Formatting lines and rectangles

When you insert a shape into a document, its initial formatting is determined by the control defaults. You can change any of the formatting options.

The following list provides some useful formatting suggestions:

• Make a rectangle appear three-dimensional, like a button, with the 3D effect. For rounded rectangles, 3D effects appear in Flash Mode in MicroStrategy Web. For an example and steps, see Applying a 3D effect.

• Allow the content behind the rectangle to show through by setting the backstyle to transparent. You can also allow a fill color to cover what is behind the rectangle by setting the backstyle to opaque. For an example and steps, see Using a transparent or opaque backstyle.

• "Float" the rectangle or rounded rectangle above the background by using a drop shadow. Lines do not use drop shadows. For an example and steps, see Applying a drop shadow.

• Create a gradual color change by blending two colors using gradient colors. You can apply gradient colors to rectangles and rounded rectangles. For an example and steps, see Using gradient colors.

• Display pop-up text when a user positions the cursor over the shape in MicroStrategy Web with a tooltip. The tooltip can provide extra information, such as an expanded description of a metric. You can use tooltips on rectangles, rounded rectangles, and lines. For an example and steps, see Creating a pop-up tooltip.

• Display a shape to other document designers while hiding it from users viewing the document in Editable Mode and Presentation Mode in MicroStrategy Web. For an example and steps, see Hiding a control.

• Control how rounded corners are displayed for rounded rectangles in Flash Mode. You can define the radius and select whether rounded corners are displayed for the top corners or all four corners. For an example, see Controlling the display of rounded corners in Flash Mode.