a page has a block heading. Block headings should be no more than four or five words long and should provide an accurate description of information contained in the block. When you are creating block headings, think about the essence of the information contained in the block and use that as your block heading.

As a general rule, try to avoid using generic titles like 'Procedure' or 'More Information' unless it is clear exactly what you are referring to. These titles on their own may not provide a reader with any additional information. As you become practiced in using blocks, block headings will come to you more easily.

 
Tip for Block Headings

Sometimes it's easier to create a block heading after you have written the block. At that point you will have a better idea of what information is contained in the block.

  
 
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