Using Rules
Module 19

As a result of the limitations of web page design, pages can be difficult to follow if they are very lengthy.  You will often see what is called a "rule."  A rule is a horizontal line that visually divides a page into sections.  We have used horizontal rules to divide the text of these lessons from the navigation information links that have appeared at the bottom of every page of these modules.

Rules can be very subtle and discrete.  If overdone, they can be distracting and even annoying to a web visitor.  We will present the basics here but remember that if the rule is noticed, it may be overdone.
 

1.  Open a blank Composer page (FILE>New>Blank Page).

2.  Type a few words on 2 or 3 different lines and be sure to press ENTER or RETURN after the last word.

3.  Click to place the insertion point where you want the rule.

4.  Add a rule by pulling down INSERT>Horizontal Line or you can click the rule tool.   You must be sure to press the RETURN or ENTER key after inserting a rule so that the rule is on a "line" of its own.  If you don't and you center the rule, any words you type after the rule may or may appear as you want.

5.  Type a few more words below the rule.

6.  You can change some of the properties of the horizontal line.  Two ways to do this are

• Double-click on the rule itself

or
• Click once on the rule to select it.  Then pull down the FORMAT menu to Horizontal Line Info.

7.  In the window that opens, you will see options to change the heighth of the line, the amount of the window that the line covers, and the alignment.  In addition, you can optionally remove the "depth" of the line, changing the "embossing" into a solid line.

Another option is to use a graphic image to divide pages.  These images are available from Clip Art collections or you may wish to create your own.

To delete a rule, place the insertion point below the rule and press the BACKSPACE key or select the rule by clicking on it and pressing the DELETE key.  Rules may be selected and performing the usual COPY, CUT, or PASTE options.
 

You may or may not wish to save this page when you are done experimenting with rules.