Numerous properties of text frames can be changed directly via the buttons of the contextual ribbon tab Object.
The contextual ribbon tab "Object", left section
The contextual ribbon tab "Object", right section
This ribbon tab appears automatically when you select a text frame by clicking on its border. It contains the following buttons (from left to right):
▪New object: This option allows you to insert a new object into the document and different object types are available.
▪AutoShape: This option allows you to insert a new AutoShape into the document.
▪Lines: This option allows you to insert simple lines, curves and also connectors (which you can "dock" to the text frame) into the document.
▪AutoShape templates (not included in SoftMaker FreeOffice): This option allows you to apply various predefined color formats to the text field.
▪AutoShape effects (not included in SoftMaker FreeOffice): Here, you can apply effects such as shadows, reflections, etc. This option largely corresponds to the options of the tabs Shadow, 3D and Effects of the dialog box "Object properties". For more information, see the next section.
▪Fill color: The fill can be changed here. For more information, see Object properties, Fill tab.
▪Line color, Line style, Line thickness, Line endings: These options allow you to edit borders for the text field or the inserted lines. For more information, see Object properties, Lines tab.
▪Change AutoShape (not included in SoftMaker FreeOffice): This option allows you to assign a different AutoShape to the text frame (formatting is retained). For more information, see Changing the AutoShape of objects.
▪Edit points (not included in SoftMaker FreeOffice): This option allows you to give the text frame an individual shape with the "Bezier tools". For more information, see Editing shapes retroactively.
▪Combine objects (not included in SoftMaker FreeOffice): This option allows you to combine two or more shapes from different variants into one overall shape. For more information, see Combining shapes.
▪Text rotation: This option allows you to rotate the inner text by the specified angle.
▪Vertical alignment: This option determines how the inner text should be aligned between the top and bottom edges of the frame.
▪Change text area (not included in SoftMaker FreeOffice): This option allows you to adjust the size of the inner text area. For more information, see Changing the text area.
▪Columns: This option allows you to split the inner text into several columns. For more information, see Creating columns for inner text of objects.
▪Bring to front, Send to back: These options allow you to arrange the order of overlapping object frames. For more information, see Changing the order of objects.
▪Rotate object: This option allows you to rotate the text frame in 90° increments or flip it vertically/horizontally. For more information, see Rotating and flipping objects.
▪Align objects: This option allows you to align or evenly distribute two or more object frames. For more information, see Aligning and distributing objects.
▪Group: This option allows you to combine several selected objects into one unit, which can then be treated like a single object. For more information, see Grouping objects.
▪Duplicate: This option creates an immediate copy of the selected object.
▪Reset placeholder: This option allows you to restore the original properties of a placeholder after you have selected it. For more information, see Resetting placeholder properties.
▪Width, Height: These options change the size of the object. For more information, see Changing position and size of objects.
Many (but not all) of these functions and some additional options can be found in the dialog box Object properties, which you can access, for example, via the context menu. For more information, see the next section.