User manual | An Introduction to ActivInspire (Studio)

An Introduction to ActivInspire (Studio)
Exploring ActivInspire Studio
Show Home > A tour of ActivInspire > Exploring ActivInspire Studio
Exploring ActivInspire Studio
What you see when you first run ActivInspire Studio depends on whether you have ActivInspire Professional or Personal.
Where appropriate, we show you both in this illustrated tour:
Dashboard
ActivInspire window
Main Toolbox
ActivInspire's Browsers
Viewing a flipchart
Managing multiple flipcharts
Authoring at your computer
Presenting at the board
Collaborating at the board
Exploring tools
Most often used tools
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Welcome to ActivInspire
Show Home > Welcome to ActivInspire
Welcome to ActivInspire
ActivInspire is the new teaching and learning software from Promethean for computers
and interactive whiteboards
With ActivInspire you can:
Teach as with a
traditional chalkboard,
vary the pace of your
presentations and deliver
practical training
sessions.
Write and draw, then
erase, just as you
normally would.
Save your pages as a
flipchart file, then
retrieve them for use
with a different class, or
in another classroom.
Add pictures, movies
and sounds to your
lesson’s flipchart pages.
Quickly structure your
lesson content and
timing to match your
lesson plan.
Add text, for example
from Microsoft Word ® ,
or directly from the
Internet. ActivInspire can
even recognize your
writing and convert it to
text.
Use Learner Response
Systems - ask your
students questions, or
display prepared
questions in your
flipcharts. Students can
vote or text answers on
ActiVote and
ActivExpression devices
and the results can be
displayed in different
formats.
Quickly adapt your
flipcharts in response to
results from your class,
or in line with syllabus
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Welcome to ActivInspire
requirements.
Use simple but effective
tools to stimulate
thought, engage your
students and focus their
attention.
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A tour of ActivInspire
Show Home > A tour of ActivInspire
A tour of ActivInspire
This section is for new users and current users of Activstudio and Activprimary software. It contains some introductory topics, and
takes you on a tour of ActivInspire Studio and ActivInspire Primary:
One application, two products
About flipcharts
Exploring ActivInspire Studio
Exploring ActivInspire Primary
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Dashboard
Show Home > A tour of ActivInspire > Exploring ActivInspire Studio > Dashboard
Dashboard
When you run ActivInspire, after
choosing your initial preferences,
the first thing you see is the
Dashboard.
The Dashboard contains shortcuts
to flipcharts and useful tools to
save you time.
The Dashboard will remain open
until you close it.
If you uncheck the 'Show the dashboard window on startup' box, the Dashboard will not open next time you run
ActivInspire.
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ActivInspire window
Show Home > A tour of ActivInspire > Exploring ActivInspire Studio > ActivInspire window
ActivInspire window
When you run ActivInspire, the ActivInspire window opens behind the Dashboard.
What this window looks like depends on several things:
Your preferences at startup.
Whether you are using ActivInspire Professional or Personal.
Whether you have customized any of its components.
Here we introduce the main components of the ActivInspire window for ActivInspire Professional and ActivInspire Personal.
ActivInspire Professional
The following picture shows a thumbnail of the ActivInspire Professional window. The list on the left identifies each numbered
component:
1
Main Toolbox
2
Browser
3
Menubar
4
Flipchart name
5
Sizing details
6
Flipchart page
7
Trashcan
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ActivInspire Personal
The following picture shows a thumbnail of the ActivInspire Personal window.
ActivInspire Personal does not
give you the same range of
tools and Browsers as
ActivInspire Professional. For
example, it does not include the
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ActivInspire window
Shape
Tool and the
Action Browser
.
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Tip
Look for these small icons at the top of Browsers, Menus and Toolboxes. They allow you to quickly customize an item's behavior:
Toolbox
Options
Select from a drop-down menu where the item should be located and how much of it should be
visible.
Roll Up
A toggle switch to roll the item up so it takes up less space, or to unroll it again.
Pin Toolbox
A toggle switch to pin the item in place. This prevents it from automatically hiding, or from being
moved accidentally.
To move an item, click in the dark blue area along its top edge and drag and drop it where you want it.
Next time you run ActivInspire, it will remember your preferences.
Back to top
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Show
Home > A tour of ActivInspire > Exploring ActivInspire Studio > Main Toolbox
Main Toolbox
The Main Toolbox opens on your display when you start ActivInspire. When you start ActivInspire for the
very first time, the toolbox contains a set of the most popular tools.
The items in the Main Toolbox are just a selection of the many tools available. You can access a large
range of additional tools from the Tools Menu. Next time you start ActivInspire, it will remember where
you left the toolbox last time and which tools it contained.
Preferences
You can keep the default toolset, remove tools, or replace some or all of them with other tools. You can
define your preferences in a profile and save them when you are satisfied.
You can create as many profiles as you need and quickly switch between them with the
Switch Profile
icon.
For details of how to customize profiles, see Making Profiles work for you.
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ActivInspire's Browsers
Show Home > A tour of ActivInspire > Exploring ActivInspire Studio > ActivInspire's Browsers
ActivInspire's Browsers
This section introduces ActivInspire's Browsers.
What is a Browser?
A flipchart can have many pages and elements, each with a range of characteristics and properties.
ActivInspire makes working with these characteristics and properties simple, by providing a Browser for each major area.
The Browsers allow you to see at a glance:
What's already included in your flipchart.
What else you could add or customize.
How to do this.
Use the Browsers to quickly build, refine and enhance your own and other people's flipcharts.
Each Browser:
Is structured to give you clear and detailed information about the area you are browsing.
Has its own Popup Menu
and/or set of icons to help you work effectively with your flipchart.
In addition, you can make the Browser wider or narrower and adjust the level of detail you can see to suit your needs.
What Browsers are there?
There are seven Browsers in ActivInspire:
Page Browser
Resource Browser
Object Browser
Notes Browser
Property Browser
Action Browser
Voting Browser
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Viewing a flipchart
Show Home > A tour of ActivInspire > Exploring ActivInspire Studio > Viewing a flipchart
Viewing a flipchart
When you open a flipchart, the Page Browser shows thumbnails of the pages in the flipchart and the work area in the ActivInspire
window shows the first page of the flipchart.
Here we describe five easy ways to view a flipchart:
View one page at a time
Preview several pages at a time
Increase and decrease the page size
Zoom in and out
Pan around the flipchart
View one page at a time
Two ways to view one page at a time:
Click on the Next Page
and Previous Page
icons.
From the View Menu, select Next Page or Previous Page.
You automatically insert a new flipchart page when you click on the Next Page
page of a flipchart.
icon on the last
To prevent unwanted pages at the end of your flipcharts, always add an indicator to the last page. This
could be a shape, a picture, or a simple "The End". Preview several pages at a time
You can increase or decrease the size of the thumbnails you see in the Page Browser. The smaller the thumbnails, the more
pages you can preview at a time.
Two ways to preview several pages:
Click and drag the edge of the Page Browser, or use the slider at the bottom right-hand side of the Page Browser to change
the size of the thumbnails.
Move the slider at the top right-hand edge of the Page Browser pane down or up to scroll past thumbnails of the pages in
your flipchart. Then click on the thumbnail of the page you want to see.
Example
The picture on the right shows
all the pages in the currently
open flipchart as thumbnails in
the Page Browser. You can see,
in both the Browser and the work
area, that the last page is the
current page.
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Viewing a flipchart
[add
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Increase and decrease the page size
By default, ActivInspire is set to scale the complete flipchart
page into the ActivInspire window. This is termed 'Best Fit'.
You can easily change this with the drop-down menu at the
top right-hand corner of the window.
Click the down icon, then select a setting to suit your needs.
If you cannot see the down icon, click the >> icon.
Welcome to the World!
If you select a setting that is smaller than 100%, the size of
the flipchart page will be proportionally reduced in the
ActivInspire window.
This opens up an area around the flipchart page called the
World. You can use the World like a blotter, to position
objects temporarily outside the boundary of the flipchart page,
for later use. These objects can then remain hidden when the
page is scaled to fit the ActivInspire window. For example
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Viewing a flipchart
things you don't want to make visible to your students, or
items you want to reveal at a certain point in a lesson.
Zoom in and out
You can use Page Zoom
to magnify or shrink what you see on the flipchart. Page Zoom does not change your flipchart, it
only affects how the flipchart is viewed.
Zoom in
1. From the View Menu, select Page Zoom
2. Click on the page and wait for a moment. The zoom begins and continues until you release the ActivPen or mouse button.
Page Zoom
is now in the Quick Access Toolbar.
Zoom out
With Page Zoom selected:
1. Right-click on the page.
2. Hold the right-click button down.
If you double-click on the page while Page Zoom is selected, the Page Scale returns to Best Fit.
Pan around the flipchart
When you have zoomed in on a flipchart to the point where the flipchart page is larger than the ActivInspire window, you can no
longer see the whole flipchart page at once.
In this situation you can pan around the page in one of two ways:
Use the vertical and horizontal slide bars that appear
around the page
Use Page Zoom. Notice that when this tool is
selected, as you move the cursor over the page, a
small hand icon is displayed. If you now click on the
page and drag, you can pan around the page to bring
other areas into view. Note that this behavior also
applies when you are zoomed out of the page.
Back to top
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Managing multiple flipcharts
Show Home > A tour of ActivInspire > Exploring ActivInspire Studio > Managing multiple flipcharts
Managing multiple flipcharts
Every time you open or create another flipchart, a new Document Tab appears in the Document Bar. You can work with an
unlimited number of flipcharts at the same time.
To move from one flipchart to another, click the Document Tab of the flipchart
you want to work on. This becomes the current flipchart.
The name of the flipchart appears in bold in its Document Tab. To close the
flipchart, click on .
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Authoring at your computer
Show Home > A tour of ActivInspire > Exploring ActivInspire Studio > Authoring at your computer
Authoring at your computer
When you are working at your computer, you need easy access to a range of tools for lesson preparation.
The quickest way to achieve this is to switch to the 'Authoring' profile provided with ActivInspire:
Click on Switch Profile
and select the Authoring profile from the drop-down list.
Alternatively, you could experiment with your favourite combinations of tools and settings, then save them to a profile.
For more information about creating and working with profiles, see Making profiles work for you.
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Presenting at the board
Show Home > A tour of ActivInspire > Exploring ActivInspire Primary > Presenting at the board
Presenting at the board
When you are presenting at the board, you need easy access to a range of presentation tools. You want to maximize the available
space and minimize distractions.
Here are some ways to achieve this:
Set the display to Fullscreen Mode (F5).
Hide menus.
Pin or dock the Main Toolbox.
Add tools you intend to use, such as the Math Tools, Spotlight, Dual User, or Tickertape to the Main Toolbox before the
lesson.
Remove any tools that you know you don't need from the Main Toolbox.
Enable interactive elements, such as actions or links.
Hide action objects.
Open the Page or Resource Browser.
Show the Trashcan.
Experiment with your favorite combinations of tools and settings, then save them to a profile.
Alternatively, click on Switch Profile
and select the At The Board profile from the drop-down list.
For more information about:
Presenting at the board, see Working at the board.
Creating and working with profiles, see Making profiles work for you.
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Collaborating at the board
Show Home > A tour of ActivInspire > Exploring ActivInspire Primary > Collaborating at the board
Collaborating at the board
There are many ways in which you can encourage your students to work together at the board. Usually this means they have to
take turns with the ActivPen.
ActivInspire takes collaborative working a step further by allowing two people to work
interactively with the same flipchart. We call this way of working 'Dual User' mode,
because each collaborator uses their own ActivPen and ActivInspire toolbox to work
on the ActivBoard.
Only the teacher can enable Dual User mode.
Starting Dual User mode enables the Dual Toolbox, which contains a subset of
the tools available in the Main Toolbox.
The person using the Dual Toolbox can only work on the current flipchart page.
Only the user of the Main Toolbox has full access to all ActivInspire's functions.
The Dual Toolbox remains under the control of the person who is using the
Main Toolbox.
Access to the Dual Toolbox can be revoked from the Main Toolbox at any time.
You need ActivInspire Professional to use Dual User mode.
Tips for working in Dual User mode
Here we have compiled some quick tips to spark your creativity when working in Dual User mode.
Two ActivPens are better than one
Encourage students to work towards one goal. Make sure students are constantly communicating and sharing with each other. This
could involve working out a puzzle or pooling knowledge to answer questions on the ActivBoard.
Swap roles
Swap roles half way through the activity so one student doesn’t get trapped in an area they do not know well.
Teacher back up
The teacher can keep control of the Main Toolbox, annotating students’ work as they come out to the ActivBoard, to help boost
students' confidence.
A new workspace
Dual User mode opens up a space where two students can work, together or individually, at the ActivBoard, making the ActivBoard
a workspace in itself.
Constructive pairwork
Pair a stronger student with a weaker student. The stronger student teaches the weaker student. The weaker student strengthens
the stronger student’s knowledge.
Joint presentations
Encourage students to create presentations in pairs, so they can discuss which role to perform and how they can work together at
the ActivBoard.
Encouraging creativity
Two groups can now write their ideas on the ActivBoard at the same time. By seeing the other group’s ideas, students can inspire
each other, helping their creativity.
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Collaborating at the board
Taking roles
Give students different roles to perform at the ActivBoard, so they can see the results of effective teamwork. For example, one
person could be in charge of text whilst the other is in charge of images.
Appreciating another point of view
Two points of view can be displayed and discussed, simultaneously at the ActivBoard. Students can then identify where ideas
overlap and diverge.
Encourage clear thinking
The class reads instructions to two students working back to back, to see whether both students understand the instructions in the
same way.
For more details, see Working in Dual User mode.
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Exploring tools
Show Home > A tour of ActivInspire > Exploring ActivInspire Primary > Exploring tools
Exploring tools
ActivInspire includes many tools to help you create engaging lessons to captivate your audience and to add interest while working
at the board.
The Main Toolbox contains the most popular tools and more tools are available from the Tools Menu.
Here, we describe just a few of the fun tools for you to explore:
Sound Recorder
This tool allows you to capture sound to a file for inclusion in your flipchart. For example, you can
create sound clips and link them to words, to help your students pronunciation, or capture sound
while making a screen recording with the Screen Recorder
.
Screen Recorder
This tool allows you to capture whatever happens on screen to a video file (.AVI), which you can
keep in your flipchart, or save to a resources folder and replay as often as required.
Tickertape
A presentation tool that allows you to create a message that scrolls like a tickertape across the
top of the board. You can stop, start and change it at any time.
Clock
A clock for use during a lesson, for example, to teach your learners the time, or to use as a stop
watch or count down for timed activities.
Camera
Open Flipchart
Revealer
Dual User
This tool allows you to take an instant snapshot of what's on the screen and place it in your
flipchart, the clipboard, or into the My Resources or Shared Resources folder. A range of options
allow you to tailor the size and shape of the snapshot to your needs.
A shortcut to the 'Open flipchart' Dialog Box, which you can use to navigate to and open
flipcharts.
A fun tool for hiding and revealing areas of the flipchart page! Great for guessing games and for
rekindling flagging interest.
A tool for collaborative working at the board. It enables a second toolbox which can be used by a
learner to write, draw, select, fill and connect objects on the board.
Tools remember their settings. When you switch tools, each one remembers your last choice. For example, the
Pen and Highlighter remember their color and width settings.
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Most often used tools
Show Home > A tour of ActivInspire > Exploring ActivInspire Studio > Most often used tools
Most often used tools
While you are working with ActivInspire, the Toolbox Shortcut Bar on the right of the Main Toolbox gradually fills up with icons.
ActivInspire automatically places your Most often used tools there, so that they are easily accessible.
In the picture on the right, the Toolbox Shortcut Bar includes some of the tools
you explored in the previous topic.
To see a description of a tool, click on the link:
Annotate Over Desktop
Screen Recorder
Sound Recorder
Revealer
Page Zoom
Camera
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One application, two products
Show Home > A tour of ActivInspire > One application, two products
One application, two products
Previous generations of Promethean software made you choose between Activstudio and Activprimary software. The good news is,
this is no longer the case in ActivInspire.
To quickly get you started with ActivInspire, you choose your preferred look and feel when you first run the application. ActivInspire
tailors your tools and screen layout according to your choice. Whichever one you choose, you get the benefit of ActivInspire's
powerful features.
Your choices are:
Promethean Activstudio
Promethean Activprimary
Other Applications, such as Powerpoint ®
Once you are up and running, you can customize ActivInspire even further, then save all your preferences as a profile for future
use. For more information, see Making profiles work for you.
In this help file, we concentrate on showing you how to work with ActivInspire Studio and ActivInspire
Primary.
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About flipcharts
Show Home > A tour of ActivInspire > About flipcharts
About flipcharts
A flipchart is the large rectangular work space in your ActivInspire window, where you create lessons.
A few facts about flipcharts:
When you launch ActivInspire, a blank flipchart opens, ready for your input.
Flipcharts can include a vast range of objects, shapes and interactive features, including sounds, animations and actions.
You can work with as many flipcharts at the same time as you wish.
Each flipchart opens within its own tab in the ActivInspire window.
You can quickly move back and forth between flipcharts using the document tabs.
A flipchart can contain as many pages as you like.
You can also create desktop flipcharts, where you annotate either the live desktop, or a snapshot of the desktop.
Flipcharts created with ActivInspire have the file extension .flipchart.
You can convert any flipcharts created with earlier versions of Promethean software (version 2.0 and later) to the new file
format.
You can open flipcharts created with Activprimary and Activstudio in ActivInspire. Once you save these flipcharts in
ActivInspire, you cannot open them in Activprimary or Activstudio.
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Exploring ActivInspire Primary
Show Home > A tour of ActivInspire > Exploring ActivInspire Primary
Exploring ActivInspire Primary
What you see when you first run ActivInspire Primary depends on whether you have ActivInspire Personal or Professional. Where
appropriate, we show you both in this illustrated tour:
Dashboard
ActivInspire window
Main Toolbox
Pen Tray
ActivInspire's Browsers
Viewing a flipchart
Managing multiple flipcharts
Authoring at your computer
Presenting at the board
Collaborating at the board
Exploring tools
Most often used tools
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Making profiles work for you
Show Home > More about ActivInspire > Making profiles work for you
Making profiles work for you
ActivInspire has a carefully thought-out range of default menus, settings and behaviors that give you consistent results every time
you work with flipcharts.
However, what you get may still not be exactly what you want. If you have used creative software before, you may be familiar with
changing settings and options to suit your needs. In ActivInspire we call this creating a profile.
See for yourself in:
About profiles
Creating and switching profiles
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Page Browser
Show Home > A tour of ActivInspire > Exploring ActivInspire Studio > ActivInspire's Browsers > Page Browser
Page Browser
This Browser helps you to quickly put together the foundations of your flipchart.
Use the Page Browser to:
View the entire flipchart as page thumbnails.
Navigate flipchart pages.
Set the backgrounds and grids for pages.
Organize your flipchart pages using drag and drop reordering, in addition to Cut, Copy, Delete and Duplicate commands.
Example
The picture on the right shows a flipchart that contains
multiple pages.
The Page Browser is open and shows thumbnails of the
first two pages in your flipchart. The Popup Menu icon
in the thumbnail indicates that this is the current
page. This means you can select an item or area on
that page and work with it.
To display another page, click on its thumbnail.
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Resource Browser
Show Home > A tour of ActivInspire > Exploring ActivInspire Studio > ActivInspire's Browsers > Resource Browser
Resource Browser
This browser helps you to quickly view, navigate and use the resources provided with ActivInspire to enrich your flipcharts. The
Resource Library contains a huge range of games and activities, annotations, assessments, backgrounds, concept maps, images,
shapes, sounds and other items too numerous to list.
You can easily extend the library with your own and other people's resources and add resource packs from the Promethean Planet
website on www.prometheanplanet.com, or from our partners.
Use the Resource Browser to:
Quickly navigate to and view all the resources in a particular folder, for example My Resources, Shared Resources or other
locations on disk or on the network.
Display thumbnails and filenames of selected resources in the browser.
Drag and drop resources such as page templates, activity pages and question pages from the browser into your flipchart.
Drag and drop your own creations from a flipchart page into a folder in the Resource Library.
Change the transparency of a resource in your flipchart.
Use the Rubberstamp to quickly create multiple copies of a resource in your flipchart.
Example
By default, the Resource Browser opens the Shared Resources
folder. All resources provided with ActivInspire are organized by
category and stored in clearly named folders.
The picture on the right shows some of the resources in the Shared
Resources folder.
Click on the icons at the top to browse the following for resources:
My Resources
Shared Resources
Another resource folder
Another folder on your computer
Promethean Planet
The pane at the top of the Browser shows the folders. Its Popup
Menu allows you to import and export Resource Packs.
The 'Import' function is only available from the Popup Menu
for the top level folder.
The pane at the bottom shows thumbnails of the resources in that
folder and their filenames.
From there you can:
Change the size and layout of the thumbnails of the
resources
Insert resources from the Resource Library into your flipchart
Delete resources from the Resource Library.
The area between the two panes shows the number of items in the
currently selected folder.
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Resource Browser
It also contains two useful tools for copying and changing
resources:
Toggle Transparency lets you make the background
color of an image resource transparent at the time you drag it onto
the page.
Rubberstamp lets you quickly insert multiple copies of a
resource into your flipchart.
Back to top
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Object Browser
Show Home > A tour of ActivInspire > Exploring ActivInspire Studio > ActivInspire's Browsers > Object Browser
Object Browser
Here we introduce objects and the Object Browser:
About objects
About layers and stacking
View objects
Work with objects
Example
About objects
In ActivInspire, everything you add to a flipchart is an object of one kind or another. For example, if you write something with the
Pen
, draw a shape, add a picture, or add a link to a sound file, each of these items is an object. You can add many different
types of objects to a flipchart. The Object Browser helps you to keep track of the number and types of objects in your flipchart and
to quickly get to grips with objects in a flipchart created by somebody else.
About layers and stacking
The Object Browser shows details of the objects on the current page. Although a page is flat, a flipchart page actually has four
layers! These are like transparent sheets which only contain certain object types unless you move objects from one layer to
another. Within a layer, you can stack objects on top of each other.
By default:
This layer...
Contains...
Top
Annotations: anything you draw with the Pen
weapon which we introduce later.
Middle
Images, shapes and text objects.
Bottom
Anything you draw with the Connector
layer.
Background
Backgrounds, grids and page color.
, Highlight
, or Magic Ink
, a secret
, but you can also drag and drop other objects onto this
By selecting objects listed in the Object Browser you can drag and drop them between the first three layers in the Browser, but not
the background layer. This directly alters their layering on the flipchart page. Layers are completely separate from each other. In
other words, you can replace the background without affecting your images or annotations. Or you can annotate over your
photographs and background without affecting other layers.
For more details, see Using layers and stacking.
View objects
Use the Object Browser to see at a glance:
The display order of objects and which objects are on the top, middle and bottom layers of a page.
Which objects are grouped together. This allows you to work on all of them at the same time.
If a page contains any hidden objects.
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Object Browser
If a page contains any objects that are locked so that they cannot be moved.
Work with objects
Use the Object Browser to:
Drag and drop objects from one layer to another.
Group, stack and reorder objects.
Show or hide objects.
Lock or unlock selected objects, for example, if you are planning a student activity where only certain objects can be
dragged and dropped and others must stay in place.
Back to top
Example
The picture on the right shows details of
the objects on the current flipchart page.
You can see in the Browser, that all the
objects are identified by:
The icon of the tool that created
them
Their name.
The Browser shows clearly which objects
are on which layer:
There are eight objects in the top layer.
These are the annotations written with
the Pen
There are four objects in the middle
layer:
The printed text created with the Text
Tool.
Note the lock
next to the Text object in the Browser. This indicates that the object has been locked in place. The lock is a
toggle switch that allows you to quickly lock and unlock objects.
The triangle and squares created with the Shape
Tool are in the middle layer by default. Note the crossed-out eye
next to the object in the Browser. This indicates that the triangle is a hidden object. As you can see on the flipchart page, the
triangle is not visible. The eye is a toggle switch that allows you to quickly show and hide objects.
There is only one object in the bottom layer, a square created with the Shape Tool. In the Object Browser, we dragged this
object down from the middle layer, where it was created.
The yellow page background is on its own layer. We inserted this background with the Page Browser.
Back to top
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Object Browser
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Notes Browser
Show Home > A tour of ActivInspire > Exploring ActivInspire Studio > ActivInspire's Browsers > Notes Browser
Notes Browser
This Browser helps you to make your flipchart even easier to use, by allowing you to create, view and edit notes about your
flipchart. You can use these notes in any way you choose. As you will know from experience, lesson notes can make the difference
between an uninspiring lesson and one that flies. We therefore encourage you to make full use of the Notes Browser to enrich your
own and other people's experience of teaching with ActivInspire.
Use the Notes Browser to:
Add your own notes and comments to a flipchart, helping to make it easier to share and reuse.
If you are using a flipchart created by someone else:
View other teachers' notes and comments about their flipchart and add your own notes where appropriate.
View notes from publishers about how to best use their flipcharts and add your own notes if appropriate.
Example
The picture on the right shows the Notes Browser. You can
type your notes as plain text, or open the Format Toolbar and
format the text.
icon in the
ActivInspire displays the Page Notes
Menubar if the current flipchart page contains notes.
You can add notes to each page of a flipchart and print
them, either with the flipchart pages, or separately.
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Property Browser
Show Home > A tour of ActivInspire > Exploring ActivInspire Studio > ActivInspire's Browsers > Property Browser
Property Browser
This Browser helps you to see all of the properties of an object at a glance. It's a powerful tool for quickly adding interactivity to
your lessons.
Use the Property Browser to:
Display all the properties of an object. Slide the vertical scrollbar of the Browser up and down to see the complete range of
properties available.
View and manipulate the position and appearance of an object by changing its settings in the Property Browser. Of course,
you can still control the position of an object by dragging and dropping it and edit it to change its color.
Add interactive features to your flipchart and control how they can be used.
Add permanently visible labels to objects, or add interactive fun by making a label appear only when the mouse cursor runs
over the object.
Control the behavior of an object by defining rules, called restrictors, that constrain its movement. This is a very useful
feature if you want, for example, to create your own on-screen game.
All properties are clearly categorized so that you can select properties by type.
Example
The picture on the right shows some of
the properties of the red square, the
currently selected object, in the
Property Browser. You can see the
name of the object and some details of
its position on the page. You can also
see that the square is on the middle
layer.
On the flipchart page, you can also see
the round Sizing Handles that surround
the selected object. These indicate that
you can move or resize the object. The
row of square icons alongside the object
are the Object Edit Menu and other
Marquee Handles for working on the
object.
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Property Browser
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Action Browser
Show Home > A tour of ActivInspire > Exploring ActivInspire Studio > ActivInspire's Browsers > Action Browser
Action Browser
This Browser helps you to quickly associate an action with an object. This means that, when you or someone else selects the
object, the action that you have associated with the object will happen. For example, a tickertape will run, displaying your message,
or a sound will play, or a flipchart vote will begin, to name just a few possibilities. All actions are clearly categorized, so that you
can select actions by type. You can set up any number of actions in your flipchart to make your lesson as varied and interactive as
you like.
Use the Action Browser to:
Apply a command action to an object, for example, the Dice Roller
selects the object on the board.
, so that up to five dice will roll when someone
Apply a page action to an object, for example, to go to the next page.
Apply an object action to an object, for example, to change the size, position or translucency of an object.
Apply a document or media action to an object, for example, to insert a link to a file or website.
Apply a voting action to an object, for example to Start/Stop a Flipchart Vote.
Remove an action that is no longer required.
Preview an action to check that it does exactly what you want.
Example
The picture on the right shows the Action
Browser. We have associated the Dice
with the blue square. You
Roller
can tell that an action is associated with
this object, because the cursor over the
blue square has changed to a blue
Preview icon.
When you click on the square, the 'Dice
Roller' Popup window opens and the dice
roll.
You can:
Choose the number of dice to roll.
Increase or decrease the speed.
Roll the dice as many times as you
wish.
Send the total of all the numbers
thrown to the current flipchart.
Roll the dice!
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Action Browser
You need ActivInspire Professional to use the Action Browser.
Back to top
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Voting Browser
Show Home > A tour of ActivInspire > Exploring ActivInspire Studio > ActivInspire's Browsers > Voting Browser
Voting Browser
This Browser helps you manage all aspects of registering your ActivSlate, ActiVote and ActivExpression devices, running your
voting sessions, as well as recording, storing and browsing the results of such sessions.
Use the Voting Browser to:
Register ActivSlate, ActiVote and ActivExpression devices.
Assign students to devices.
Toggle between anonymous and named voting.
Select either ActiVote or ActivExpression devices for a voting session.
Set, suspend or change the time allowed for responses.
Start and stop voting.
Show or hide the 'Vote Now' prompt.
Browse voting results and export results to Microsoft Excel spreadsheets.
For details of how to register devices and use them in voting sessions, see Using Learner Response Systems.
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Working at the board
Show Home > More about ActivInspire > Working at the board
Working at the board
In this section, we describe how to take advantage of using ActivInspire's powerful Presentation Tools while working at the board:
Pre-flight checklist
Annotating the desktop
Using Desktop Tools
Using the Camera
Using the Clock
Using Handwriting Recognition
Using Shape Recognition
Using Magic Ink
Using Tickertape
Using the Revealer
Working in Dual User mode
Using the On-screen Keyboard
Using the Spotlight
Using Teacher Lock
Using Math tools
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Working in Dual User mode
Show Home > More about ActivInspire > Working at the board > Working in Dual User mode
Working in Dual User mode
This section explains Dual User mode and also the interactivity offered by this feature:
The concept
The pedagogy
What you require
How it works
Additional ActivInspire Primary trays
Rules of engagement
Deactivating Dual User mode
Content for Dual User mode
The concept
Promethean Technology supports true multiple user interaction and multiple operations happening at the same time. This takes the
idea of multi-user to a new level. Individual users are differentiated in the Promethean system and while emulating any other multitouch surface - it also “knows” who the teacher is and who the learners are.
The pedagogy
Promethean’s approach offers a completely new Interactive Whiteboard (IWB) paradigm – that opens a new world of easy to
manage, but pedagogically advanced teaching and learning opportunities.
Benefits when used by two or more users include:
It's non-technical - As easy as two people drawing on a big sheet of paper!
Allows people to work at the same time on screen and in the same application (specially developed) – all other systems
require users to take turns.
Users can collaborate to solve problems or puzzles.
Users can compete in real time.
Enables team or role-based use of the board/display.
Greatly increases productivity at the board.
Teacher can work with a child providing close support and advice, exploring ideas with no pen or role swapping.
What you require
To enable Dual User mode you must ensure you have the following hardware and software:
An ActivBoard v3 OR an upgraded ActivBoard v2 (containing ActivBoard firmware v2.3 or later).
Dual User ActivPens (Teacher Pen and Student Pen).
The Dual User enabled ActivDriver.
ActivInspire.
For further information regarding Dual User hardware and software requirements please contact Promethean Ltd.
How it works
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Working in Dual User mode
The Dual User functionality of ActivInspire is available whenever the software detects a Dual User enabled ActivBoard connected to
your computer. If this is not the case, the Dual User functionality will be unavailable within ActivInspire.
This section is written with the assumption that Dual User is enabled.
Dual User is designed around the concept of a Teacher Pen and a Student Pen: Teacher Pen
Student Pen
By default, when Dual User mode is not enabled, both the Teacher and the Student pens behave as standard single input
ActivPens, in that you can use either of the pens, but only one at a time.
With either of the pens you can enable Dual User functionality as follows:
From the Main Menu, select Tools > Dual User
When Dual User is enabled, a second, floating Student Toolbox is displayed within ActivInspire:
Student Toolbox (ActivInspire
Studio)
Student Toolbox (ActivInspire
Primary)
When Dual User mode is enabled:
The Student Pen is restricted to the following areas of the program:
Positioning the Student Toolbox.
Selecting and using tools from the Student Toolbox on the flipchart page.
Interacting with the contents of the flipchart page.
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Working in Dual User mode
The Teacher Pen will continue to control the full functionality of ActivInspire, with the exception that it cannot be used to
interact with the Student Toolbox.
The computer mouse cannot interact with the flipchart material or the Student Toolbox, but will continue to control all other
aspects of ActivInspire.
The Student Toolbox
offers the following
tools...
These allow the student to...
Move and size page objects.
Select
Annotate on the page.
Pen
Highlight areas of the page.
Highlight
Fill page objects.
Fill
Add shapes to the page.
Shape
Connect page objects.
Connector
Handwriting Recognition
Add recognized text objects to the page.
Add recognized shapes to the page.
Shape Recognition
These tools behave in much the same way as the standard tools for single pen input.
For details, see the individual sections on these tools in this Help file.
It is important to rrealize that any Student Pen activity can occur on the page independently from and simultaneously
to the Teacher Pen activity. This therefore provides for many types of collaborative activity, including:
Teacher and student both writing together.
Teacher writing and student highlighting words.
Teacher writing and student selecting and moving objects.
Teacher and student both moving, sizing, rotating, dragging and dropping objects.
All the actions and properties of page objects such as containers and restrictors apply to both Teacher and Student
Pens.
Additional ActivInspire Primary Trays
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Working in Dual User mode
Dual User Mode within the ActivInspire Primary interface offers some additional tool trays.
When the Student Pen selects the Pen pens, highlighters and colors:
, the Student Pen Tray is displayed in the Tray area, allowing the Student to select
When the Student Pen selects the Fill Tool, the Student Fill Tray is displayed in the Tray area, allowing the Student to select the
Fill
color:
These trays will appear alongside any trays currently in use by the Teacher Pen.
Rules of Engagement
When working in Dual User mode, ActivInspire imposes the following rules of engagement:
The Teacher Pen cannot select Student Tools. The Student Pen cannot select Teacher Tools.
Any Inspire windows and dialogs (for example, those for the Clock, or Dice Roller) are inaccessible to the Student Pen.
When you select a page object (or objects) with one of the pens, so that the Marquee Handles are showing, these objects
will be inaccessible to the other pen. This rule stays in force until the Marquee Handles are removed by whatever means. In
other words, each pen can define its own independent selection of Marquee Handles which are inaccessible to the other
pen.
If one pen is interacting with an object on the page, for example, the first pen is in the ‘pen nib down’ state over an object,
the second pen cannot interact with this object until the first pen releases its hold on the object.
The Student Shape
Tool does not display the Shape Toolbox. The Shape Toolbox must be shown by the Teacher
Shape Tool, whereupon both the Student and Teacher pens can select shapes from the common Shape Toolbox. Both pens
will always use the most recent shape as selected by each pen.
When the Student Pen uses the Handwriting Recognition
word is recognized (unlike the Teacher Pen).
Tool, no word alternatives are provided once the
If both pens are writing, the stacking order of the annotations are defined by the relative pen down events of both pens.
Therefore if Pen 2 is in the process of drawing an annotation, Pen 1 can always draw over the top of this annotation (and
vice versa).
If two Maths tools are showing on the page (for example, rulers, compasses, protractors), each pen can interact with its own
maths tool.
When using the ActivInspire Primary look and feel, the position of any Teacher and Student trays will depend upon the
position of the Teacher and Student Toolboxes. If the Teacher Toolbox is to the right of the Student Toolbox, then the
related trays will appear in the same order.
Deactivating Dual User mode
When Dual User mode is enabled, you can use the Teacher Pen or the computer mouse to ‘turn off’ Dual User mode as follows:
From the Main Menu, select Tools > Dual User. Once Dual User is turned off, both pens revert to standard, single pen use (the
default condition).
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Working in Dual User mode
Content for Dual User mode
All pages support dual user input, single user input and sequential use. Multiple users will not be a prerequisite for use of pages,
yet pages used in this way will be most effective due to the very nature of collaborative learning and its benefits.
The criteria for multi-user templates are as follows:
Activity templates which students can use as a focus for information collation, ideas exchange and discussion.
Activity templates in which students can work together to manipulate or engage with page elements to co-construct and
consolidate knowledge.
Activity templates that promote higher order thinking skills encouraging students to think of concepts in more advanced or
complex ways (from basic levels of thought to more complex levels of analysis, synthesis and evaluation).
Activity templates allowing synchronous completion of the identical or similar activities - with or without a competitive element
according to teachers’ preference.
Activity templates enabling joint creative exercises.
Activity templates which serve to enhance understanding when used as a core part of learning – to encourage student
engagement and interaction with concepts and each other, and not necessarily lower order ‘interaction’ with the IWB/IWB
tools alone (technical versus conceptual interaction).
Activities employing the ‘Back-to-back’ technique in collaborative or competitive tasks.
There are plenty of multi-user page templates and multi-user activities to be found within the Shared Resources
Library sub-folders in:
Shared Resources > ActivInspire
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Sound Recorder
Show Home > Reference > Tools > Sound Recorder
Sound Recorder
What?
Allows you to capture an audio recording (speech and/or music) to a file using the
audio capture capabilities of your computer.
Where?
Main Menu > Tools > More Tools… > Sound Recorder
Desktop Tools
Shortcut?
CTRL+Shift+R (Windows TM & Linux TM )
Cmd+Shift+R (Mac® )
How?
In the Sound Recorder Toolbox, click on the red Record icon to start capturing
your audio. You may then use the Pause or Stop icons at any time.
To record speech, you should ensure that you have a suitable microphone
connected to your system. For more information, see your Operating System Help
files.
What can I customize?
Where can I customize it?
Add To Flipchart
Adds a sound icon to your flipchart page when you finish
recording. Click on the icon, with Enable Actions
activated, to play your recording.
Save To Disk
When you click on the Record icon, ActivInspire
prompts you to specify a file name and location for your
sound file before the recording begins.
Both
Both of the above.
Settings > Recordings > Sound Recordings
More about ActivInspire > Working with objects > Adding multimedia
More info...
Reference > Settings > Recordings
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Screen Recorder
Show Home > Reference > Tools > Screen Recorder
Screen Recorder
What?
Where?
Recording the actions on a flipchart, desktop flipchart, the desktop, or another
application, saving them as a .avi file, then playing them back as an animation.
Tools > More Tools > Screen Recorder
Desktop Tools
How?
Click on the red Record button and type a filename. Alternatively select the video
format and audio compression first, then begin the recording. Click on the black
Stop button to end the recording.
What can I customize?
In the Screen Recorder Menu:
Video
Compression
To save disk space, choose from the supported video
compressors installed on your computer.
Audio Format
Choose mono or stereo and the quality of recording. The
greater the number of kilobits per second, the better the
sound quality and the larger the file.
In the Recordings section of Settings:
Capture frame
rate
Default = 5
Record audio
Default. If you have suitable sound equipment,
records sounds as well as video.
The number of frames to be captured per second (1-10).
The greater the number of frames, the better the video
quality and the larger the file.
Records only video.
Quick capture
Select when recording activities with lots of cursor
movement over large, static areas. For example, a
software demo.
Default.
Capture mouse
pointer
Capture layered
windows
Default. Records cursor movements in the video.
Does not record cursor movements.
Layered windows are used by applications to create
translucent windows. For example, the translucent image
that appears when you drag and drop an icon onto your
desktop.
Select when recording applications that use layered
windows.
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Screen Recorder
The cursor may flash while recording, but this
effect will not appear in the video.
Default.
Disable hardware
acceleration
during recording
Default.
Hardware acceleration improves the performance of
3D graphics on your computer but can adversely affect
the performance of the Screen Recorder.
Select to switch off hardware acceleration at the start of
the recording and restore it upon completion of the
recording.
Hide screen
recorder toolbox
whilst recording
Hides the Screen Recorder toolbox at the start of
each new recording.
When the toolbox is hidden, stop the recording
by clicking on the Screen Recorder icon.
Default. Screen Recorder is displayed during
recording so that you can stop, pause or restart the
recording.
Where can I customize it?
Screen Recorder Menu
Edit Profiles > Settings > Recordings
More info...
More about ActivInspire > working with objects > Adding multimedia
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Tickertape
Show Home > Reference > Tools > Tickertape
Tickertape
What?
Where?
Allows you to create and show text messages that scroll across your display over
your presentation. Tickertapes can be created, edited, saved as files and reused.
Tools Menu > More Tools > Tickertape
Desktop Tools
Shortcut?
CTRL+Shift+T (Windows TM & Linux TM )
Cmd+Shift+T (Mac® )
How?
When you select this tool, a new, default Tickertape message scrolls across the
display. You can use the 'Tickertape Edit' window to enter your message and
change its properties. Use the Tickertape File Menu to save and load your
tickertapes.
What can I customize?
Tickertape properties like color and speed.
Where can I customize it?
'Tickertape Edit' window
More about ActivInspire > Working at the board > Using Tickertapes
More info...
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Clock
Show Home > Reference > Tools > Clock
Clock
What?
Where?
Classroom clock, timed activities and competitions.
Tools > More Tools > Clock
Desktop Tools
Shortcut?
Circular Spotlight (see description below):
CTRL+Shift+U (Windows TM & Linux TM )
Cmd+Shift+U (Mac® )
How?
Set the display, choose count down or count up as desired:
What can I customize?
Displays analog clock
Displays digital clock
Displays both an analog and a digital clock
Toggle switch. Pauses or restarts the clock
Opens 'Clock Counter' Dialog Box.
Use to set:
Countdown/Countup interval
Repeat countdown/countup
Reset
Play sound after timeout
Perform an action after timeout
Where can I customize it?
Clock Box
Edit Profiles > Settings > Clock Tool
Using the Clock
More info...
Settings > Tools
Working with actions
Actions > Command Actions
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Clock
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Camera
Show Home > Reference > Tools > Camera
Camera
What?
Where?
Taking a snapshot from the screen – this may be a picture on a website or flipchart, for
example.
Tools > Camera
Desktop Tools
Shortcut?
Area Snapshot (see description below):
CTRL+Shift+K (Windows TM & Linux TM )
Cmd+Shift+K (Mac® )
How?
Choose the type of snapshot from the dropdown menu, then choose the destination for
your snapshot from the Camera Snapshot Box.
Area Snapshot
A highlighted box is displayed. Click inside the box and
drag to move it – change the measurements with the
handles. For fine adjustment, use the Position controls in
the 'Camera Snapshot' Box.
Point to Point
Snapshot
Click and drag, drawing straight lines to enclose a
highlighted outline area on the greyed-out screen. The
snapshot area cannot be moved or modified – if you get
it wrong, just close the 'Camera Snapshot Box' and try
again. The Camera is enabled when the outline is
complete.
Freehand Snapshot
Click and drag, drawing freehand to enclose a highlighted
outline area on the greyed-out screen. The snapshot area
cannot be moved or modified – if you get it wrong, just
close the 'Camera Snapshot Box' and try again.
Window Snapshot
Capture dialog boxes, or the ActivInspire window.
Fullscreen Snapshot
Capture the full screen.
Choose the destination:
Current Page
New Page
A new page, which is inserted after the current page.
Clipboard
My Resources
My Resources or Shared Resources.
Shared Resources
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Camera
Using the Camera
More info...
Working with actions
Actions > Command Actions
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Revealer
Show Home > Reference > Tools > Revealer
Revealer
What?
Selectively revealing parts of the flipchart page.
Where?
Tools > Revealer
Shortcut?
CTRL+R (Windows TM & Linux TM )
Cmd+R (Mac® )
How?
The Revealer is a toggle switch. Reveal hidden object(s) by clicking and dragging
the blind from the top, bottom, right or left.
What can I customize?
rColor of the Revealer blind
Animation speed (1 to 20 seconds) - for use with ActivRemote.
Where can I customize it?
Edit Profiles > Effects > Reveal Tool
More about ActivInspire> Working at the board > Using the Revealer
More info...
Working with actions
Reference > Actions > Command Actions
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Dual User
Show Home > Reference > Tools > Dual User
Dual User
What?
Collaborative working with two ActivPens on your ActivBoard version 3, or upgraded
ActivBoard version 2..
Where?
Tools > Dual User
How?
Start Dual User mode, then two collaborators can simultaneously write and work on the
board, using a Student Pen and Teacher Pen.
Working in Dual User mode
More info...
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Pen
Show Home > Reference > Tools > Pen
Pen
What?
Where?
Drawing or writing annotations on the board.
Tools > Pen
Main Toolbox
Dual Toolbox
Shortcut?
CTRL+P (Windows TM & Linux TM )
Cmd+P (Mac® )
How?
Draw or write slowly, try to keep the "ink" flowing to avoid creating many small
annotations.
Where can I customize it?
Set the color and width in the Main Toolbox (ActivInspire Studio), or in the Pen
Tray (ActivInspire Primary).
First steps with ActivInspire > Writing on a flipchart
More info...
Working with actions
Reference > Actions > Command Actions
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Highlighter
Show Home > Reference > Tools > Highlighter
Highlighter
What?
Where?
Emphasising areas of your flipchart with translucent olor.
Tools > Highlight
Main Toolbox (ActivInspire Studio)
Pen Tray (ActivInspire Primary)
Dual Toolbox
Dual Pen Tray (ActivInspire Primary)
Shortcut?
CTRL+H (Windows TM and Linux TM )
Cmd+H (Mac® )
How?
Drag the cursor across the area to be highlighted.
Where can I customize it?
Select the olor and width in the Main Toolbox (ActivInspire Studio) or in the Pen
Tray (ActivInspire Primary).
First steps with ActivInspire > Writing on a flipchart
More info...
Working with actions
Reference > Actions > Command Actions
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Desktop Annotate
Show Home > Reference > Tools > Desktop Annotate
Desktop Annotate
What?
Writing annotations on your computer's live desktop with the Pen
or
Highlighter
Interacting with other applications on your desktop with Select
Where?
Tools > Desktop Annotate
Shortcut?
CTRL+Shift+A (WindowsTM & LinuxTM)
Cmd+Shift+A (Mac® )
How?
Your computer's desktop becomes the background of your flipchart page. The Main
Toolbox remains open, so you can select tools and save or discard your desktop
flipchart.
You can browse your computer, launch applications and use ActivInspire's tools to
create and manipulate annotations and other objects. The objects you create in
your flipchart are an overlay of the desktop, they will not remain on your desktop
when you close the desktop flipchart.
If you save the flipchart, it will not include a picture of your desktop.
More about ActivInspire > Working at the board > Annotating the desktop
More info...
Working with actions
Reference > Actions > Command Actions
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Page Zoom
Show Home > Reference > Tools > Page Zoom
Page Zoom
What?
Magnifying or miniaturizing the current page.
Where?
View > Page Zoom
Shortcut?
CTRL+Shift+Z (Windows TM & Linux TM )
Cmd+Shift+Z (Mac® )
How?
Click on the page, press and hold to zoom in, right-click on the page, press and
hold to zoom out.
Click and drag with Page Zoom enabled to pan across a flipchart page.
A tour of ActivInspire > Exploring ActivInspire Studio > Viewing a flipchart
More info...
A tour of ActivInspire > Exploring ActivInspire Primary > Viewing a flipchart
Working with actions
Reference > Actions > Command Actions
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Dashboard
Show Home > A tour of ActivInspire > Exploring ActivInspire Primary > Dashboard
Dashboard
When you run
ActivInspire, after
choosing your initial
preferences, the
first thing you see
is the Dashboard.
The Dashboard
contains shortcuts
to flipcharts and
useful tools to save
you time.
The Dashboard will
remain open until
you close it.
If you uncheck the 'Show the dashboard window on startup' box, the Dashboard will not open next time you run
ActivInspire.
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ActivInspire window
Show Home > A tour of ActivInspire > Exploring ActivInspire Primary > ActivInspire window
ActivInspire window
When you run ActivInspire, the ActivInspire window opens behind the Dashboard.
What this window looks like depends on several things:
Your preferences at startup.
Whether you are using ActivInspire Professional or Personal.
Whether you have customized any of its components.
Here we introduce the main components of the ActivInspire window for ActivInspire Professional.
ActivInspire Professional
The following picture shows a thumbnail of the ActivInspire Professional window. The list on the left identifies each numbered
component:
1
Main Toolbox
2
Trashcan
3
Pen Tray
4
Page Browser
5
Object, Notes,
Property, Action and
Voting Browser
6
Menubar
7
Flipchart name
8
Context Menu
9
Page Indicator
10
Sizing Indicator
11
Flipchart page
Back to top
ActivInspire Personal
ActivInspire Personal does not give you the same range of tools and Browsers as ActivInspire Professional. For example, it does
not include the Shape
Tool and the Action Browser
.
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ActivInspire window
Tip
Look for these small icons at the top of Browsers, Menus and Toolboxes. They allow you to quickly customize an item's behavior:
Toolbox Options
Select from a drop-down menu where the item should be located and how much of it should
be visible.
Roll Up
A toggle switch to roll the item up so it takes up less space, or to unroll it again.
Pin Toolbox
A toggle switch to pin the item in place. This prevents it from automatically hiding, or from
being moved accidentally.
To move an item, click in the yellow area along its top edge and drag and drop it where you want it.
Next time you run ActivInspire, it will remember your preferences.
Back to top
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Main Toolbox
Show Home > A tour of ActivInspire > Exploring ActivInspire Primary > Main Toolbox
Main Toolbox
The Main Toolbox opens on your display when you start ActivInspire. When you start ActivInspire for the very first time, the toolbox contains a set of the most popular tools.
The items in the Main Toolbox are just a selection of the many tools available. You can access a large range of additional tools from the Tools Menu. Next time you start ActivInspire, it
will remember where you left the toolbox last time, and which tools it contained.
ActivInspire
Professional
ActivInspire
Personal
Tools
Main Menu
Switch Profile
Clear
Previous Page
Next Page
Reset Page
Start/Stop Flipchart
Vote
Express Poll
Undo
Select
Tools
Redo
Pen
Fill
Edit user-defined buttons
Shape
Connector
Text
Insert media from file
You need ActivInspire Professional if you want to create your own shapes with the Shape
Tool.
Preferences
You can keep the default toolset, remove tools, or replace some or all of them with other tools. You can define your preferences in a profile and save them when you are satisfied. You
can create as many profiles as you need and quickly switch between them with the Switch Profile
you.
Back to top
file:///C|/Program%20Files/Activ%20Software/Inspire/help/en_US/main_toolbox_primary.htm[1/21/2010 6:07:48 PM]
. icon. For details of how to customize profiles, see Making Profiles work for
Pen Tray
Show Home > A tour of ActivInspire > Exploring ActivInspire Primary > Pen Tray
Pen Tray
The Pen Tray opens along the bottom edge of the display when you click on the Pen
It contains the basic tools you need for
writing on the board and making quick changes and corrections. The following picture shows the Pen Tray. The list on the left
identifies each numbered component:
1
Highlighters
2
Pens
3
Erasers
4
Color Palette
5
Spaces for custom colors
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ActivInspire's Browsers
Show Home > A tour of ActivInspire > Exploring ActivInspire Primary > ActivInspire's Browsers
ActivInspire's Browsers
This section introduces ActivInspire's Browsers.
What is a Browser?
A flipchart can have many pages and elements, each with a range of characteristics and properties.
ActivInspire makes working with these characteristics and properties simple, by providing a Browser for each major area.
The Browsers allow you to see at a glance:
What's already included in your flipchart.
What else you could add or customize.
How to do this.
Use the Browsers to quickly build, refine and enhance your own and other people's flipcharts.
Each Browser:
Is structured to give you clear and detailed information about the area you are browsing.
Has its own Popup Menu
and/or set of icons to help you work effectively with your flipchart.
In addition, you can make the Browser wider or narrower and adjust the level of detail you can see to suit your needs.
What Browsers are there?
There are seven Browsers:
Page Browser
Resource Browser
Object Browser
Notes Browser
Property Browser
Action Browser
Voting Browser
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Viewing a flipchart
Show Home > A tour of ActivInspire > Exploring ActivInspire Primary > Viewing a flipchart
Viewing a flipchart
We describe five easy ways to view a flipchart:
View one page at a time
Preview several pages at a time
Increase and decrease the page size
Zoom in and out
Pan around the flipchart
View one page at a time
Two ways to view one page at a time:
Click on the Next Page
and Previous Page
buttons.
From the View Menu, select Next Page or Previous Page.
You automatically insert a new flipchart page when you click on the Next Page
page of a flipchart.
icon on the last
To prevent unwanted pages at the end of your flipcharts, always add an indicator to the last page. This
could be a shape, a picture, or a simple "The End". Preview several pages at a time
From the Main Toolbox, open the Page Browser
.
Preview the thumbnails of the flipchart and click
on the black triangles on the film reel to see
other thumbnails. To display a page in the
ActivInspire window, click on its thumbnail.
Increase and decrease the page size
By default, ActivInspire is set to scale the complete flipchart page into the
ActivInspire window. This is termed 'Best Fit'. You can easily change this with the
drop-down menu at the top right-hand corner of the window.
Click on the small white triangles
your needs.
then select a setting to suit
Welcome to the World!
If you select a setting that is smaller than 100%, the size of the flipchart page will
be proportionally reduced in the ActivInspire window.
This opens up an area around the flipchart page called the World. You can use the
World like a blotter, to position objects temporarily outside the boundary of the
flipchart page, for later use. These objects can then remain hidden when the page
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Viewing a flipchart
is scaled to fit the ActivInspire window. For example, things you don't want to make
visible to your students, or items you want to reveal at a certain point in a lesson.
Back to top
Zoom in and out
You can use Page Zoom
to magnify or shrink what you see on the flipchart. Page Zoom does not change your flipchart, it
only affects how the flipchart is viewed.
Zoom in
1. From the View Menu, select Page Zoom
.
2. Click on the page and wait for a moment. The zoom begins and continues until you release the ActivPen or mouse button.
Page Zoom
is now in the Quick Access Toolbar.
Zoom out
With Page Zoom selected:
1. Right-click on the page.
2. Hold the right-click button down.
If you double-click on the page while Page Zoom is selected, the Page Scale returns to Best Fit.
Pan around the flipchart
When you have zoomed in on a flipchart to the point where the flipchart page is larger than the ActivInspire window, you can no
longer see the whole flipchart page at once.
In this situation you can pan around the page in one of two ways:
Use the vertical and horizontal slide bars that appear
around the page
Use Page Zoom. Notice that when this tool is
selected, as you move the cursor over the page, a
small hand icon is displayed. If you now click on the
page and drag, you can pan around the page to bring
other areas into view. Note that this behavior also
applies when you are zoomed out of the page.
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Viewing a flipchart
Back to top
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Managing multiple flipcharts
Show Home > A tour of ActivInspire > Exploring ActivInspire Primary > Managing multiple flipcharts
Managing multiple flipcharts
Every time you open or create another flipchart, a new Document Tab appears in the Document Bar. You can work with an
unlimited number of flipcharts at the same time.
To move from one flipchart to another, click the Document Tab of the flipchart
you want to work on. This becomes the current flipchart.
The current flipchart is highlighted in yellow in its Document Tab. To close the
flipchart, click on .
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Authoring at your computer
Show Home > A tour of ActivInspire > Exploring ActivInspire Primary > Authoring at your computer
Authoring at your computer
When you are working at your computer, you need easy access to a range of tools for lesson preparation.
The quickest way to achieve this is to switch to the 'Authoring' profile provided with ActivInspire:
Click on Switch Profile
and select the Authoring profile from the drop-down list.
Alternatively, you could experiment with your favourite combinations of tools and settings, then save them to a profile.
For more information about creating and working with profiles, see Making profiles work for you.
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Most often used tools
Show Home > A tour of ActivInspire > Exploring ActivInspire Primary > Most often used tools
Most often used tools
While you are working with ActivInspire, the Toolbox Shortcut Bar on the right of the Main Toolbox gradually fills up with icons.
ActivInspire automatically places your Most often used tools there, so that they are easily accessible.
In the picture on the right, the Toolbox Shortcut Bar includes
some of the tools you explored in the previous topic.
To see a description of a tool, click on the link:
Clock
Camera
Open Flipchart
Revealer
Dual Mode
Sound Recorder
Tickertape
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More about ActivInspire
Show Home > More about ActivInspire
More about ActivInspire
This section contains more detailed information about how to work with ActivInspire:
Working with resources
Working with objects
Making flipcharts interactive
Making profiles work for you
Working at the board
Importing and exporting files
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About profiles
Show Home > More about ActivInspire > Making profiles work for you > About profiles
About profiles
Here we look at profiles in more detail:
What is a profile?
What can you customize in a profile?
Which profiles are included in ActivInspire?
What is a profile?
ActivInspire can be adapted to suit different teaching techniques.
Whether you need lots of tools on your board, or just plenty of space – ActivInspire suits all teaching styles. When you start
ActivInspire, it displays items such as tools according to a profile file.
If you have used other computer applications, you may be familiar with options and preferences. ActivInspire creates a profile
based on your use of tools.
For example, when you dock or roll in the Browser, ActivInspire makes a note in the profile. Next time you launch ActivInspire,
things like menus, tools and other items will look and behave just like you left them.
You can continue to work with this profile, or select Edit > Profiles to create and save one or more profiles of your own. You can
create different profiles for different circumstances and save your preferences in as many profiles as you wish. You can then use
your profiles on another computer. Other teachers can use their profiles on your computer, then you can change back to your own
profile when they have finished.
Your personal profiles are stored in the My Profiles folder.
What can you customize in a profile?
Profiles are a great way to personalize ActivInspire and make it truly yours. You can customize almost everything in ActivInspire
and save your preferences in one or more profiles. To make this easy for you, we have grouped things into four major categories.
Each category is represented by its own tab in the 'Edit Profiles' Dialog Box.
This category
Allows you to...
Layout
Choose the position, visibility and behavior of items like the Main Toolbox, Menubars and
Document Tabs.
Commands
Personalize the Main Toolbox and Marquee and Sizing Handles, by adding or remove items to
suit your circumstances.
User Defined Buttons
Create your own shortcuts, so that when you press one of your own buttons, ActivInspire
performs one of the following:
Inserts a special keystroke.
Displays the text you have previously associated with that button.
Opens a file or launches a program.
Settings
Customize the way on which you work with your Learner Response System, math tools,
multimedia and many others.
Which profiles are included in ActivInspire?
ActivInspire includes five profiles. Their names indicate their intended purpose. You can use them as provided, or customize them
further to suit your needs:
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About profiles
At The Board
Presents an uncluttered display, where the ActivInspire window is set to Best Fit, the Browser is
hidden, the Flipchart Bin is visible, the Quick Access Toolbar is hidden and the Main Toolbox includes
some presentation tools for use at the board, as well as the Page Browser and Resource Browser
buttons.
Authoring
Puts authoring tools at your fingertips for quick lesson development. Opens with the Page Browser
open and pinned and includes the extended Color Palette in the Main Toolbox, as well as the Quick
Access Toolbar.
Languages
Presents an uncluttered display, where the ActivInspire window is set to Best Fit, the Browser is
hidden, the Flipchart Bin is visible, the Quick Access Toolbar is hidden and the Main Toolbox includes
additional tools for language teaching, like the On-screen Keyboard, Text Recognition, Tickertape and
Spell Checker.
Mathematics
Presents an uncluttered display, where the ActivInspire window is set to Best Fit, the Browser is
hidden, the Flipchart Bin is visible, the Quick Access Toolbar is hidden and the Main Toolbox includes
additional math tools, like the Ruler, Protractor, and XY Origin.
Media
Presents an uncluttered display, where the ActivInspire window is set to Best Fit, the Browser is
hidden, the Flipchart Bin is visible, the Quick Access Toolbar is hidden and the Main Toolbox includes
additional media tools, like the Sound Recorder, Screen Recorder, Camera and Insert Media from File.
Back to top
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Creating and switching profiles
Show Home > More about ActivInspire > Making profiles work for you > Creating and switching profiles
Creating and switching profiles
Here we show you how to create, customise and switch profiles:
Creating a profile
Choosing the layout
Choosing your tools
Defining your own buttons
Choosing application settings
Switching profiles
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Using layers and stacking
Show Home > More about ActivInspire > Working with objects > Using layers and stacking
Using layers and stacking
Here we show you how to use layers and stack objects:
More about layers
Move an object to another layer
Stack objects
More about layers
You may remember that all objects are placed on layers by default and that you can move objects from one layer to another.
Top layer
By default this layer contains all annotation objects that are made using the Pen, Highlighter and
Magic Ink tools. Such objects display on top of any other objects placed on the lower layers.
Middle layer
By default, this layer contains images, shapes and text objects.
Recognised annotations are automatically converted to text objects and placed on the middle
layer..
These objects are displayed below (or underneath) any object placed on the top layer but are
displayed above (or over) the top of any object placed on the bottom layer.
Bottom layer
Initially empty, the bottom layer can contain connectors and any object which is physically placed
on it. For details, see Move an object to another layer below.
Background layer
The background layer consists of three elements:
Background page color
Background image (optional)
Grid (optional)
In addition, you can place any other objects on the background layer, whereupon they will become
locked on the background and will appear below all objects on the other layers.
If the background layer contains a background image, the way the image fills the page is dictated
by its Background Fit property. For details, see Reference > Properties > Miscellaneous
properties.
The layers are completely separate from each other. In other words, you can replace the background without affecting images or
annotations on other layers. Or you can annotate over your photographs and background without affecting other layers.
Move an object to another layer
1. Right-click on the object.
2. From the Popup Menu select Reorder > To Top Layer
To Middle Layer
allows you to cover, for example, an annotation object with an image object. or To Bottom Layer
This
annotations will hide any 'top layer' objects (or parts of objects) that the Magic Ink crosses over ( including
Magic Ink
annotations and images), allowing you to see through to the layers beneath.
Use the appropriate Clear Tool to delete objects from each layer.
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Using layers and stacking
Back to top
Stack objects
All objects are allocated a position in the stack according to the order in which they are added to the page. Each successive object
is placed on top of the preceding one within its own layer. Think of it as a pack of playing cards, where you must take a card out of
the pack and place it on top in order to fully view it. The most recently placed object on a page is on top of the stack.
The cards in the example on the right were added in the following order:
Blue 1
Yellow 2
Red 3
The following rules apply:
The blue card will display under the yellow and red cards.
The yellow card will display on top of the blue card, but will be under
the red card.
The red card will display on top of the yellow and blue cards.
These rules apply in each layer. Not only is there a stacking order in terms
of the layers, you also need to consider the stacking order within each layer.
Change the stacking order
You can change the stacking order by sending an object to another place in
the stack.
The order of the cards in the example on the right has changed. The Red 3
is now at the bottom of the stack.
Here we show you two ways to change the stacking order.
Change one step
1. Select the object.
2. From the Context Menu select Send Backwards
Bring Forwards
in the stacking order.
or
The object moves one step up or down
3. Repeat as necessary.
Go all the way
1. Select the object.
2. From the Edit Menu, select Reorder > Bring to Front or Send to
Back. This will move the object to the front or back of the stack
accordingly.
You can also select multiple objects to send the selection to the front or back. Each object will retain its stacking position in relation
to the other objects.
Back to top
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Using Learner Response Systems
Show Home > Using Learner Response Systems
Using Learner Response Systems
This section contains information about Learner Response Systems (LRS):
Overview
Registering devices
Assigning students to devices
Prepared questions - Using the Question Wizard
Quick questions and ExpressPoll
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Pre-flight checklist
Show Home > More about ActivInspire > Working at the board > Pre-flight checklist
Pre-flight checklist
Working with a flipchart at the board is different from working with it on your computer. Fonts, objects and colors that look great on your computer
screen may not work so well on the board.
We recommend that you try your flipchart out on a board before you teach with it in front of an audience. Now is the time to make final changes:
Ask yourself...
Are the learning
goals clear?
Suggestions
More info...
Using Tickertape
State the learning goals at the beginning and
revisit them for a vote at the end of the session.
Making flipcharts interactive > Creating
containers
Incorporate learning goals into every page:
Making flipcharts interactive > Creating
restrictors
Make them into a tickertape and keep it
running throughout the lesson.
Working with objects > Using layers and
stacking
Place them at the top of each page,
perhaps on the bottom layer, or make
them restricted, so they can't be moved or
deleted accidentally.
Is each flipchart page
clearly structured?
If a page looks too cluttered, consider spreading its
contents over two pages.
Is all text clearly
legible?
Ensure that text has a point size of at least 16.
First steps with ActivInspire > Adding and formatting
text
Is there enough color
contrast?
Consider changing text and object colors for greater
contrast and impact.
Working with objects > Changing object properties
If you are using
actions, do they
work correctly?
Check that actions are enabled and that the correct
action has been associated with each object.
Making flipcharts interactive > Working with actions
Do all images display
correctly on the
board?
You may need to resize them for best effect.
Working with objects > Changing object properties
Do all links work?
If you have added links, make sure that you can access
the required areas from the classroom. If you need
internet access, make sure you are connected to the
network.
Working with objects > Adding and removing links
Are all objects and
buttons accessible?
To enable you and your students to work at the board,
ensure that anything you or they need to access during
the lesson is in the bottom third of the flipchart.
Have you chosen a
profile for teaching
with this flipchart?
You may want to use one of the profiles provided with
ActivInspire, or you may want to tailor a profile to your
particular lesson or group of learners.
Making profiles work for you
Do you intend to use
this flipchart for
collaborative
working in Dual User
mode?
If the answer is "Yes", make sure that the tasks you set
your students can be completed with the tools available
in the Dual Toolbox.
Working in Dual User mode
Do you need to limit
Consider using Teacher Lock to keep students focussed
Using Teacher Lock
If necessary, change the font, font size or text colors for
greater clarity.
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Pre-flight checklist
access to any of
ActivInspire's
functions when
students are working
at the board?
on current activity.
For expert advice on best teaching practice in the ActivClassroom, check out the Professional Development section on Promethean
Planet.
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Annotating the desktop
Show Home > More about ActivInspire > Working at the board > Annotating the desktop
Annotating the desktop
Use the Desktop Annotate button when you want to use ActivInspire tools, such as the Pen, Highlighter and Eraser, on your
desktop or any application you have open on your desktop. When you annotate your desktop, you will create a Desktop Flipchart,
which can be saved for future use.
Use this feature in lessons about:
Websites
Software applications
Annotate the desktop
1. From the Tools Menu, select Desktop Annotate
. The desktop is displayed in between
ActivInspire’s Browser and the Main Toolbox, as shown
on the right.
2. Click on the Desktop Annotate button in the
toolbox to restore the previously hidden items. The
Menubar shows a new flipchart has been created, with
the name ‘desktop flipchart’. The desktop flipchart is
transparent.
You can annotate the desktop and deliver a lesson based on
the content, such as a website or a software application.
When you select the pointer and click on the desktop, you
can:
Start and use desktop applications.
Select objects from applications or websites and copy
them. From the clipboard you can paste into flipcharts.
Display the layered structure
Open the Object Browser to see the layer structure of
annotation objects.
The default structuring is as follows:
Pen annotations, including Highlighter go onto the top
layer.
Text and shapes go onto the middle layer.
Connectors go onto the bottom layer.
When you save a desktop flipchart, the objects are saved
onto an invisible background. The desktop does not form part
of the flipchart and will not be saved.
Options
You can have the desktop as part of your flipchart in the
following ways:
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Annotating the desktop
As the background of your flipchart.
Using Desktop Overlay and Desktop Snapshot.
From the File Menu, select Edit > Page Background. The
Set Background Dialog Box opens.
Click the Desktop Snapshot radio button. To look at the
desktop before taking the snapshot, click the Show
Desktop icon.
When you are ready to take the snapshot, click on the Take
Snapshot icon.
After the snapshot has been taken, click on Done.
If you want your current page to have no background:
Click on the Desktop Overlay radio button, then click on
Done.
The desktop does not form part of the flipchart and will not be
saved.
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Using Desktop Tools
Show Home > More about ActivInspire > Working at the board > Using Desktop Tools
Using Desktop Tools
Desktop Tools are a collection of commonly used ActivInspire tools which you may find useful when working in other applications,
on occasions where you might not necessarily require the full facilities offered by Desktop Annotate
.
When you click on the Desktop Tools icon, ActivInspire is
minimised and the floating Desktop Tools toolbox is displayed:
This toolbox can be moved around the desktop by dragging
the icon to the required position, where it remains showing
over other applications.
You can click on the icon to expand the Desktop Tools.
The toolbox contains the following tools (moving clockwise
from the top):
Restore Inspire
Closes the Desktop Tools Toolbox and returns you to the
main ActivInspire application.
Shows or hides the voting Wonderwheel.
ExpressPoll
Starts the ActivInspire Screen Recorder.
Screen Recorder
See below.
More Tools
See below.
Camera
Loads your chosen on-screen keyboard program.
On-screen keyboard
Opens the Promethean Planet web site in your web browser.
Promethean Planet
More Tools
When you move the cursor over the More Tools
icon a further level of the Desktop Tools Toolbox
open.
You can select the following tools:
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Using Desktop Tools
Starts the ActivInspire Tickertape feature.
Tickertape
Displays the ActivInspire Clock.
Clock
Starts the ActivInspire Sound Recorder.
Sound Recorder
Opens your chosen Calculator program.
Calculator
Displays the Dice Roll feature.
Dice Roller
Camera
When you move the cursor over the Camera icon
a further level of the Desktop Tools Toolbox opens.
You can select the following snapshot types:
Fullscreen Snapshot
Window Snapshot
Freehand Snapshot
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Using Desktop Tools
Point to Point Snapshot
Area Snapshot
For details of all the tools available on the Desktop Tools Toolbox, see the relevant sections of this Help file.
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Using the Camera
Show Home > More about ActivInspire > Working at the board > Using the Camera
Using the Camera
Use the Camera tool to capture an image of
your Desktop, Flipchart and paused video
frames or animations. You can take a
photograph of the complete display screen or
you can define a specific area on the screen to
capture only part of it.
The photograph will capture all types of objects
displayed on screen including backgrounds,
annotations, grids, lines, shapes, text and other
images.
1. From the Tools Menu, select Camera.
Choose the type of snapshot from the
drop-down menu:
Area Snapshot – A highlighted
box is displayed. Click inside the
box and drag to move it – change
the measurements with the
handles. For fine adjustment, use
the Position controls in the
Camera Snapshot box.
Point to Point Snapshot –
Click and drag, drawing straight
lines to enclose a highlighted
outline area on the greyed-out
screen. The snapshot area cannot
be moved or modified – if you get
it wrong, just close the Camera
Snapshot box and try again.
Freehand Snapshot – Click
and drag, drawing freehand to
enclose a highlighted outline area
on the greyed-out screen. The
snapshot area cannot be moved
or modified – if you get it wrong,
just close the Camera Snapshot
box and try again.
Window Snapshot – Capture
dialog boxes, or the ActivInspire
window.
Fullscreen Snapshot –
Capture the full screen.
2. Choose the destination for your snapshot
from the Camera Snapshot box:
Current Page – Capture the
image to the current flipchart
page.
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Using the Camera
New Page – Capture the image
to a new page at the end of the
flipchart.
Clipboard – Capture the image
to the clipboard.
My Resources – Capture the
image to the My Resources
folder.
Shared Resources – Capture
the image to the Shared
Resources folder.
The resultant image of all of these objects, which can be added to your Flipchart page, Resource Library, Shortcut bar or
clipboard as an object that you can manipulate. The photograph is simply an image of the screen, so any objects within your
photograph will not be editable. You can resize or rotate the photograph like any other image object.
Make sure that the screen is displaying the image you wish to capture. Choose from one of the following snapshot types, which
are discussed in order as they appear on the Camera tool menu:
Area
A dotted line in a rectangle shape will appear
on your screen. The rectangle can be
positioned anywhere on your screen by a click
inside the rectangle shape and drag it to
another part of the screen. It can also be
resized using the Sizing Handles that surround
the border. Move these around until the shape
contains the image you want to photograph,
then choose from one of the paste options
available from the Photograph toolbox.
Point to Point
Allows you to capture an irregular shape made
up from straight lines. The first click starts the
shape. Every time you click, you add another
node to the shape so you can move the line in
another direction. To end the shape, click close
to the first point and ActivInspire will
automatically close the shape for you. A
preview of your photograph will appear on
screen surrounded by a pink background.
Choose from one of the paste options available
from the Photograph toolbox.
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Using the Camera
Freehand
Allows you to capture an irregular shape using
freehand lines. Click and drag the cursor to
start the capture. As you move the cursor, a
dotted line follows it to define the capture area.
To end the shape, just release the click and
ActivInspire will close the shape by placing a
straight line between the first and last point. A
preview of your photograph will appear on
screen surrounded by a pink background.
Choose from one of the paste options available
from the Photograph toolbox.
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Using the Camera
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Using the Clock
Show Home > More about ActivInspire > Working at the board > Using the Clock
Using the Clock
Use the clock to show the time on the board.
You can also do a countdown and have
automated flipcharting actions.
From the Tools Menu, select More Tools >
Clock.
The clock is displayed in a box.
Click on the icons in the box to toggle
between clock displays – analog, digital
and both.
Click and drag the sides or the corners
of the box to change the size of the box
and the clock.
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Using the Clock
Click on the button with the pause
symbol to pause the clock.
Click on the down arrow to count down
from a time.
Click on the up arrow to count up from a
time.
Click on
x to close the clock.
Clicking on either arrow opens the 'Clock
Counter' Dialog Box.
Set the time in the format 00:00:00 (hr:min:s).
Check the Repeat box to repeat the counting action until the clock is closed.
Drop-down menus let you:
Choose a sound to play after the timeout.
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Using the Clock
Choose a page turn or page reset action after the timeout.
If you choose Turn to Next Page and you have checked the Repeat box, blank pages will be added to the flipchart until the
clock is closed.
Click Reset to return to the default settings for the Clock Counter.
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Using Handwriting Recognition
Show Home > More about ActivInspire > Working at the board > Using Handwriting Recognition
Using Handwriting Recognition
The Handwriting Recognition Tool is in the Tools Menu.
Use this to convert freehand annotations into text, if you prefer the display appearance of formatted text in your flipchart. ActivInspire can do this in real time as you
write at the board. As well as recognizing handwriting and shapes within ActivInspire, the Handwriting Recognition Tool can also recognize handwriting in other
applications, for example Microsoft Word ® .
1. Select Handwriting Recognition
2. Write a word on the page. Wait for it to be converted to text.
3. If the word has not been converted correctly, click on the Alternatives icon for more options. Click on
the correct option.
4. Write another word or click on a different tool.
The new text object takes on the most recent text settings.
When the annotation becomes a text object, it moves to the middle layer,
and you will not be able to use the Eraser Tool.
Select the (converted) annotation, then click on the Text
to display the Format Toolbar.
Highlight the text and format it.
You can finish a section of writing and convert it to text later:
From the Object Edit Menu
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, select Convert to text.
Tool
Using Handwriting Recognition
Options and Settings
Recognition Tools options and settings are in the 'Settings' Tab of the 'Edit Profiles'
Dialog Box:
Recognition Timeout – The slider adjusts the timeout between 1 and 5
seconds.
Fill recognized shapes – Check the box to fill enclosed shapes produced
by conversion. Fill color options become available – you can fill the shape with
the outline color, or check the Another color box and select accordingly.
Handwriting recognition language – For details of the available
languages, see Reference > Settings > Language.
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Using Shape Recognition
Show Home > More about ActivInspire > Working at the board > Using Shape Recognition
Using Shape Recognition
Freehand drawing annotations can be converted into shape objects as you draw at the board with the ActivPen.
The Shape Recognition Tool is in the Tools Menu.
As the annotation becomes a shape object, it moves to the middle layer. When you select the new shape, you can transform it using:
The Marquee and Sizing Handles.
The Main Toolbox.
The Property Browser.
While the object is in the middle layer, you will not be able to use the Eraser
layer, you will be able to use Magic Ink
. If you move the object to the top
. Settings and Options
Select File > Settings > Edit Profiles > Settings > User Input
If you prefer to work without enabling Shape Recognition, you can convert a freehand annotation to a shape object at any time.
Right-click on the annotation and select Convert to shape.
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Using Magic Ink
Show Home > More about ActivInspire > Working at the board > Using Magic Ink
Using Magic Ink
Here we introduce Magic Ink and show you how to use it.
You can use Magic Ink to make any 'top layer' object (or part of an object) invisible. Think of Magic Ink as a pen that can draw a
'see through' annotation on the top layer. Magic Ink allows you to punch holes through the objects on the top layer, so that you can
see the objects on the layers beneath.
Example 1
Add an image from the Resource Library. The image
will be on the middle layer of the page. Then select
the Pen Tool and set the width to wide, color over the
image until it is completely obscured. This pen
annotation will be on the top layer. Finally use Magic
Ink to remove the pen annotation to reveal the image
beneath.
Example 2
Add two photographs of the same landscape scene, one taken in winter, one in summer. Place the winter photo on the top
layer so that it is positioned exactly over the summer photo. Then use Magic Ink to gradually erase the winter image to reveal
the summer image beneath.
Why does Magic Ink only work on some items?
The annotations you create with Magic Ink are themselves objects. So you can use Magic Ink to conceal objects you want to reveal
later.
Layers and stacking are important when using Magic Ink:
Magic Ink works only on the top layer.
On the top layer, Magic Ink only works on items lower in the stacking order.
Any item placed on the top layer can, therefore, be made invisible with Magic Ink.
For more information, see Using layers and stacking.
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Using Magic Ink
Change the size of the Magic Ink nib
In the Main Toolbox:
Click on one of the preset widths, or
Use the Pen width slider to choose any size between 1 and 100 pixels.
Before and after...
See through an annotation
To see through an annotation:
1. From the Tools Menu, select Magic Ink.
2. Click and drag the cursor over the annotation you want to see
through.
Find a Magic Ink annotation
To find out if a flipchart contains any items created with Magic Ink:
1. Open the Object Browser and look for objects with the Magic
Ink icon, like the one indicated in the example on the right.
2. When you click on the item in the Object Browser, it is
selected on the flipchart page:
Now you can move the Magic Ink annotation, delete it, or
change it in some other way.
Alternatively:
Move the cursor over the Magic Ink annotation (you can tell that you
are in the right place when the cursor looks like this
).
Delete Magic Ink
You can delete Magic Ink annotations like any other objects:
Select the Magic Ink annotation on the flipchart page, or in the Object Browser and press Delete, or
Drag and drop the annotation into the Trashcan.
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Using Tickertape
Show Home > More about ActivInspire > Working at the board > Using Tickertape
Using Tickertape
From the Tools Menu, select More Tools >
Tickertape. Three items are displayed in the
'Tickertape' Dialog Box:
The default scrolling tickertape message.
Continuous preview responds instantly to
changes.
The tickertape controller.
You can:
Adjust the speed with the slider.
Pause or resume playback.
To enter the tickertape message:
Type a tickertape message into the textbox.
Lengthy messages combined with large font sizes, require large amounts of memory. In extreme cases, you may find the
tickertape message will not display.
Shadow
Enter a number into the Drop textbox to add or change the size of the shadow. A zero indicates no shadow is required. Any
changes to the shadow are displayed immediately on the scrolling message, allowing you to review your tickertape. Click on the
Color box to view the Color Palette and select a different color for the shadow.
Background
Select the Screen radio button to select the current screen as the background for your tickertape.
Select the Color radio button if you would prefer the tickertape to scroll across a plain color background strip. Click on the Color
box to view the Color Palette and select a different color for the tickertape background.
Font...
Allows you to alter the font, size, style and script attributes for the current tickertape.
Test
Click on this button to test your tickertape.
Loop
Select the checkbox to ensure the tickertape will scroll continuously until interrupted by a right-click on the message itself
Position
Click on the drop-down arrow and select Top, Middle or Bottom from the list to specify the scroll position of the tickertape.
Make Default
Click on this button to remember the current tickertape settings for the next time you define a tickertape.
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Using Tickertape
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Using the Revealer
Show Home > More about ActivInspire > Working at the board > Using the Revealer
Using the Revealer
The Revealer simulates a roller shade or blind. The flipchart page is covered and the cursor becomes a shade pull. You reveal the
page gradually, moving the cursor inward from any side of the page. While the Revealer is enabled it will cover all flipchart pages
by default.
To use the Revealer, select Tools > Revealer.
To disable the Revealer:
In the Property Browser, select Page Tools > Tools Off from the Drop-down Menu.
To change Revealer settings:
1. From the File Menu, select Settings. The 'Edit Profiles' Dialog Box opens.
2. Select Effects.
3. To change the color, double-click the box next to Color. The Color Palette opens.
4. Select a color.
5. To save your changes, click Done.
If you have an ActivRemote presenter device, you can activate the Revealer from anywhere in the
classroom.
To adjust the animation speed:
1. Select Effects as described above.
2. Move the slider from 1 (slow) to 20 (fast).
3. To save your changes, click Done.
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Using the On-Screen Keyboard
Show Home > More about ActivInspire > Working at the board > Using the On-screen Keyboard
Using the On-Screen Keyboard
The On-Screen Keyboard is in the Format Toolbar and in the Tools Menu under More Tools.
Use the On-Screen Keyboard to add text into your flipchart (or other applications) while presenting at the board.
With the Text Tool selected, and a text box open:
1. Click on On-screen Keyboard
The keyboard opens. It contains the standard keyboard layout and keys. What it looks like depends on your computer's
operating system.
2. To move the keyboard, click anywhere in the Titlebar of the On-Screen Keyboard, and drag and drop it elsewhere on your
display.
3. To add text, with a text box open, click on any of the keys.
4. To close the keyboard when you have finished adding text, click on the
x key.
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Using the Spotlight
Show Home > More about ActivInspire > Working at the board > Using the Spotlight
Using the Spotlight
The Spotlight is a presentation tool. It masks
part of the flipchart, so only a portion is visible.
The default settings of a black background and
circular white spotlight simulate an actual
spotlight and help to focus attention.
From the Tools Menu, select Spotlight.
You can define options for displaying the
Spotlight Tool in the 'Spotlight Settings' Dialog
Box:
Border width
Move the slider to increase or decrease the
width of the border, which surrounds the
spotlight area. The range is between 0 and 20
pixels.
Border color
To change the color of the spotlight border,
click on the Color Box and select a color from
the CColor Palette.
Background colour
Click here to select the color of the nonspotlighted area when using the Spotlight Tool.
Translucent border
Select the checkbox if you would like to see
through the spotlight border. Clear the
checkbox if you prefer to have the spotlight
border as a solid color.
Translucent screen
Select the checkbox if you would like to see
through the spotlight screen (the darkened area
that covers the Flipchart or Desktop window).
Clear the checkbox if you prefer to have the
spotlight screen as a solid color.
Right-click captures image
With one of the spotlights activated, right-click
on the page and an image of the spotlight area
will be pasted on your current flipchart page.
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Using the Spotlight
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Using Teacher Lock
Show Home > More about ActivInspire > Working at the board > Using Teacher Lock
Using Teacher Lock
You can lock ActivInspire to prevent changes if you are away
from the board. From the Tools Menu, select More Tools > Teacher
Lock.
The 'Teacher Lock' Dialog Box opens, certain features of
ActivInspire are disabled.
To resume working with ActivInspire you have to enter the
'Teacher Lock' password from the computer keyboard. The
default password is 1234.
To change the password, select Change Password and
complete the fields in the 'Change Teacher Lock' Dialog Box.
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Using Maths tools
Show Home > More about ActivInspire > Working at the board > Using Maths tools
Using Math tools
This section describes:
Using the Dice Roller
Using the Calculator
Using the Ruler
Using the Protractor
Using the Compass
Setting the XY Origin
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Reference
Show Home > Reference
Reference
These reference sections list and briefly describe the purpose of the tools, menus, actions, properties and settings available in
ActivInspire:
Keyboard Shortcuts
Customization Options
Menus and Popup Menus
Toolboxes and Toolbars
Tools
Actions
Properties
Settings
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Tools
Show Home > Reference > Tools
Tools
This section describes in detail all the tools available in ActivInspire. For each tool, we describe what it does, how to use it, what
you can customize and where to find it by default.
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Adding multimedia
Show Home > More about ActivInspire > Working with objects > Adding multimedia
Adding multimedia
You can have sound and video in your flipcharts, provided that your hardware supports them.
Sound files
Some sound files are provided in ActivInspire resources.
Display the Resource Browser and navigate to Shared Resources > Sounds > Animals > Bird.wav.
Drag the file to your flipchart. It is inserted as an image object with an applied action to play the file.
When you hover over the image the blue 'action associated' icon is shown.
When you click on the image the sound plays and the ActivInspire Sound Controller is displayed by default.
Select View > Sound Controller to hide the Sound Controller.
You can disable display of the Sound Controller from your profile:
Select File > Settings > Settings Tab > Multimedia and deselect the checkbox Show sound controller.
When you right-click on the image it is selected, as indicated by the Marquee Handles.
The Object Browser (below) shows the image and the Action Browser shows the applied action.
You can play two different types of sound file at one time. Two controllers are displayed, showing Track 1 and Track 2.
Track 1 plays speech or sound audio files, such as: .wma .wav .snd .au .aif .aifc .aiff.
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Adding multimedia
Track 2 plays more complex audio files, such as: .mp3 .cda .mid .rmi .midi. From the Menubar select Insert > Media.
The 'Choose media to insert' Dialog Box opens.
Select Insert > Link.
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Adding multimedia
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Recordings
Show Home > Reference > Settings > Recordings
Recordings
For details of how to access Settings, see Choosing application settings.
Settings
Options
Capture Frame Rate
Rate at which frames will be recorded in frames per second.
Range = 1 - 10
Default = 5
Record audio
Default = Record sound while you create your video.
Do not record sound.
Quick capture
Optimize recording activities with lots of cursor movement
over large, static areas.
Default = Do not optimize.
Capture mouse pointer
Default = Record cursor movements in your video.
Do not record cursor movements.
Capture layered windows
Layered windows are used by applications to create
translucent windows. For example, the translucent image that
appears when you drag and drop an icon on your desktop.
Record applications that use layered windows. Capturing
layered windows can cause the cursor to flash when
recording. This effect will not, however, appear in the actual
video file.
Default = Do not capture layered windows.
Disable hardware acceleration during recording
Hardware acceleration improves the performance of 3D
graphics on your computer but can adversely affect the
performance of the screen recorder.
Default = Allow ActivInspire to switch off hardware
acceleration at the start of the recording and restore it upon
completion of the recording.
Keep hardware acceleration switched on.
Hide screen recorder toolbox whilst recording
Hide the Screen Recorder toolbox at the start of each
new recording. When the toolbox is hidden, stop the
recording by clicking the Screen Recorder icon.
Default = Display the toolbox.
Sound Recording
Add To Flipchart
Location where your sound recordings will be saved. Select
from the drop-down menu:
Default = Add a sound icon to your flipchart when you finish
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Recordings
your recording. To play your recording, click on the icon, with
Enable Actions activated.
Save To Disk
When you click on the Record icon, you are prompted to
specify a file name and a location for your sound file before
the recording begins.
Both
Be prompted to give your recording a name and to specify
where you want to save it; an icon will also be placed on your
flipchart.
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Tools
Show Home > Reference > Settings > Tools
Tools
For details of how to access Settings, see Choosing application settings.
Settings
Options
Default tool
Tool that is enabled when ActivInspire starts. Choose from
the drop-down menu: Pen, Highlighter, Eraser or Select Tool.
Default = Pen
Show pen width indicator
Default = Show a small colored outline at the tip of the
pen. The outline will be in the currently selected color.
Do not show color at the tip of the pen.
Camera captures main toolbox
ActivInspire's Main Toolbox will be included in your
snapshot when you use the Camera.
Default = The snapshot will not include the Main Toolbox.
Maths Tools
Tool color
Default = Grey
Click to change the color of your ruler, protractor or compass.
Tool text color
Default = Black
Click to change the colorof the text on your ruler, protractor
or compass
Translucency
Make the protractor, ruler or compass more or less
translucent.
Range = 20 - 255
Default = 255
Tool scale
Use the slider to increase or decrease the size of the math
tools to suit the size of your display.
Range = 50 - 200
Default = 150
Image fill tolerance
Applies to .jpg and .png graphic files. Use the slider to set
how closely the Fill color must match a corresponding color
in the selected file. A low tolerance means only closely
matching areas of the graphic file will be filled, while a higher
tolerance has the opposite effect.
Range = 0 - 100
Default = 5
Highlighter Translucency
Use the slider to increase or decrease the translucency of the
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Tools
Highlighter.
Range = 20 - 255
Default = 128
Dice Roller
Dice speed
Use the slider to change the speed at which the dice will roll.
Range = 3 - 11
Default = 7 seconds
Number of dice
Use the slider to change the number of dice.
Range = 1 - 5
Default = 5
Calculator
Use calculator supplied with operating system
Default = Use the calculator supplied with ActivInspire
Use the default calculator supplied with your operating
system.
Use calculator specified by user
Click and browse to select another calculator.
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Working with actions
Show Home > More about ActivInspire > Making flipcharts interactive > Working with actions
Working with actions
In ActivInspire, you can associate an action with an object. This object then becomes an action object. When you click on the action
object, the associated action happens. For example, a sound file or animation plays, or a different flipchart page opens. You can test
actions immediately and they are enabled when you leave Design Mode.
There are several hundred actions available in the Action Browser, where they are presented in five different categories. You can either
access actions by category, select from a list of all actions, or select one of the most popular actions from the 'Drag and Drop' Tab.
For details of all available actions, including the differences between ActivInspire actions and those created with
previous generations of Promethean software, see Reference > Actions.
Here we introduce the action categories, describe how to add actions, show you how to drag and drop an action onto an object, give
one example for each action category, then show you how to remove actions:
Action categories
Add an action
Remove an action
Examples
Drag and drop an action
Add a command action
Add a page action
Add an object action
Add a document/media action
Add a voting action
Action categories
Category
Description
Command Actions
Actions which run a command or start a
tool.
Page Actions
Actions which work with flipchart pages.
Object Actions
The widest range of actions: show and
hide items, rotate items, manipulate
images and text, change an item's
alignment or position.
Document/Media
Actions
Actions which insert media or links, or
open a document, file, or sound.
Voting Actions
Actions which start different LRS
activities or tools.
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Working with actions
Back to top
Add an action
To add an action:
1. Select the object on the page to which you wish to apply an action.
2. Open the Action Browser.
3. Scroll through the action list to select your required action.
4. At the bottom of the Action Browser, click on Apply Changes. This associates the chosen action with the selected object.
Some actions require you to add ‘Action Properties’ and are shown where necessary at the bottom of the Action Browser. For example
the ‘Size Top Incrementally’ action allows you to provide a ‘target object’ to which the sizing action will apply and also to provide a ’Y’
property which allows you to specify the amount of sizing that will occur on the target object (in pixels).
If you select more than one object, you can use the Action Browser to apply the same action to all objects in the
selection.
To add a Drag and Drop action:
1. Select the object.
2. Open the Action Browser.
3. Click on the 'Drag and Drop' Tab.
4. Scroll through the action list to select your required action.
5. Drag and drop the action onto the object.
Remove an action
To remove a Drag and Drop action, click on the action icon (in
our example, the Ruler icon in the red triangle) and drag and
drop it into the Flipchart Bin.
To remove other actions:
1. With the Select
Tool, drag around the action object to select it.
2. In the Action Browser, click on Remove Existing.
If you're not sure which flipchart pages contain action objects:
Switch to Design Mode
. Actions are disabled and
all action objects are identified by a red square.
Back to top
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Working with actions
Drag and drop an action
This is the quickest way to add interactive elements to a
flipchart:
1. Select the object.
2. In the Action Browser, open the 'Drag and Drop' Tab.
3. From the list select Ruler.
4. Drag and drop the Ruler action onto the action object, in
our case a red triangle. The Ruler icon on the triangle
and the action cursor indicate that the action has been
added successfully.
5. Test the action. When you click on the red triangle, the
Ruler appears. Use the Ruler as you normally would,
then drag and drop it into the Trashcan.
You can repeat the action as often as you wish. It will
remain associated with the object until you delete either the
object or the action.
For details of all actions in this category, see Reference > Actions > Drag and Drop Actions.
Back to top
Add a command action
With the object selected and the Action Browser open:
1. In the 'Current Selection' Tab, select Command
Actions.
2. Click on Circular Spotlight.
3. Click on Apply Changes.
4. Test the action. When you click on the object, the screen
changes and the Circular Spotlight appears. Use the
Spotlight as you normally would, then select Close from
its Popup Menu. For details of all actions in this category, see Reference >
Actions > Command Actions.
Back to top
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Working with actions
Add a page action
With the object selected and the Action Browser open:
1. In the 'Current Selection' Tab, select Page Actions.
2. Click on Set Background.
3. Click on Apply Changes.
4. Test the action. When you click on the object, the 'Set
Background' Dialog Box opens. Choose the
background and layout, then click on OK to close the
dialog. For details of all actions in this category, see Reference >
Actions > Page Actions.
Back to top
Add an object action
Some object actions give you a choice: you can make the action object itself the target of the action, or make the action happen to
another object altogether. Here we show you an example of both.
Action object is target object
With the object selected and the Action Browser open:
1. In the 'Current Selection' Tab, select Object Actions.
2. Scroll down and click on Reflect.
3. In 'Action Properties', click on the Selector button
opens.
.The 'Select Object' Dialog Box
4. Select the object, in our example a speech bubble.
5. Click on Apply Changes.
6. Test the action. When you click on the speech bubble, it is reflected. It now points at the
other face.
Action object is not target object
With the action object selected, in our case the red triangle, and the Action Browser open:
1. In the 'Current Selection' Tab, select Object Actions.
2. Scroll down and click on Original Size.
3. In 'Action Properties', click on the Selector button
.The 'Select Object' Dialog Box opens.
4. Select the target object, in our example the blue triangle.
5. Click on Apply Changes.
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Working with actions
6. Test the action. Make the blue triangle larger or smaller. When you click on the red triangle, the
blue triangle returns to its original size.
For details of all actions in this category, see Reference > Actions > Object Actions.
Back to top
Add a document/media action
With the object selected and the Action Browser open:
1. In the 'Current Selection' Tab, select Document/Media Actions.
2. Click on Open Website.
3. In 'Action Properties', type in the URL of the website you want to associate with the object, for example,
www.prometheanplanet.com.
4. Click on Apply Changes.
5. Test the action. When you click on the
object, in our example an image of a flame,
the Promethean website opens.
For details of all actions in this category, see Reference > Actions > Document/Media Actions.
Back to top
Add a voting action
With the object selected and the Action Browser open:
1. In the 'Current Selection' Tab, select Voting Actions.
2. Click on Start/Stop Flipchart Vote.
3. Click on Apply Changes.
4. Test the action. When you click on the object, voting starts. In our example, the object is a
picture of the Start/Stop Flipchart Vote icon for ActivInspire Primary.
For details of all actions in this category, see Reference > Actions > Voting Actions.
Back to top
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Command Actions
Show Home > Reference > Actions > Command Actions
Command Actions
Use command actions to enable a tool, for example, the Clock
Flipchart, when you click on an action object.
, or to issue a command, for example, Close
The following table lists the actions and describes what happens when you click on the action object:
Action
Effect
More info... 1024 x 768 Flipchart
Creates a new 'Untitled' flipchart of the specified
size.
Creating your first flipchart
About
Opens the 'About ActivInspire' Dialog Box.
Action Browser
Opens the Action Browser.
A tour of ActivInspire > Action
Browser (Studio)
1152 x 864 Flipchart
1280 x 1280 Flipchart
A tour of ActivInspire > Action
Browser (Primary)
Working with Actions
Area Snapshot
Starts an area snapshot.
Reference > Tools > Camera
Using the Camera
Calculator
Enables the Calculator.
Reference > Tools > Calculator
Using the Calculator
Circular Spotlight
Places a circular spotlight on the current page.
Reference > Tools > Spotlight
Using the Spotlight
Clock
Enables the Clock.
Reference > Tools > Clock
Using the Clock
Close Flipchart
Closes the current flipchart.
Compass
Enables the Compass.
Using the Compass
Reference > Tools > Compass
Connector
Enables the Connector Tool.
Reference > Tools > Connector
Custom Size Flipchart
Creates a custom new flipchart of the size you
specify.
Dashboard
Opens the Dashboard.
Dashboard
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Command Actions
Design Mode
Enables Design Mode.
Dice Roller
Opens the 'Dice Roller' Box.
Using the Dice Roller
Reference > Tools > Dice Roller
Dual User
Edit Profiles
Starts Dual User mode and enables the Dual
Toolbox.
Opens the 'Edit Profiles' Dialog Box.
Reference > Tools > Dual Mode
Working in Dual Mode
Reference > Settings
Making profiles work for you
Eraser
Enables the Eraser.
Reference > Tools > Eraser
Deleting stuff
Exit
Exits ActivInspire and prompts you to save
changes if applicable.
Fill
Enables the Fill Tool.
Reference > Tools > Fill
Adding and manipulating shapes > Fill
a shape
Freehand Snapshot
Starts an freehand snapshot.
Reference > Tools > Camera
Using the Camera
Fullscreen Snapshot
Starts an fullscreen snapshot.
Reference > Tools > Camera
Using the Camera
Grid Designer
Opens the Grid Designer.
Creating and editing grids
Handwriting Recognition
Enables Handwriting Recognition.
Reference > Tools > Handwriting
Recognition
Using Handwriting Recognition
Help
Opens this help file.
Hide Grid
Hides the grid.
Highlighter
Enables the Highlighter.
Reference > Tools > Highlighter
Writing on a flipchart > Add highlights
Magic Ink
Enables Magic Ink.
Reference > Tools > Magic Ink
Using Magic Ink
New Flipchart
Creates a new 'Unnamed' flipchart.
Notes Browser
Opens the Notes Browser.
A tour of ActivInspire > Notes Browser
(Studio)
A tour of ActivInspire > Notes Browser
(Primary)
Creating page notes
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Command Actions
Object Browser
Opens the Object Browser.
A tour of ActivInspire > Object
Browser (Studio)
A tour of ActivInspire > Object
Browser (Primary)
On-screen Keyboard
Displays the On-screen Keyboard.
Reference > Tools > On-screen
Keyboard
Open From My Flipcharts
Opens the 'Select a flipchart' Dialog Box, so that
you can browse to and select a flipchart.
First steps with ActivInspire >
Opening a flipchart
Page Browser
Opens the Page Browser.
A tour of ActivInspire > Page Browser
(Studio)
A tour of ActivInspire > Page Browser
(Primary)
Page Zoom
Enables Page Zoom.
Reference > Tools > Page Zoom
Viewing a flipchart > Zoom in and out
(Studio)
Viewing a flipchart > Zoom in and out
(Primary)
Pen
Enables the Pen.
Reference > Tools > Pen
Writing on a flipchart
Point to Point Snapshot
Starts a point to point snapshot.
Reference > Tools > Camera
Using the Camera
Print...
Opens the 'Flipchart Print' Dialog Box.
First steps with ActivInspire > Printing
a flipchart
Property Browser
Opens the Property Browser.
A tour of ActivInspire > Property
Browser (Studio)
A tour of ActivInspire > Property
Browser (Primary)
Changing object properties
Reference > Properties
Protractor
Enables the Protractor.
Reference > Tools > Protractor
Using the Protractor
Redo
Redoes the previous command.
Reference > Tools > Undo and Redo
Resource Browser
Opens the Resource Browser.
A tour of ActivInspire > Resource
Browser (Studio)
A tour of ActivInspire > Resource
Browser (Primary)
Working with resources
Revealer
Enables the Revealer.
Reference > Tools > Revealer
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Command Actions
Using the Revealer
Ruler
Enables the Ruler.
Reference > Tools > Ruler
Using the Ruler
Save to My Flipcharts
Opens the 'Save the flipchart as...' Dialog Box, so
that you can save the flipchart to your chosen
location.
Saving a flipchart
Screen Recorder
Enables the Screen Recorder.
Reference > Tools > Screen Recorder
Using the Screen Recorder
Screen Size Flipchart
Creates a new 'Untitled' screen size flipchart.
Creating your first flipchart
Search Resources on
Promethean Planet
Opens the Promethean Planet website in your
internet browser.
Select
Enables the Select Tool.
Reference > Tools > Select
Shape
Enables the Shape Tool.
Reference > Tools > Shape
Adding and manipulating shapes
Shape Recognition
Enables Shape Recognition.
Reference > Tools > Shape
Recognition
Reference > Settings > Shape
Recognition
Using Shape Recognition
Snap to Grid
Makes moved objects snap to the grid, regardless
of whether the grid is visible.
Solid Circular Spotlight
Reference Tools > Snap to Grid
Reference > Tools > Spotlight
Enables the spotlight of your choice.
Using the Spotlight
Sound Controller
Opens the Sound Controller.
Sound Recorder
Opens the 'Sound Recorder' Popup Box.
Reference > Tools > Sound Recorder
Solid Square Spotlight
Using the Sound Recorder
Spellcheck Flipchart
Enables the Flipchart Spellchecker.
Reference > Tools > Flipchart
Spellchecker
Adding and formatting text >
Spellcheck
Square Spotlight
Enables the square spotlight.
Reference > Tools > Spotlight
Using the Spotlight
Teacher Lock
Text
Opens the 'Enter Teacher Lock password' Dialog
Box.
Reference > Tools > Teacher Lock
Using Teacher Lock
Reference > Tools > Text
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Command Actions
Enables the Text
Tool.
Adding and formatting text
Tickertape
Opens the 'Tickertape' Dialog Box.
Reference > Tools > Tickertape
Timestamp
Applies a timestamp to the current flipchart page.
Toolbox Rollup
Rolls up the Main Toolbox.
Undo
Undoes the previous command or action.
Reference > Tools > Undo and Redo
Voting Browser
Opens the Voting Browser.
A tour of ActivInspire > Voting
Browser (Studio)
A tour of ActivInspire > Voting
Browser (Primary)
Using Learner Response Systems
Web Browser
Opens your web browser.
Window Snapshot
Places the Camera into 'Window snapshot' mode,
letting you select one of the currently visible
windows to capture.
Reference > Tools > Camera
XY Origin
Turns on the XY Origin Tool, around which all
selected objects will be rotated.
Using the Camera
Reference > Tools > XY Origin
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Writing on a flipchart
Show Home > First steps with ActivInspire > Writing on a flipchart
Writing on a flipchart
When you are working at the board and do not want to use your computer keyboard, you can write on your flipchart with the Pen
Here we show you how to:
Write with the Pen
Add highlights
Change the Pen and Highlighter width
Change the color
All the tools we describe in this section are in the Main Toolbox.
Write with the Pen
When you run ActivInspire, the Pen is enabled by default, so that you can start writing immediately. At other times, you may have
to click or tap on it to select it.
With the Pen enabled:
1. Position the cursor where you want to begin.
2. Tap and drag to draw a line or shape, or write a word.
Whatever you draw or write appears in the currently
selected Pen color on the flipchart.
Every time you write on a flipchart, you create an annotation.
The Pen remains enabled until you select another tool.
Add highlights
To make some or all of your text stand out:
The cursor
1. Click on the Highlighter
changes to a little highlighter with a circle.
2. Move the cursor to where you want to begin.
3. Click or tap, and drag to highlight an area of the
flipchart.
Just like a real highlighter, you can use the Highlighter on any area of your flipchart, not just on text.
Back to top
Change the Pen and Highlighter width
ActivInspire Studio
In ActivInspire Studio, the Pen width is set to 4 pixels, and the Highlighter to 20 pixels, by default.
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Writing on a flipchart
To change the width:
1. Click on the Pen
or Highlighter
2. Set the line width:
Click on one of the presets: 2, 4, 6 or 8, for the Pen,
and 10, 20,35 or 50 for the Highlighter, or
Click and drag the width slider to choose any size
between 0 and 100 pixels.
ActivInspire Primary
In ActivInspire Primary, you simply select a wider or narrower Pen or Highlighter from the Pen Tray.
Change the color
The Pen color is set to black, and the Highlight to translucent yellow, by default.
Quickest way (ActivInspire Studio)
1. Click on the Pen or Highlighter.
2. Click on another color in the Color Palette.
Quickest way (ActivInspire Primary)
1. Click on the Pen or Highlighter.
2. Click on another color in the Color
Palette.
More choices (ActivInspire Studio)
1. Click on the Pen or Highlighter.
2. Right-click on the Color Palette. The Extended Color
Palette opens.
3. You have three choices:
Click on one of the colors in the palette.
Use the Color Picker
to pick a color from
anywhere in the ActivInspire window.
Use the Color Dialog
color.
to mix your own
To pick a color from the ActivInspire window:
1. With the Extended Color Palette open, click on the
Color Picker
.The Color Picker box opens.
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Writing on a flipchart
2. Move the Color Picker to the window area with the
color of your choice. The Color Picker box shows the
color at and near the Color Picker.
3. When the square at the centre of the box shows the
desired color, click to add it to the Color Palette.
To mix your own color:
With the Extended Color Palette open, click on the Color Dialog
system opens.
Example
icon. A dialog box specific to your operating
Windows
The picture on the right shows the dialog box for the
Windows operating system.
1. You can use it to:
Choose from 48 basic color.
Click anywhere in the Color Spectrum.
Click anywhere in the Color Spectrum, then
use the slider on the right to make the color
lighter or darker.
Click on the appropriate Up and Down icons
to adjust the red, green, blue color balance,
as well as the hue and saturation.
2. Click on Add to custom color.
3. Create as many custom colors as desired.
4. Click on OK to save the color, or Cancel to discard
them.
1 Basic colors
2 Color Spectrum
3 Slider
4 Up and down buttons
5 Add to Custom Color button
6 OK and Cancel buttons
ActivInspire saves your chosen Pen and Highlighter color and width settings. Next time you use these
tools, they'll be set to use whatever color and width they were set to previously.
Back to top
More choices (ActivInspire Primary)
1. Click on the Pen or Highlight.
2. Right-click on one of the three blank color slots in the
Pen Tray. The Extended Color Palette opens.
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Writing on a flipchart
3. You have three choices:
Click on one of the color in the palette.
Use the Color Picker
to pick a color
from anywhere in the ActivInspire window.
Use the Color Dialog
color.
to mix your own
ActivInspire saves your chosen Pen and Highlighter color and width settings.
Next time you use these tools, they'll be set to use whatever color and width they
were set to previously.
Back to top
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Page Browser
Show Home > A tour of ActivInspire > Exploring ActivInspire Primary > ActivInspire's Browsers > Page Browser
Page Browser
This Browser helps you to quickly put together the foundations of your flipchart. It displays thumbnails of pages in a film strip along
the bottom edge of the display.
Use the Page Browser to:
View the entire flipchart as page thumbnails.
Navigate flipchart pages.
Set the backgrounds and grids for pages.
Organize your flipchart pages using drag and drop reordering, in addition to Cut, Copy, Delete and Duplicate commands.
Example
The picture on the right shows a flipchart with
multiple pages in the Page Browser. You can
see thumbnails of the first five pages in your
in the
flipchart. The Popup Menu icon thumbnail indicates that this is the current page.
This means you can select an item or area on
that page and work with it.
To display another page, click on its thumbnail.
To see thumbnails of other pages in the
flipchart, click on the black triangles on the film
reel.
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Resource Browser
Show Home > A tour of ActivInspire > Exploring ActivInspire Primary > ActivInspire's Browsers > Resource Browser
Resource Browser
This browser helps you to quickly view, navigate and use the resources provided with ActivInspire to enrich your flipcharts. The
Resource Library contains a huge range of games and activities, annotations, assessments, backgrounds, concept maps, images,
shapes, sounds and other items too numerous to list. You can easily extend the library with your own and other people's resources
and add resource packs from the Promethean Planet website on www.prometheanplanet.com, or from our partners.
The Resource Browser displays thumbnails of resources in a film strip along the bottom edge of the display.
Use the Resource Browser to:
Quickly navigate to and view all the resources in a particular folder, for example My Resources, Shared Resources or other
locations on disk or on the network.
Display thumbnails and filenames of selected resources.
Drag and drop resources such as page templates, activity pages and question pages from the browser into your flipchart.
Drag and drop your own creations from a flipchart page into a folder in the Resource Library.
Change the transparency of a resource in your flipchart.
Use the Rubberstamp to quickly create multiple copies of a resource in your flipchart.
Example
By default, the Resource Browser opens the
Shared Resources folder. All resources
provided with ActivInspire are organized by
category and stored in clearly named folders.
The picture on the right shows some of the
resources in the Shared Resources folder.
Click on the icons at the top to browse the
following for resources:
My Resources
Shared Resources
Another resource folder
Another folder on your computer
Promethean Planet
The 'Resource Locations' Popup Box shows
the folders. Its Popup Menu allows you to
import and export Resource Packs.
The 'Import' function is only available
from the Popup Menu for the top level folder.
From there you can:
Insert resources from the Resource
Library into your flipchart
Delete resources from the Resource
Library.
The filmstrip at the bottom of the ActivInspire
window shows thumbnails of the resources in
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Resource Browser
that folder and their filenames.
The picture on the right shows some buttons
and icons in the Resource Browser.
The Tool Pod next to the Browser opens the
Resource Library. There are also two useful
tools for copying and changing resources:
Toggle Transparency lets you make
the background color of an image resource
transparent at the time you drag it onto the
page.
Rubberstamp lets you quickly insert
multiple copies of a resource into your
flipchart.
Back to top
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Object Browser
Show Home > A tour of ActivInspire > Exploring ActivInspire Primary > ActivInspire's Browsers > Object Browser
Object Browser
Here we introduce objects and the Object Browser:
About objects
About layers and stacking
View objects
Work with objects
Example
About objects
In ActivInspire, everything you add to a flipchart is an object of one kind or another. For example, if you write something with the
Pen
, draw a shape, add a picture, or add a link to a sound file, each of these items is an object. You can add many different
types of objects to a flipchart. The Object Browser helps you to keep track of the number and types of objects in your flipchart and
to quickly get to grips with objects in a flipchart created by somebody else.
About layers and stacking
The Object Browser shows details of the objects on the current page. Although a page is flat, a flipchart page actually has four
layers! These are like transparent sheets which only contain certain object types unless you move objects from one layer to
another. Within a layer, you can stack objects on top of each other.
By default:
This layer...
Contains...
Top
Annotations: anything you draw with the Pen
weapon which we introduce later.
Middle
Images, shapes and text objects.
, Highlighter
, or Magic Ink
, a secret
Bottom
Anything you draw with the Connector
this layer.
Background
, but you can also drag and drop other objects onto
Backgrounds, grids and page color.
By selecting objects listed in the Object Browser you can drag and drop them between the first three layers in the Browser, but not
the background layer. This directly alters their layering on the flipchart page. Layers are completely separate from each other. In
other words, you can replace the background without affecting your images or annotations. Or you can annotate over your
photographs and background without affecting other layers.
For more details, see Using layers and stacking.
View objects
Use the Object Browser to see at a glance:
The display order of objects and which objects are on the top, middle and bottom layers of a page.
Which objects are grouped together. This allows you to work on all of them at the same time.
If a page contains any hidden objects.
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Object Browser
If a page contains any objects that are locked so that they cannot be moved.
Work with objects
Use the Object Browser to:
Drag and drop objects from one layer to another.
Group, stack and reorder objects.
Show or hide objects.
Lock or unlock selected objects, for example, if you are planning a student activity where only certain objects can be
dragged and dropped and others must stay in place.
Back to top
Example
The first picture on the right shows the objects on the
current flipchart page.
The second picture shows what the details of these objects
look like in the Object Browser.
You can see in the Layered Tab in the Browser, that all the
objects are identified by:
The icon of the tool that created them
Name.
The Browser shows clearly which objects are on which
layer:
There are nine objects in the top layer. These are the
annotations written with the Pen
There are five objects in the middle layer:
The printed text created with the Text
shapes.
Tool and some
The triangle and squares created with the Shapes
are in the middle layer by default.
tool
The lock
next to the Text object in the Browser
indicates that the object has been locked in place. The lock
is a toggle switch that allows you to quickly lock and unlock
objects.
next to the triangle in the Browser
The crossed-out eye
indicates that the object is a hidden object. As you can see
on the flipchart page, the triangle is not visible. The eye is a
toggle switch that allows you to quickly show and hide
objects.
Back to top
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Object Browser
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Notes Browser
Show Home > A tour of ActivInspire > Exploring ActivInspire Primary > ActivInspire's Browsers > Notes Browser
Notes Browser
This Browser helps you to make your flipchart even easier to use, by allowing you to create, view and edit notes about your
flipchart. You can use these notes in any way you choose. As you will know from experience, lesson notes can make the difference
between an uninspiring lesson and one that flies. We therefore encourage you to make full use of the Notes Browser to enrich your
own and other people's experience of teaching with ActivInspire.
Use the Notes Browser to:
Add your own notes and comments to a flipchart, helping to make it easier to share and reuse.
If you are using a flipchart created by someone else:
View other teachers' notes and comments about their flipchart and add your own notes where appropriate.
View notes from publishers about how to best use their flipcharts and add your own notes if appropriate.
Example
The picture on the right shows the Notes Browser. You can
type your notes as plain text, or open the Format Toolbar and
format the text.
icon in the
ActivInspire displays the Page Notes
Menubar if the current flipchart page contains notes.
You can add notes to each page of a flipchart and print
them, either with the flipchart pages, or separately.
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Property Browser
Show Home > A tour of ActivInspire > Exploring ActivInspire Primary > ActivInspire's Browsers > Property Browser
Property Browser
This Browser helps you to see all of the properties of an object at a glance. It's a powerful tool for quickly adding interactivity to
your lessons.
Use the Property Browser to:
Display all the properties of an object. Slide the vertical scrollbar of the Browser up and down to see the complete range of
properties available.
View and manipulate the position and appearance of an object by changing its settings in the Property Browser. Of course,
you can still control the position of an object by dragging and dropping it and edit it to change its color.
Add interactive features to your flipchart and control how they can be used.
Add permanently visible labels to objects, or add interactive fun by making a label appear only when the mouse cursor runs
over the object.
Control the behavior of an object by defining rules, called restrictors, that constrain its movement. This is a very useful
feature if you want, for example, to create your own on-screen game.
All properties are clearly categorized so that you can select properties by type.
Example
The first picture on the right shows all the objects on the
page, with the red square selected.
On the flipchart page, you can also see the round Sizing
Handles that surround the selected object. These indicate that
you can move or resize the object. The row of square icons
alongside the object are the Object Edit Menu and other
Marquee Handles for working on the object.
The second picture shows what some of the properties of the
red square look like in the Property Browser.
You can see the name of the object and some details of its
position on the page. You can also see that the square is on
the middle layer.
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Property Browser
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Action Browser
Show Home > A tour of ActivInspire > Exploring ActivInspire Primary > ActivInspire's Browsers > Action Browser
Action Browser
This Browser helps you to quickly associate an action with an object. This means that when you or someone else selects the
object, the action that you have associated with the object will happen. For example, a tickertape will run, displaying your message,
or a sound will play, or a flipchart vote will begin, to name just a few possibilities. All actions are clearly categorized, so that you
can select actions by type. You can set up any number of actions in your flipchart to make your lesson as varied and interactive as
you like.
Use the Action Browser to:
Apply a command action to an object, for example, the Dice Roller
selects the object on the board.
, so that up to five dice will roll when someone
Apply a page action to an object, for example, to go to the next page.
Apply an object action to an object, for example, to change the size, position or translucency of an object.
Apply a document or media action to an object, for example, to insert a link to a file or website.
Apply a voting action to an object, for example to Start a Flipchart Vote.
Remove an action that is no longer required.
Preview an action to check that it does exactly what you want.
Example
The picture on the
right shows the Action
Browser. We have
associated the
Dice Roller with the
blue square. You can
tell that an action is
associated with this
object, because the
cursor over the object
has changed to a
yellow Preview icon.
When you click on the
square, the 'Dice
Roller' Popup window
opens and the dice
roll. You can:
Choose the
number of dice
to roll.
Increase or
decrease the
speed.
Roll the dice as
many times as
you wish.
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Action Browser
Send the total
of all the
numbers
thrown to the
current
flipchart.
Roll the dice!
You need ActivInspire Professional to use the Action Browser.
Back to top
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Voting Browser
Show Home > A tour of ActivInspire > Exploring ActivInspire Primary > ActivInspire's Browsers > Voting Browser
Voting Browser
This Browser helps you manage all aspects of registering your ActivSlate, ActiVote and ActivExpression devices, running your
voting sessions, as well as recording, storing and browsing the results of such sessions.
Use the Voting Browser to:
Register ActivSlate, ActiVote and ActivExpression devices.
Assign students to devices.
Toggle between anonymous and named voting.
Select either ActiVote or ActivExpression devices for a voting session.
Set, suspend or change the time allowed for responses.
Start and stop voting.
Show or hide the 'Vote Now' prompt.
Browse voting results and export results to Microsoft Excel spreadsheets.
For details of how to register devices and use them in voting sessions, see Using Learner Response Systems.
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Working with resources
Show Home > More about ActivInspire > Working with resources
Working with resources
This section contains more information about working with resources:
About resources
Adding resources to a flipchart
Importing and exporting resource packs
Working with your own materials
Publishing flipcharts
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Working with objects
Show Home > More about ActivInspire > Working with objects
Working with objects
This section contains more information about working with objects:
Using layers and stacking
Adding images
Adding and removing links
Adding multimedia
Transforming objects
Creating and editing grids
Changing object properties
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Making flipcharts interactive
Show Home > More about ActivInspire > Making flipcharts interactive
Making flipcharts interactive
This section contains information about adding interactive elements to your flipcharts:
Creating containers
Creating restrictors
Working with actions
file:///C|/Program%20Files/Activ%20Software/Inspire/help/en_US/making_flipcharts_interactive.htm[1/21/2010 6:09:02 PM]
Importing and exporting files
Show Home > More about ActivInspire > Importing and exporting files
Importing and exporting files
Here we show you how to import files from other applications and export a flipchart page to a graphics file.
Importing files
Exporting files
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Creating a profile
Show Home > More about ActivInspire > Making profiles work for you > Creating and switching profiles > Creating a profile
Creating a profile
Your default profile evolves whenever you select or change something in ActivInspire. New tools appear in the Toolbox Shortcut
Bar and perhaps you have opened or closed the Browser, pinned or moved the Main Toolbox, or changed the display so that you
can use the World area. All these preferences are recorded in your default profile.
In the example on the right, you can see that:
The Main Toolbox is docked along the
bottom.
The Flipchart Bin is above it on the left.
The Browser is closed and
The page size has been reduced to give
access to the World area.
To create a profile:
1. From the Edit Menu, select Profiles
. The 'Layout' Tab opens in the
'Edit Profiles' Dialog Box.
2. Click on options to select or change
them.
3. Click on the 'Commands' Tab and add or
remove tools.
4. Click on the 'User defined buttons' Tab
and define your own buttons.
5. Click on the 'Settings' Tab, select an
area from the left-hand pane and change
its settings.
6. When you are satisfied with your profile, click on Save Profile As
The 'Save Profile As' Dialog Box opens.
7. Type the name of your new profile, for example, 'Show world' and click on Save.
8. The new 'Show world' profile is now the current profile.
9. Click on Done.
For detailed information about how to customize each area (Steps 2. to 5.), see:
Choosing the layout
Choosing your tools
Defining your own buttons
Choosing application settings
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Choosing the layout
Show Home > More about ActivInspire > Making profiles work for you > Creating and switching profiles > Choosing the layout
Choosing the layout
Here we introduce the components of the ActivInspire window whose layout you can customize and show you how to do this:
What can you customize?
Open Layout Tab
Save changes
What can you customize?
You can control the default position, visibility and behavior of toolboxes, toolbars, browsers and other areas of ActivInspire.
Here we briefly describe the available layout options.
Option
Icon size
Description
Set the icon size appropriate to working at the computer or at the board and to the age of your learners.
The range is from16 to 32 pixels. The larger the number, the larger the icons in the ActivInspire window.
Main Toolbox
Position the Main Toolbox and control its behavior:
Dock top, bottom, left, right or
floating
Display 8, 16 or 24 colors
Attach the Main Toolbox to the inside edge of the ActivInspire window in the
chosen position, or leave it floating, so that you can drag and drop it as
required.
Set the number of colors to be displayed in the Color Palette.
Pinned, Rolled up, Rolled in
Pin the Main Toolbox, so it stays in place when you move the cursor to
another part of the ActivInspire window. Or leave it unpinned, so that it rolls
into the margin when not in use.
Roll up the Main Toolbox, so that only the first row of icons in the toolbox is
visible.
Roll in the Main Toolbox, so that the Toolbox Shortcut Bar is hidden.
Dual Toolbox
Position the Dual Toolbox and control its behavior:
Dock left, dock right or floating
Attach the Dual Toolbox to the inside edge of the ActivInspire window in the
chosen position, or leave it floating, so that you can drag and drop it as
required.
Display 8, 16 or 24 colors
Set the number of colors to be displayed in the Color Palette.
Pinned
Pin the Dual Toolbox, so it stays in place when you move the cursor to
another part of the ActivInspire window. Or leave it unpinned, so that it rolls
into the margin when not in use.
Browsers
Position the Browsers and control their behavior:
Dock left, dock right or floating
Attach the Browsers to the inside edge of the ActivInspire window in the
chosen position, or leave them floating, so that you can drag and drop them
as required.
Pinned
Pin the Browsers, so they stay in place when you move the cursor to
another part of the ActivInspire window. Or leave them unpinned, so that
they roll into the margin when not in use.
Visible
Show or hide the Browsers.
Menubar
Position the Menubar and control its behavior:
Dock top or dock bottom
Attach the Menubar to the top or bottom inside edge of the ActivInspire
window.
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Choosing the layout
Visible
Document Tabs
Position the Document Tabs and control their behavior:
Show or hide the Menubar.
The Document Tabs settings are not available for Mac ®.
Dock top or dock bottom
Attach the Document Tabs to the top or bottom inside edge of the
ActivInspire window.
Visible
Show or hide the Document Tabs.
Show Trashcan
Show or hide the Trashcan.
Show fullscreen
Show flipcharts in Fullscreen Mode, or in the size in which they were created.
Back to top
Open Layout Tab
1. From the Edit Menu, select Profiles. The Layout Tab opens.
2. Select the profile whose settings you want to customize, or accept the default.
3. Select the components whose layout you want to customize.
ActivInspire Studio
ActivInspire Primary
Save changes
You can save the changes to the current profile, or to a new profile.
Save changes to the current profile
Click on Done.
Save changes to a new profile
1. Click on Save As
The 'Save Profile As' Dialog Box opens.
2. Type the name of your new profile, for example, 'Show World' and click on Save.
3. The new 'Show World' profile is now the current profile.
4. Click on Done.
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Choosing the layout
Back to top
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Choosing your tools
Show Home > More about ActivInspire > Making profiles work for you > Creating and switching profiles > Choosing your tools
Choosing your tools
ActivInspire lets you add and remove tools to and from the Main Toolbox and customize the Marquee Handles that appear when you select an object.
1. From the File Menu, select Settings. The 'Edit Profiles' Dialog Box opens. The current profile is shown at the top-left.
2. From the drop-down menu, select the profile you want to edit, or accept the default.
3. Click on the Commands Tab.
4. From the drop-down menu, select tools to add to or remove from the Main Toolbox or to the Marquee Handles.
To add a tool:
1. Select the tool in the left-hand pane and click on Add. The tool appears in the right-hand pane.
2. To change its position in the toolbox, click on Move Up or Move Down.
To remove a tool:
Select the tool in the right-hand pane and click on Remove.
To save the profile and exit, click on Done.
To save as a new profile, click on the Save as icon.
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Defining your own buttons
Show Home > More about ActivInspire > Making profiles work for you > Creating and switching profiles > Defining your own buttons
Defining your own buttons
From the File Menu,
select Settings. The
'Edit Profiles' Dialog
Box opens.
Select the 'User
defined buttons'
Tab and click
Add....
The User defined
button icon is
displayed.
Select
Program/File
from the menu.
1. Under
Program/File,
enter the path
for the file you
want to open.
2. Under
Command
line
parameters
enter the
command line
to start the
application
which will open
the file above.
You can add a
Tooltip.
file:///C|/Program%20Files/Activ%20Software/Inspire/help/en_US/defining_your_own_buttons.htm[1/21/2010 6:09:10 PM]
Choosing application settings
Show Home > More about ActivInspire > Making profiles work for you > Creating and switching profiles > Choosing application settings
Choosing application settings
Here we introduce the areas of ActivInspire that you can customize by changing their settings and show you how to do this.
What can you customize?
Open Settings Tab
Change settings
Save changes
What can you customize?
The following table briefly describes each of the areas you can customize. For details about the available settings for each area, click on the links in the table.
Use these settings to...
Clock Tool
Customize the look and feel of the Clock
Design Mode
Control how objects behave while Design Mode is selected. These settings override individual object properties, which
are set in the Property and Action Browsers.
Effects
Specify how you want the Spotlight
and Revealer
to work.
Flipchart
Specify default settings for your flipcharts.
Flipchart Objects
Define options to improve the quality of and for displaying objects.
Language
Change the language ActivInspire uses.
Learner Response System
Customize the way in which you work with ActivExpression and ActiVote devices and how to display responses.
Multimedia
Customize the way in which you work with sound, video and Flash files.
Online Settings
Enter the details necessary for you to access online resources using ActivInspire.
Profile and Resources
Specify where you want to store profiles, My Resource Library and Shared Resource Library folders, as well as template
and question page files.
Recordings
Change various video and sound settings. Changing these settings can, particularly, improve the performance of the
Screen Recorder.
Shape Recognition
Automatically fill shapes that were created with the Shape Recognition Tool.
Spell Checker
Define rules for spell checking.
Tools
Change the look of rulers, protractors and the compass. There are also options to change the location of the Resource
Library and the speed of the Dice Roller and Page Zoom.
User Input
Change how the Floating Keyboard and Handwriting Recognition work.
Back to top
Open Settings Tab
1. From the File Menu, select Settings. The 'Settings' Tab opens.
2. Select the profile whose settings you want to customize, or accept the default.
3. In the left-hand pane of the 'Settings' Tab, select the area you want to customize, for example, Learner Response System.
ActivInspire Studio
ActivInspire Primary
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Choosing application settings
Change settings
Some settings have a simple check box that acts like a toggle switch, while other settings have different controls:
To choose a setting, check or uncheck the box.
To change the setting, select the default and type over it.
or
To change the color, click on the color and select another one from the standard Color Palette for your operating system.
To change the setting, move the slider.
To change the setting, select a different one from the drop-down menu.
To change the setting, click on the icon and browse to another folder.
Save changes
When you have made the changes, click on Done to save them.
Back to top
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Switching profiles
Show Home > More about ActivInspire > Making profiles work for you > Creating and switching profiles > Switching profiles
Switching profiles
Switching profiles is useful when you need to quickly change between previously saved application layouts and settings. For
example, you may have a profile that contains all your preferences and settings for preparing flipcharts and another one for your
chosen presentation style, or you may wish to switch to a profile containing all the math tools.
Two ways to switch profiles:
1. In the Main Toolbox, click on Switch Profile
A popup box listing the available profiles opens.
2. Click on the desired profile, for example, Multimedia. The box closes and the profile becomes active immediately.
Or
1. From the Edit Menu, select Profiles... The 'Edit Profiles' Dialog Box opens.
2. From the drop-down list, select the desired profile. The profile becomes active immediately.
3. Click on Done.
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Miscellaneous properties
Show Home > Reference > Properties > Miscellaneous properties
Miscellaneous properties
For details of how to change properties, see Changing object properties.
Property
Option
Description
End Cap A
None
Default
Radius
Apply an end cap to the left-hand edge of open shapes, lines and connectors.
Arrow
End Cap B
None
Default
Radius
Apply an end cap to the right-hand edge of open shapes, lines and connectors.
Arrow
Pick Trough
True
Default
If an object's 'Transparent' property is set to 'True', allows you to click on the
transparent area of an object to select another object beneath it.
False
Transparent Color
Blue
Default
Only enabled if the object's 'Transparent' property is set to 'True'.
Click the color box to enable the Color Picker and choose a color from anywhere
on the display, then apply it to the object.
Transparent
True
Default
False
Select to make the object opaque.
Tiled
Fill Mode
None
Default
Drag a Copy
False
Default
True
Set to 'True' to be able to create copies of the object by clicking and dragging it.
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Overview
Show Home > Using Learner Response Systems > Overview
Overview
What is it?
The ActivClassroom Learner Response System (LRS) consists of:
ActivBoard
Computer with ActivInspire installed
ActivHub model AH1 or AH2
Voting devices
For details of which devices are compatible, see Registering devices.
How does it work?
1. You connect the ActivHub to a USB slot on your computer.
2. Hand out the voting devices to your students.
3. Start ActivInspire and register the devices.
4. When you have presented your question, click on Start Vote
5. When all the students have voted, or the timeout is reached, the results are displayed on the board.
You also have the option to assign students to devices. This may be useful where the same
students are going to use the same devices over an extended period of time.
Can I use ActiVote and ActivExpression devices in the same voting session?
You can use both ActiVote and ActivExpression devices in your lesson, although not at the same time. You can run two voting
sessions – you don’t have to close your flipchart or the results display before running further voting sessions.
What's the difference between anonymous and named voting?
In Anonymous voting, device numbers are displayed - you don’t see who sent which answer.
In Named voting, device names are displayed, so you can see more easily, which devices have sent which votes.
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Registering devices
Show Home > Using Learner Response Systems > Registering devices
Registering devices Here we show you how to set up your Activclassroom Learner Response System (LRS).
About Device Registration
Register ActivExpression devices
Rename ActivExpression devices
Register ActiVote devices - model AV3
Register ActiVote devices - model AV2
About Device Registration
Device registration is the process of telling the ActivHub how many
devices and device groups there are in the classroom. You need to
register devices before you begin a voting session.
You start device registration from the Voting Browser. The pictures on the
right show the information you can see in the 'Device Registration' Dialog
Box:
How many ActivHubs are connected to your computer.
Device groups.
How many devices are registered with each ActivHub.
The good news is, once you have registered them, you
can take the devices and the ActivHub with you to
another location, plug the ActivHub into another computer
with ActivInspire installed and begin voting immediately.
There are two types of ActivHub:
This ActivHub...
Is compatible with...
AH2
ActiVote AV3, ActivExpression
AH1
ActiVote AV2
Register ActivExpression devices
Before you begin registration:
1. Start ActivInspire.
2. Connect an ActivHub model AH2 to your computer.
3. Distribute ActivExpression devices and ensure that they are switched ON.
To register:
1. Open the Voting Browser and click on Device Registration
The 'Device Registration' Dialog Box opens.
2. Select ActivExpressions and click on Register.
3. Enter the number of devices you want to register (or use the arrows) and click on Next.
The next window shows a PIN code which must be entered on each
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Registering devices
ActivExpression device to be registered. The window has clear
instructions, with photos, so your students can finish the registration (you
might like to practise the procedure first!).
If the students are finishing the registration, they have to:
a. Press the MENU / SYM button on the ActivExpression devices.
b. Press the Register option key, indicated on the ActivExpression
screen.
c. Enter the PIN code, by pressing the ActivExpression option keys
corresponding to the PIN code, as indicated on the screen.
The PIN code is not entered with the text keys.
When three letters have been entered, as displayed in the PIN code box on the ActivExpression screen, the letters are transmitted to the ActivHub. The
ActivHub sends the code to ActivInspire.
The PIN code can be edited before transmission, but only if one or two letters have been entered. Option keys for Clear and Abort can be used for
editing and also the Delete key on the keypad.
ActivInspire registers the devices to the ActivHub one by one. You can see the number updated in the window, just below the PIN code.
When this number is equal to the number you entered in Step 3 above, the window closes automatically, because all devices have been registered. If
registration fails for any of the devices, the window has to be closed manually. If a PIN code is entered incorrectly, steps a . to c . must be repeated, for a successful registration.
This procedure can be repeated any number of times, but it should not be necessary - the system is proven to be extremely reliable. After a couple of
failures for a device you can either:
Click on Finish to close the window and proceed, or
Replace it with another ActivExpression device, registering it if necessary.
Back to top
Rename ActivExpression devices
There are two places where you can rename devices:
Rename individual device in the 'Device Registration' Window
Rename individual or all devices in the 'ActivExpression Devices Group' Box
Rename individual devices
To rename individual devices in the 'Device Registration' Window:
1. Select any individual device and click on Rename. The existing
device name is displayed in a box which you can edit.
2. Enter the new name and click on OK. The new name is shown in
the 'Device Registration' Dialog Box. This means it is stored on the
ActivHub. The ActivExpression device may be switched OFF, but
the next time it is switched ON, it communicates with the ActivHub
and receives its new name.
To rename individual devices in the 'ActivExpression Devices Group' Box:
1. Click on Rename. The' Device Naming' Box opens.
2. Double click on the name and edit it.
3. Click in the column ‘Committed’. The device is renamed as above.
Rename all devices
You can rename all your devices with sequential numbering and a common prefix.
1. In the ActivExpression Devices Group Box, click on Rename to display the 'Device Naming' Box.
2. Click in the box ‘Rename all of the devices using the prefix’ and enter a prefix.
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Registering devices
3. Click on Apply prefix. All ActivExpression devices in the group are renamed on the ActivHub, as described above, with the prefix and numbers,
starting with 1.
The numbers can be edited separately.
Register ActiVote devices - model AV3
Before you begin registration:
1. Distribute the ActiVote devices and ensure that they are switched ON.
2. Connect an ActivHub model AH2 to your computer.
3. Start ActivInspire.
To register:
1. Open the Voting Browser and click on Device Registration
The 'Device Registration' Dialog Box opens. It shows:
A picture of an ActivHub AH1.
ActiVote and ActivSlate devices under Device Groups.
2. Select ActiVotes and click on Register.
3. Enter the number of devices you want to register (or use the
arrows) and click on Next.
The next window shows clear instructions, with photos, so your students
can finish the registration (you might like to practise the procedure first!).
A three letter PIN code is displayed, which must be entered on each
device to be registered.
If the students are finishing the registration, they have to:
a. Press and hold the central Registration button on the ActiVote
devices, until both the top lights are illuminated.
b. Enter the PIN code, pressing the ActiVote device keys.
ActivInspire registers the devices to the ActivHub one by one. You can see the number updated in the window, just below the PIN code.
When this number is equal to the number you entered in Step 3. above, the window closes automatically, because all devices have been registered. If
registration fails for any of the devices, the window has to be closed manually.
If a PIN code is entered incorrectly, both steps a. and b. must be repeated, that is, the central button must be pressed and held until both lights are on
and the correct PIN code must be entered, for a successful registration.
This procedure can be repeated any number of times, but it should not be necessary - the system is proven to be extremely reliable. After a couple of
failures for a device you can either:
Click on Finish to close the window and proceed, or
Replace it with another ActiVote device, registering it if necessary.
Back to top
Register ActiVote devices - model AV2
Before you begin registration:
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Registering devices
1. Start ActivInspire.
2. Connect an ActivHub AH1 to your computer.
3. Distribute the ActiVote devices and ensure that they are switched ON.
To register:
1. Open the Voting Browser and click on Device Registration
The 'Device Registration' Dialog Box opens. It shows:
A picture of an ActivHub AH1.
ActiVote and ActivSlate devices under Device Groups.
2. Select ActiVotes and click on Register.
3. Enter the number of devices you want to register (or use the
arrows) and click on Next.
The next window shows clear instructions, with photos, so your students
can finish the registration (you might like to practise the procedure first!).
If the students are finishing the registration, they have to:
a. Press and hold the central Registration button on the ActiVote
devices. The top red light flashes, followed by the green light.
b. Release the Registration button.
ActivInspire registers the devices to the ActivHub one by one. You can see the number updated in the window.
When this number is equal to the number you entered in Step 3. above, the window closes automatically, because all devices have been registered. If
registration fails for any of the devices, the window must be closed manually. Back to top
file:///C|/Program%20Files/Activ%20Software/Inspire/help/en_US/registering_devices.htm[1/21/2010 6:09:19 PM]
Assigning students to devices
Show Home > Using Learner Response Systems > Assigning students to devices
Assigning students to devices
Here we describe the advantages of assigning students to devices and show you how to do so:
Why assign students to devices?
Assign students to devices
Why assign students to devices?
You don't have to assign students to devices, but to do so can reduce the time you need to collate and process results and can
give you an immediate insight into each students' progress.
You can assign student names from database files. You can use existing databases, or you can generate and export a database
using ActivInspire.
When you attach an ActivHub to your computer, registered devices are shown in the 'Device Registration' Dialog Box. Depending
on the Voting Browser selections, the box shows one of the following:
Device Number - Anonymous voting.
Device Name - Named voting (students not assigned to devices).
Student Name - Named voting (students assigned to devices).
Assign students to devices
In the Voting Browser:
1. Click on Assign students to devices.
The 'Assign students to devices' Dialog Box
opens.
The student names and id have to be
placed in this Dialog Box from a database
file. Names can be imported from a
database with the file extension .edb or.csv,
or you can generate and export a class
database from within ActivInspire.
2. Click on Edit Student Database. The
'Edit Student Database' Dialog Box opens.
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Assigning students to devices
3. Add a class to box a :
a. Click on Add Class. The 'Add Class'
Dialog Box opens.
b. Enter Class Name and Teacher
Name; Notes are optional.
c. Click on Submit.
4. Add students to box b :
a. Click on Add Student. The
'Student' Dialog Box opens.
b. Enter Name, Forename, and Student
ID.
c. Click on Submit.
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Assigning students to devices
Back in the 'Edit Student Database' Dialog Box:
5. Highlight the class.
6. Highlight the student names you want to assign to voting devices.
7. Click arrows to add or remove students to or from box c .
8. Click on OK. The 'Edit Student Database' Dialog Box closes, and ActivInspire returns to the 'Assign students to devices'
Dialog Box.
Students displayed in this box can be assigned. If the number of students is greater than the number
of registered devices, a warning is displayed.
If you want to register more devices before assigning students to devices, select Top-up
Registration. The 'Device Registration' Dialog Box opens. For details, see Registering devices.
In the 'Assign students to devices' Dialog Box:
9. Select Assign Devices - Device PIN numbers appear in the dialog box. On ActivExpression devices, a prompt is also
displayed on the screen.
10. Each students has to enter the correct PIN numbers:
ActiVote devices – press voting buttons
ActivExpression devices – press option buttons
The 'Assign students to devices' Dialog Box shows devices assigned, highlighted in green. Now, when you select
Named Voting, the Voting Browser displays student names.
Back to top
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Prepared questions - Using the Question Wizard
Show Home > Using Learner Response Systems > Prepared questions - Using the Question Wizard
Prepared questions - Using the Question Wizard
How it works
The Question Wizard presents you with series of
Dialog Boxes, each with detailed instructions to
help you.
You have to:
1. Choose the type of question.
2. Choose a layout style.
3. Enter text for your question and answers,
where applicable.
4. Click on Finish to close the Question
Wizard.
The Question Wizard places text objects on your
flipchart page, turning it into a Question page. If
you choose one of the layout templates offered,
there are graphic objects too. Use the Browsers to
identify objects. You can edit any of the text or
objects.
Whenever you navigate to that page, the Start
button is highlighted green and you can
Vote
click on the button to start a voting session. Further important options
You can nominate correct answers in all of the
question types. When these answers are returned
in the vote, they are highlighted green in all
optional results displays, apart from the pie chart,
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Prepared questions - Using the Question Wizard
where they are highlighted red
For important information about properties and
tags, see Reference > Properties > Identification
properties.
Text answers which are nominated ‘correct’ are
case sensitive. Numerical answers which are
nominated ‘correct’ allow a level of error which can
be set in the Question Wizard.
All question types are concluded with a prompt for
a follow-on question. This is to encourage further
discussion among your group and generate
feedback.
Back to top
file:///C|/Program%20Files/Activ%20Software/Inspire/help/en_US/prepared_questions_-_using_the_question_wizard.htm[1/21/2010 6:09:23 PM]
Quick questions and ExpressPoll
Show Home > Using Learner Response Systems > Quick questions and ExpressPoll
Quick questions and ExpressPoll
At any time during your lesson, you can ask your students a question and click on ExpressPoll
voting ‘Wonderwheel’.
.
This displays the
Use it a few times and you will realize why it is so-called. The design of the Wonderwheel helps you communicate your question
clearly, so your students quickly understand how they are expected to answer.
How it works
1. You hover with the pen over the Wonderwheel and highlight a question style.
2. Move the pen radially and outward to show the options for the style you just
highlighted.
3. Click to select one of the options.
The picture on the right shows the Wonderwheel for ActiVote devices. The highlighted
question style is 'True/False'. This question style has four answering options. The option
selected allows the possible answers, 'True', 'False' and 'Don’t know'.
These possible answers are shown in the displayed 'Voting Summary' Box.
You can set a timeout now, next to the red Stop Vote button, by entering a number or using the arrows. If your profile already
has a timeout set for ExpressPoll, the countdown starts as soon as the summary box is displayed. When you use a timeout,
you also have a Pause Vote button for extra control.
For details of how to create and customize profiles, see More about ActivInspire > Making profiles work for you.
Back to top
file:///C|/Program%20Files/Activ%20Software/Inspire/help/en_US/quick_questions_and_expresspoll.htm[1/21/2010 6:09:25 PM]
Creating containers
Show Home > More about ActivInspire > Making flipcharts interactive > Creating containers
Creating containers
As the name implies, containers are objects that can contain other objects. This is useful for creating activities that rely on objects
being recognized and either accepted or rejected by another object. Any object that does not match all the chosen properties is
rejected, whenever someone attempts to put it into the container.
You can select container properties and therefore define the container's behavior, in the 'Container' section of the Property
Browser.
For details of available container properties, see Reference > Properties > Container properties.
For details of how to change properties, see Changing object properties.
Here we explain container rules, how to create a container and add a reward sound:
Container rules
Create a container
Add a reward sound
Container rules
Any type of object, except annotations, can be a container.
The object to be contained must be in front of the container. Therefore it must be either:
On a higher layer than the container, or
Higher in the stacking order on the same layer as the container.
Containers can contain other containers, allowing you to create nested containers.
Annotations that are drawn directly into a container object are automatically contained.
Create a container
Here we show you how to turn a shape object into a container that can contain one specific object, but will reject any others.
and create three shapes, one
1. Select Shape
larger than the others. In the picture on the right, we
have created a yellow square, the container and two
triangles, one red, one blue.
For this example, we changed the 'Name'
property of the object to be contained to 'Red Triangle'
in the 'Identification' section of the Property Browser.
2. Select the largest shape, in our case the yellow
square.
3. Open the Property Browser
down to the Container section.
and scroll
4. In the 'Container' section, set the properties. In the
picture on the right we set:
a. Can Contain to Specific Object. This
means only one particular object can be put in
the yellow square container.
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Creating containers
b. Contain Object to Red Triangle. The
yellow square can only contain the red triangle.
c. Contain Rule to Completely Contained.
The red triangle must be placed inside the
container.
d. Return if not Contained to True. If the red
triangle is not completely contained, or you try to
put another object into the yellow square, the
object will return to the starting position.
5. Test the container. Only the red triangle, but not the
blue one, can be put in the container.
When an item has been contained, you can move it out of the container in one movement. Any further movements,
when the object is not being contained will return it to the starting position.
Add a reward sound
A reward sound is a sound file that plays when an object is correctly contained.
Here we show you how to add a reward sound to a container:
1. Create the container as shown above.
2. In the 'Container' section of the Property Browser, set
the sound properties:
a. Set Reward Sound to True.
b. Set Reward Sound Location to the location
of the sound file you want to play when an
object is correctly contained. In the picture on
the right, this is the file a.wav.
3. Test the container. When the correct object is put into
the container, the Sound Controller opens and plays
the chosen reward sound.
The Sound Controller remains on the screen until you
close it.
Set the 'Reward Sound' property on the container, not the contents.
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Creating containers
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Creating restrictors
Show Home > More about ActivInspire > Making flipcharts interactive > Creating restrictors
Creating restrictors
Use restrictors to control how items can move on the page.
For details of available restrictor properties, see Reference > Properties > Restrictors properties.
For details of how to change properties, see Changing object properties.
You can use restrictors in many different ways.
Here we show you how to create a restrictor that constrains a circle, so that it can only move along a particular path
1. Select Design Mode
2. With the Pen
3. Select Shape
.
, draw a line on the page.
and create a circle.
4. Select the circle.
5. Open the Property Browser
'Restrictors' section.
and scroll down to the
6. In the 'Restrictors' section, select the properties as shown on the right:
a. For Can Move select Along path from the Drop-down list.
b. For Move Path, click on the Selector button
Object' Dialog Box opens.
. The 'Select
c. Select the line object, here Pen 4.
7. Click on OK.
8. Leave Design Mode.
9. Test the restrictor. When you click on the red circle, it jumps to the blue
line. Now the circle can only move along the line.
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Adding and formatting text
Show Home > First steps with ActivInspire > Adding and formatting text
Adding and formatting text
Here we show you how to:
Add text
Format text
Spellcheck
Finally, we also give you a taste of two power tools for working with text at the board.
Add text
ActivInspire has several useful tools for adding text, either at the board, or at your computer.
You can also copy and paste, or drag and drop, text from existing documents, for example from a Word file, into your
flipchart.
Text
Tool
The Text Tool in the Main Toolbox is a quick way to add text from your computer:
1. Click on the Text
icon. The Format Toolbar opens and the cursor
changes to a little bar with some letters.
2. Move the cursor to where you want to create text and click. Two things
happen:
A text box with two handles opens. These allow you to freely move
or extend
the text box.
The Format Toolbar opens, either at the top or bottom of the
ActivInspire window, depending on your preferences at startup. You
can use it to format your text. We show you how in the next section.
3. At your computer keyboard, type in the text. The text appears in the text box
in the default font, color and size.
We show you how to change these in Format text.
To correct a mistake:
1. With the Text Tool selected, position the cursor where you want to begin in the text and click.
2. Keep the mouse button pressed and drag the cursor over the letters you
want to change.
3. When they are highlighted, begin typing to replace the selected text, or press
the Backspace key to delete it.
Back to top
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Adding and formatting text
Format text
The Format Toolbar opens when you select the Text Tool. It contains standard tools for text formatting and the On-Screen
Keyboard icon. Use the Format Toolbar to change text properties and alignment. For example, to change the color, size, font, text
box outline and fill characteristics of the selected text.
ActivInspire Studio
Here we briefly describe the tools.
1
Change the font and font size of the selected text
7
Increase or decrease the spacing between lines
2
Increase or decrease the font size
8
Increase or decrease the indent
3
Put text in bold or italic, or underline it
9
Format as bulleted list
4
Add subscript or superscript
10
Open the On-screen Keyboard
5
Alter the text color (defaults to black) and also the
text background color (defaults to transparent)
11
Select all the text in the text box
6
Align left, centered or right
12
Insert a symbol
ActivInspire Primary
In ActivInspire Primary, the layout and look of the Format Toolbar is slightly different, but the tools are the same.
Change all the text in a text box
1. With the Text Tool selected and a text box open, click in the text box.
2. In the Format Toolbar, click on Select All
To change the font or font size, click on the drop-down menus.
To change the color, text alignment and other characteristics, click on the appropriate buttons.
3. To finish editing, click on another tool.
Change part of the text
1. With the Text Tool selected and a text box open, click in the text box.
2. Keep the mouse button pressed and drag the cursor over the words you want to change. When they are highlighted, click
on the appropriate buttons or drop-down menus.
3. To finish editing, click on another tool.
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Adding and formatting text
Back to top
Spellcheck
You can quickly check and correct the spelling in all or part of your flipchart, with the Flipchart Spellchecker This tool always begins to check the spelling at the beginning of the flipchart, even if you start it on the final page.
You'll find the Flipchart Spellchecker in:
Tools Menu > More Tools
To use the Flipchart Spellchecker:
1. With the Text Tool selected and a text box open, click in the text box.
2. From Tools > More Tools, select Flipchart Spellchecker. The 'Spell Checker' Dialog Box opens. Possible spelling errors
appear in red. You can deselect this option with Edit Profiles
in the 'Edit Profiles' Dialog Box.
3. You can accept or reject spelling suggestions, apply them to the current, or to all instances of the word, or select text in the
dialog box and type in your own changes.
4. Make choices until the confirmation dialog box indicates that spell checking is complete, or click on Done to stop spell
checking.
Back to top
Power tools
ActivInspire also offers two power tools for working with text.
Use this tool...
To...
On-Screen Keyboard
Add text at the board, when you don't want to use the Pen. You simply tap on
the letters and symbols on the on-screen keyboard to form words and
sentences.
For details, see Using the On-Screen Keyboard.
Write on the board and let ActivInspire turn your writing into typed text.
Handwriting Recognition
For details, see Using Handwriting Recognition.
Back to top
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Changing object properties
Show Home > More about ActivInspire > Working with objects > Changing object properties
Changing object properties
Object properties define an object. You can view and change these properties in the Property Browser.
1. Select the page or object whose properties you want to view or change.
2. Open the Property Browser.
3. In the Browser, select the property category, for example, 'Identification' properties.
4. Change the object's properties. Any changes you make apply immediately.
Each time you change a property, this is added to the Undo History, allowing you to undo each change you make.
Property types
Some properties have numerical values, while other properties can be altered with different controls:
To change the property, select the default and type over it.
or
To change the color, click on the color and select another one from the standard Color Palette for
your operating system.
To change the property, move the slider.
To change the property, select a different one from the drop-down menu.
To change the property, click on the icon.
Use these properties to...
Identification
Uniquely identify an object or page. This is useful if you are going to reuse the object or
flipchart, or if you are going to add it to your Resource Library, or share it with others.
Appearance
Control the appearance of an object on the flipchart page.
Outline
Control the characteristics of the outline that surrounds an object.
Fill
Add texture to the object with graduated shading from one color to another.
Background
Control the characteristics of the background of an object.
Position
Control the position and size of an object on the flipchart page. There are three ways to change
these properties:
Drag the object's Marquee and Sizing Handles.
Use the Object Edit Menu.
Edit the properties in the Property Browser.
Label
Add a label to an object and define the way the label looks and behaves.
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Changing object properties
Container
Create activities where objects are recognized by other objects.
Rotate
Control the way in which an object can be rotated on the page.
Restrictors
Define rules to restrict the movement of an object.
Miscellaneous
Define some miscellaneous characteristics for your object.
Multimedia
Define properties for Flash, video and sound files.
Page
Control the appearance of a flipchart page.
Tools
Set the Spotlight or Revealer to keep the currently selected property, or revert to the tool's
default setting as defined in the currently selected profile.
Revealer
Control the behavior of the Revealer.
Spotlight
Define the type and size of the Spotlight, as well as its position when selected.
Grid
Show or hide the grid and change its properties.
Back to top
file:///C|/Program%20Files/Activ%20Software/Inspire/help/en_US/changing_object_properties.htm[1/21/2010 6:09:34 PM]
Adding and removing links
Show Home > More about ActivInspire > Working with objects > Adding and removing links
Adding and removing links
Use links to files or websites in your flipcharts to enrich the learning experience, change the pace of a lesson, or refocus your
students attention.
To open the file or access the website, simply click on the link at an appropriate moment in the lesson.
Here we show you how to:
Create a link to a file
Create a link to a website
Remove or edit a link
Create a link to a file
When you create a link to a file, you have the following options to control how the link appears on the page and where the file is
stored:
Choose this option...
To do this...
Add link as...
Text
Add the link as a text string.
Image Icon
Add the link as an image icon
on the page.
Action Object
Add the link as an action object.
Existing object
Associate the link with an existing object on the page.
Placeholder
Insert a placeholder (for multimedia files). You can change the placeholder
image
Store as
if you wish.
Store file externally
Store the file separately from the flipchart.
Store file in flipchart
Include the file in the flipchart. Depending on the size and nature of the file,
this may increase the size of the .flipchart file considerably.
Store file in flipchart + Directory
Included the file in the flipchart, as well as in a directory of your choice.
Multimedia
Applies to multimedia files only:
Autoplay
Play file automatically when the flipchart is opened.
Loop
Play the file in a continuous loop.
Controller
Display the Multimedia Controller so that you can stop and start play.
Placeholder
Add the link as a placeholder image. You can either accept the default
image, or browse to and select another image.
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Adding and removing links
Here we show you how to link an existing object to a file, so that the file opens, when you click on the object.
1. From the Insert Menu, select Link >
File. The 'Select File' Dialog Box opens.
2. Browse to the folder that contains the file
you want to link to.
3. Double click on the file, or select it and
click on Open. The 'Insert File' Dialog
Box opens.
4. Select Existing object, as shown on
the right.
5. Click on the Selector button
The 'Select Object' Dialog
Box opens.
6. Select the object with which you want to
associate the link. In the picture on the
right, this is the black triangle.
7. Click on OK. The 'Select File' Dialog
Box opens again.
8. Select where you wish to store the file,
for example, Store externally.
9. Click on OK.
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Adding and removing links
Create a link to a website
Creating a link to a website is almost the same as creating a link to a file. You can add the link as:
Text
Image Icon
Action Object
Existing object
For descriptions of the options, see Create a link to a file above.
Here we show you how to add a link as an image icon, so that the internet browser supplied with your operating system opens the
selected URL, when you click on the icon.
1. From the Insert Menu, select Link >
Website. The 'Insert Website' Dialog
Box opens.
2. Type the URL of the website you want to
link to.
3. Select Image Icon.
4. Click on OK.
Remove or edit a link
Websites change and so do your flipcharts. Sometimes you may have to remove or edit a link and here we show you how.
Remove a link
Two quick ways to remove a link, right-click the icon, image, object or text string, then:
Drag and drop it into the Trashcan.
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Adding and removing links
Select Delete from the Popup Menu.
Alternatively:
1. Right-click on the link.
2. From the Popup Menu, select Action Browser.
3. Click on Remove Existing.
Edit a link
1. Right-click on the link.
2. From the Popup Menu, select Action Browser.
3. In 'Action Properties', select the URL and change it.
4. Click on Apply Changes.
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Using the Dice Roller
Show Home > More about ActivInspire > Working at the board > Using Maths tools > Using the Dice Roller
Using the Dice Roller
Roll some dice
1. Click on the Dice Roller
2. In the 'Dice Roller' Box, click on the Roll
button.
Change the number of dice
1. In the 'Dice Roller' Box, click on the
drop-down arrow.
2. Select the number of dice you want.
Change the speed of the dice
In the 'Dice Roller' Box, use the Speed slider to
increase or decrease the speed of the dice.
Put the dice total on the page
In the 'Dice Roller' Box, click on the Output to
Flipchart button.
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Using the Calculator
Show Home > More about ActivInspire > Working at the board > Using Maths tools > Using the Calculator
Using the Calculator
To use the calculator supplied with ActivInspire:
From the Tools Menu select Math Tools > Calculator.
To use the calculator supplied with your operating system, or another one of your choice:
1. From the File Menu, select Settings.
2. Select Tools.
3. Scroll down to Calculator settings
Check Use calculator supplied with operating system, or
Next to Use calculator specified by user, browse to the calculator of your choice.
4. Click on Done.
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Using the Protractor
Show Home > More about ActivInspire > Working at the board > Using Maths tools > Using the Protractor
Using the Protractor
Use the Protractor to measure angles and draw
arcs.
From the Tools Menu, select Math Tools >
Protractor. You can have more than one
protractor.
The default colors are grey / black. To change the
color of rulers and protractors, select File >
Settings > Tools. The color changes are shown in the next ruler or
protractor you select.
The right-click Popup Menu gives options for the
protractor and arc drawn.
When you are ready to draw, hover with the pen
near the edge of the protractor.
The cursor jumps or snaps to the protractor.
Click and drag along the edge of the protractor,
and a perfect arc will be drawn. The three different
arc styles are shown on the right.
The angle is viewed from the scale on the
protractor (zoom in for greater accuracy).
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Using the Protractor
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Using the Compass
Show Home > More about ActivInspire > Working at the board > Using Maths tools > Using the Compass
Using the Compass
The compass draws a simple arc with the outline and fill characteristics of the Pen
.
From the Tools Menu, select MathTools > Compass. You can have more than
one compass.
To set up the compass, click on its various parts:
Click on the left arm to move the compass around the page.
Place the spike where you want the centre of rotation.
Click on the right arm to rotate the compass without drawing.
Click on the pencil holder to widen the span of the compass. Click on the hinge to hide the compass.
When you are ready to draw, hover with the pen near the tip of the pencil.
The cursor jumps or snaps to the pencil tip.
Click and drag to draw your arc.
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Setting the XY Origin
Show Home > More about ActivInspire > Working at the board > Using Maths tools > Setting the XY Origin
Setting the X / Y Origin
You can rotate any object just by selecting it and using the Rotate Object Marquee Handle to spin the object around its center
point. However, you may not want to rotate an object around its center point. Instead, use the XY Origin Tool to add an origin point
anywhere on a page. The object will spin around the page origin point when you click and move the Rotate Object Marquee
Handle.
Ensure the object you want to rotate is located on your page, then click on the XY Origin Tool to display the origin point. Move
the origin point to a new position, this will be the position that you want to be the center of rotation. Select the object with the
Select Tool, notice the XY Origin Tool button remains selected. Then, use the Rotate Object Marquee Handle to spin the
object around the new origin point. When you have finished, click on the XY Origin Tool once more to remove the rotate point.
The origin point will remember its last position on a page. When you switch it on again, it will automatically appear in the same
position when it was last displayed.
A group of objects will rotate about the center point of the selected group, unless the XY Origin Tool is switched on. In this case
the group will rotate around the XY origin point.
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Keyboard Shortcuts
Show Home > Reference > Keyboard Shortcuts
Keyboard Shortcuts
Function
Windows TM
Linux TM
Mac ®
Help
F1
F1
F1
Toggle Design Mode
F2
F2
F2
ExpressPoll
F3
F3
F3
Dual User
F4
F4
F4
Toggle Full Screen
F5
F5
F5
Desktop Tools
F6
F6
F6
Flipchart Spellchecker
F7
F7
F7
Page Browser
F8
F8
F8
Property Browser
F9
F9
F9
Action Browser
F10
F10
F10
Dashboard
F11
F11
F11
Promethean Planet
F12
F12
F12
Select All
CTRL+A
CTRL+A
Cmd+A
Toggle Browsers
CTRL+B
CTRL+B
Cmd+B
Copy
CTRL+C
CTRL+C
Cmd+C
Duplicate
CTRL+D
CTRL+D
Cmd+D
Eraser
CTRL+E
CTRL+E
Cmd+E
Fill
CTRL+F
CTRL+F
Cmd+F
Toggle Grouped
CTRL+G
CTRL+G
Cmd+G
Highlighter
CTRL+H
CTRL+H
Cmd+H
Insert Blank Page After Current
CTRL+I
CTRL+I
Cmd+I
Edit Profiles
CTRL+J
CTRL+J
Cmd+J
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Keyboard Shortcuts
On-screen Keyboard
CTRL+K
CTRL+K
Cmd+K
Insert Link to File
CTRL+L
CTRL+L
Cmd+L
Insert Media
CTRL+M
CTRL+M
Cmd+M
Open a new flipchart
CTRL+N
CTRL+N
Cmd+N
Open an existing flipchart
CTRL+O
CTRL+O
Cmd+O
Pen
CTRL+P
CTRL+P
Cmd+P
Insert Question
CTRL+Q
CTRL+Q
Cmd+Q
Revealer
CTRL+R
CTRL+R
Cmd+R
Save a flipchart
CTRL+S
CTRL+S
Cmd+S
Text
CTRL+T
CTRL+T
Cmd+T
View Customize
CTRL+U
CTRL+U
Cmd+U
Paste
CTRL+V
CTRL+V
Cmd+V
Close
CTRL+W
CTRL+W
Cmd+W
Cut
CTRL+X
CTRL+X
Cmd+X
Redo your last action
CTRL+Y
CTRL+Y
Cmd+Y
Undo your last action
CTRL+Z
CTRL+Z
Cmd+Z
Increase Object Size
CTRL+
+
CTRL+
+
Cmd+
+
Decrease Object Size
CTRL+
-
CTRL+
-
Cmd+
-
Desktop Annotate
CTRL+Shift+A
CTRL+Shift+A
Cmd+Shift+A
Send to Back
CTRL+Shift+B
CTRL+Shift+B
Cmd+Shift+B
Connectors
CTRL+Shift+C
CTRL+Shift+C
Cmd+Shift+C
Desktop Snapshot
CTRL+Shift+D
CTRL+Shift+D
Cmd+Shift+D
Export Page
CTRL+Shift+E
CTRL+Shift+E
Cmd+Shift+E
Bring to Front
CTRL+Shift+F
CTRL+Shift+F
Cmd+Shift+F
Grid Designer
CTRL+Shift+G
CTRL+Shift+G
Cmd+Shift+G
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Keyboard Shortcuts
Handwriting Recognition
CTRL+Shift+H
CTRL+Shift+H
Cmd+Shift+H
Toggle Hidden
CTRL+Shift+I
CTRL+Shift+I
Cmd+Shift+I
Toggle Drag a Copy
CTRL+Shift+J
CTRL+Shift+J
Cmd+Shift+J
Camera - Area
CTRL+Shift+K
CTRL+Shift+K
Cmd+Shift+K
Toggle Locked
CTRL+Shift+L
CTRL+Shift+L
Cmd+Shift+L
Magic Ink
CTRL+Shift+M
CTRL+Shift+M
Cmd+Shift+M
Notes Browser
CTRL+Shift+N
CTRL+Shift+N
Cmd+Shift+N
Circular Spotlight
CTRL+Shift+O
CTRL+Shift+O
Cmd+Shift+O
Print
CTRL+Shift+P
CTRL+Shift+P
Cmd+Shift+P
Edit Question on Page
CTRL+Shift+Q
CTRL+Shift+Q
Cmd+Shift+Q
Sound Recorder
CTRL+Shift+R
CTRL+Shift+R
Cmd+Shift+R
Shapes
CTRL+Shift+S
CTRL+Shift+S
Cmd+Shift+S
Tickertape
CTRL+Shift+T
CTRL+Shift+T
Cmd+Shift+T
Clock
CTRL+Shift+U
CTRL+Shift+U
Cmd+Shift+U
Bring Forwards
CTRL+Shift+V
CTRL+Shift+V
Cmd+Shift+V
Send Backwards
CTRL+Shift+W
CTRL+Shift+W
Cmd+Shift+W
Flip X
CTRL+Shift+X
CTRL+Shift+X
Cmd+Shift+X
Flip Y
CTRL+Shift+Y
CTRL+Shift+Y
Cmd+Shift+Y
Page Zoom
CTRL+Shift+Z
CTRL+Shift+Z
Cmd+Shift+Z
Select
Esc
Esc
Esc
Go to next page
PgDown
PgDown
Down
Go to previous page
PgUp
PgUp
Up
Delete
Del
Del
Del
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Customisation Options
Show Home > Reference > Customisation Options
Customization Options
You can customize the behavior and location of all toolboxes, browsers and menubars in ActivInspire.
All can be pinned and dragged and dropped. Some can float, or be rolled in or out, or docked.
Option
Studio
Toolbox
Options
Description
Primary
Dock left
Positions the toolbox to the right/left/top/bottom of the ActivInspire
window.
Dock
right
Dock top
Dock
bottom
Floating
Allows you to click on the Titlebar at any time and drag and drop
the item anywhere in the ActivInspire window.
You can set the toolbox to 'Floating' at any time, by
dragging it from a docked location into the middle of the screen.
Roll Up
Toggle switch.
When the toolbox is in its normal (rolled down) state, click this to
'roll up' the toolbox, showing only the Main Menu and Page
Navigation icons.
When the toolbox is rolled up, click this to return the toolbox to its
rolled down state, where all tools are displayed.
Roll In
Toggle switch.
Shows or hides the Main Toolbox Shortcut Bar.
Roll Up
See "Roll Up" above.
Pin Toolbox
Toggle switch.
Pins the toolbox in place to prevent it from automatically sliding
out of view when docked.
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Menubar
Show Home > Reference > Menus and Popup Menus > Menubar
Menubar
This page lists the default functions in each menu of the ActivInspire Menubar:
File
Edit
View
Insert
Tools
Help
For further details of the tools provided in ActivInspire, see Tools.
File
The File Menu includes:
Menu item
Option
Description
New Flipchart
Opens a new 'Untitled' flipchart
New
Screen Size
Flipchart
1024 x 768
Flipchart
1152 x 864
Flipchart
Opens a new flipchart of the specified size.
1280 x 1280
Flipchart
Custom Size
Flipchart
Open...
Opens the 'My Flipcharts' folder.
Open Recent
Opens a drop-down list of recent flipcharts.
Clear List
Resets your recent flipcharts list.
Close flipchart
Closes the current flipchart. If it contains unsaved changes, opens
a dialog box inviting you to confirm if you want to save changes or
cancel.
If you click Yes to save before closing, opens the 'My flipcharts'
folder in the 'Save the flipchart as...' Dialog Box.
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Menubar
Save
Saves the current flipchart. If it is 'Untitled', opens the 'Save the
flipchart as...' Dialog Box.
Save As...
Opens 'My flipcharts' folder in the 'Save the flipchart as...' Dialog
Box. You can rename the flipchart, save the flipchart in this folder,
or navigate to anywhere on disk or network.
Click:
Save to save the flipchart
Cancel to exit without saving
Summary...
Opens the 'Flipchart Summary' Dialog Box.
This lets you record information about your flipchart.
Click:
OK to save the flipchart summary
Cancel to exit without saving
Title
Enter the title of your flipchart.
Description
Enter a brief description of its contents.
Grade
Note the grade for which this flipchart is designed.
Keywords
Add words to classify the flipchart.
Publish...
Opens the 'Publish Flipchart' Dialog Box.
This lets you restrict what others can do with this flipchart, once it
has been published.
Click:
Cancel to exit without saving
Save Details to save changes without publishing
Publish... to apply and save your changes and publish the
flipchart
Publisher
Information
Enter information in the textbox. This information is hidden from
users. The textbox automatically shows any information you entered
previously.
Prevent copying
pages and
objects
Protects your flipchart pages and objects from being cut or copied.
Prevent Flipchart
saving and
exporting
Prevents users from saving or exporting your flipchart. This
restriction also prevents exporting of Learner Response System
results.
Users can still duplicate and mirror objects, as well as deconstruct
text.
If saving is allowed, the newly saved flipchart is saved as a normal
flipchart without any restrictions.
Prevent Flipchart
printing
Prevents users from printing your flipchart.
Prevent Camera
Prevents users from using the Camera in the current session.
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Menubar
Tool
Will also apply to other flipcharts open at the same time.
Submit Flipcharts
to Promethean
Planet
Opens the Promethean Planet website in your web browser.
Import
For each of the import operations, you can browse to the file's
location and select it.
Click:
Open to begin the import operation
Cancel to exit without saving
PowerPoint ® As
Images
PowerPoint ® As
Objects
ExamView® XML
file
Opens a dialog box that lets you browse to and select the file you
wish to import.
IMS QTI XML file
Not available in ActivInspire Personal.
SMART Notebook
File v8, v9, v9.5,
v10
SMART Gallery
Item File
Resource Pack
To My
Resources...
Opens the 'Open Resource Pack' Dialog Box to let you import
resources into your Resource Library.
Resource Pack
To Shared
Resources...
Print...
Sends the current flipchart to the default printer.
Settings...
Opens the 'Settings' Tab of the 'Edit Profiles' Dialog Box. Here you
can customize features such as the Learner Response System,
Tools and Multimedia.
For details of all available settings, see Reference > Settings.
Exit
Exits ActivInspire. Prompts you to save any changes to flipcharts,
before closing.
Click:
Yes to save changes.
No to quit without saving.
Cancel to continue working.
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Menubar
Back to top
Edit
The Edit Menu includes:
Menu item
Option
Description
Design Mode
Toggle switch that enables/disables Design Mode. For details of
Design Mode Settings, see Design Mode.
Undo
Undoes/redoes the previous command or action.
Redo
Select
Enables Select
.
Select All
Select all objects on the current page.
Page
Background...
Opens the 'Set Background' Popup Box to let you select a
background for the current page.
Choose from:
Fill - select a single color or two colors for a graduated fill
Image - browse for an image and choose its positioning
and fit
Desktop Snapshot
Desktop Overlay
Grid...
Opens the Grid Designer to let you create your own colorful multilevel grids.
Clear
All Clear actions apply to the current page.
Clear Annotations
Deletes anything created with the Pen, Highlighter or Magic Ink.
Clear Objects
Deletes any objects including text created with the Text Tool.
Clear Grid
Deletes all grid levels.
Clear Background
Deletes the background.
Clear Page
Deletes everything on the page.
Reset Page
Resets the current page to the state it was in when it was last
saved.
Cut
Copy
Paste
Cuts, copies, pastes, duplicates or deletes the currently selected
object(s) or page.
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Menubar
Duplicate
Delete
Transform
Increase Object
Size
Increases or decreases the size of the object by 10% of its
current size.
Decrease Object
Size
Original Size
Resets the size of the object back to the original.
Best Fit to Width
Sets the selected object(s) to best fit the page width or height,
while preserving the aspect ratio of the object(s).
Best Fit to Height
Only applies to objects whose initial size is larger than the
flipchart page, for example, scanned images.
Best Fit to Page
Sets the selected object(s) to best fit the page size (both width
and height), while preserving the aspect ratio of the object(s).
Only applies to objects whose initial size is larger than the
flipchart page, for example, scanned images.
Mirror in X Axis
Creates a mirror image of the object in the X axis, towards the
top of the page.
Mirror in Y Axis
Creates a mirror image of the object in the Y axis, towards the
left of the page.
Flip in X Axis
Flips the object in the X axis, towards the top of the page.
Flip in Y Axis
Flips the object in the Y axis, towards the left of the page.
Align
Aligns groups of objects.
Align Left
Aligns all selected objects so that their left edges are the same
as the left-most object in the selection.
Align Center
X
Aligns all selected objects so that their centers match horizontally,
with their center points being placed at the centers of the initial
bounding rectangle.
Align Right
Aligns all selected objects so that their right edges are the same
as the right-most object in the selection.
Align Top
Aligns all selected objects so that their top edges are the same
as the highest object in the selection.
Align Center
Y
Aligns all selected objects so that their centers match vertically,
their center points being placed at the center of the initial
bounding rectangle.
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Menubar
Align Bottom
Aligns all selected objects so that their bottom edges are the
same as the lowest object in the selection.
Align Width
Stretches all selected objects to the same width as the first object
created within the selected objects.
Align Height
Aligns objects at the height of the first object created in the
group.
Align Angle
Aligns objects at the angle of the first object created.
Align
Complete
Aligns all selected objects to match the left, right, bottom, top,
width, height and angle properties of the first object created within
the selected objects.
Reorder
Moves selected objects to a different place in the stacking order,
or to another layer
Bring to Front
Sends the object to the front of the stack.
Bring Forwards
Sends the object forwards by one position within the stack.
Send to Back
Sends the object to the back of the stack.
Send Backwards
Sends the object backwards by one position within the stack.
To Top Layer
To Middle Layer
To Bottom Layer
Question on
Current Page...
Sends the object to the top, middle or bottom layer.
Opens the 'Insert Question' Wizard, which lets you choose a
question type and design.
For details, see Using Learner Response Systems > Prepared
Questions - Using the Question Wizard.
Student
Database...
Profiles...
Opens the 'Edit Student Database' Dialog Box.
For details, see Using Learner Response Systems > Assigning
students to devices.
Opens the 'Layout' Tab of the 'Edit Profiles' Dialog Box.
Not available in ActivInspire Personal.
Design Mode
Settings...
Opens the 'Settings' Tab of the 'Edit Profiles' Dialog Box.
Back to top
View
The View Menu includes:
Description
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Menubar
Menu item
Switch Profile
Displays a drop-down menu of available profiles.
Not available in ActivInspire Personal.
Fullscreen
Switches to fullscreen mode.
Click on the Fullscreen
icon to exit or switch to fullscreen mode.
Flipcharts
Displays a drop-down menu of the currently open flipcharts.
Next Page
Goes to the next or previous page.
Previous Page
Page Zoom
Begins Page Zoom. Left or right-click to zoom in or out. Click and drag to pan around the
flipchart page.
Browsers
Toggle switches that show or hide the Browsers, Menubar, Document Tabs and Trashcan.
Menubar
Document tabs
Flipchart bin
Dashboard
Displays the ActivInspire Dashboard.
Sound Controller
Displays the Sound Controller when you click on a sound file to play the sound. The Sound
Controller is displayed until you close it, or go to another flipchart page.
Customise...
Opens the 'Commands' Tab of the 'Edit Profiles' Dialog Box.
Back to top
Insert
The Insert Menu includes:
Menu item
Option
Description
Page
Blank Page
Before Current
Inserts a blank page before or after the current page.
Blank Page After
Current
Desktop
Snapshot
Displays the desktop and enables Desktop Snapshot. when you
click on Take Snapshot, inserts snapshot of the desktop after
the current page.
Other menu options may also be available here. These depend on the resources
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Menubar
you have installed.
More Page
Templates
Opens 'Shared Resources' folder in the Resource Browser.
Question...
Opens the 'Insert Question' Wizard.
Media...
Opens the 'Choose media to insert' Dialog Box.
Link
File...
Opens the 'Select File' Dialog Box.
Website...
Opens the 'Insert Website' Dialog Box.
Text
Not available in ActivInspire Personal.
Enables the Text
Shapes
Tool.
Opens the Shapes Menu. Lets you select a shape and draw it.
Not available in ActivInspire Personal Edition.
Connectors
Enables the Connectors
Timestamp
Tool.
Adds a timestamp to the current page.
Menu item
Option
Description
Desktop Annotate
Lets you:
Back to top
Tools
The Tools Menu includes:
Write annotations on your computer's live desktop with the
Pen
or Highlighter
Interact with other applications on your desktop with Select
Desktop Tools
Minimizes ActivInspire and displays Desktop Tools.
Dual User
Enables collaborative working with two ActivPens on an
ActivBoard version 3, or an upgraded ActivBoard version 2.
ExpressPoll
Launches the voting 'Wonderwheel' with which you can select a
question style and options to ask your class.
Pen Lets you write and draw annotations on the board.
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Menubar
Highlighter
Lets you highlight areas of the flipchart in translucent color.
Eraser Lets you permanently erase or break up annotations made with
the Pen, Highlighter, or Magic Ink.
Fill Lets you fill:
Shapes with single or gradient colors (you can set gradient
colors in the Property Browser)
Intersecting partial shapes with different colored fill shapes
Pages
Magic Ink
Lets you make areas of your flipchart invisible and reveal them
when the class is ready.
Handwriting
Recognition
Lets you write on the board, then turns your annotations into print.
Shape
Recognition
Lets you draw on the board, then turns your drawings into
shapes.
Revealer
Lets you selectively reveal parts of the flipchart page.
Spotlight
Circular Spotlight
Square Spotlight
Solid Circular
Spotlight
Solid Square
Spotlight
Camera
Area Snapshot
Point to Point
Snapshot
Freehand
Snapshot
Window Snapshot
Fullscreen
Snapshot
Math Tools
Ruler
Lets you draw and measure lines on the board.
Protractor
Lets you draw arcs, segments and circles and measure angles.
Compass
Lets you draw circles and arcs of any size, color or line thickness
with the Pen, Highlighter or Eraser.
Dice Roller
Lets you roll up to five dice, set the speed of the roll and print the
result to the flipchart.
Lets you move different shaped light or opaque spotlights to show
or hide areas of your flipchart.
Lets you take a snapshot from the screen – this may be a picture
on a website or flipchart, for example.
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Menubar
Calculator
Lets you perform maths calculations at the board.
More Tools...
Sound Recorder
Lets you record sounds and incorporate them in your flipchart.
Screen Recorder
Lets you record actions on a flipchart, desktop flipchart, the
desktop, or another application, then play them back as an
animation.
On-screen
Keyboard
Lets you add typed text to your flipchart while at the board.
Clock
Displays a clock which you can use in timed activities and
competitions.
Tickertape...
Runs a tickertape with the text of your choice across the board
until you stop the tape.
Web Browser
Launches your computer's web browser.
Spellcheck
Flipchart
Lets you check the spelling of your flipchart.
Teacher Lock...
Restricts access to the current activity.
Device
Registration...
Begins the process of telling the ActivHub how many devices and
device groups there are in the classroom. You need to register
devices before you begin a voting session.
Edit User Defined
Buttons...
Lets you define your own shortcut buttons which will appear in
the Shortcut Bar of the Main Toolbox.
Back to top
Help
The Help Menu includes:
Menu item
Description
Contents
Opens this help file.
Promethean
Website
Opens the Promethean website or Promethean Planet website in your internet browser.
Promethean
Planet
Check for
updates...
Checks if an updated version of ActivInspire is available. Either confirms that you have the latest
version installed, or opens the 'ActivInspire Update' Dialog Box. Follow the instructions on the screen
to download and install software updates.
About
Opens the 'About ActivInspire' Dialog Box. This contains details of the software release version and
license agreement.
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Menubar
Back to top
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Toolboxes and Toolbars
Show Home > Reference > Toolboxes and Toolbars > Toolboxes and Toolbars
Toolboxes and Toolbars
This section gives an overview of the tools and functions available in ActivInspire's toolboxes and toolbars:
Main Toolbox
Pen Tray (ActivInspire Primary)
Dual Pen Tray (ActivInspire Primary)
Fill Tray (ActivInspire Primary)
Dual Fill Tray (ActivInspire Primary)
Desktop Tools
Format Toolbar
Voting Wonderwheel
Dual Toolbox
For full details of the tools and functions provided in ActivInspire, see Reference > Tools.
For a summary of the tools and functions available in each menu and popup menu in ActivInspire, see
Reference > Menus and Popup Menus.
You can customize the Main Toolbox and Object Edit Toolbar to contain any combination of tools to suit your
needs. For details, see Choosing your tools.
Main Toolbox
The Main Toolbox contains the following tools and menu items by default.
Tool/Menu
item
Studio
Primary
Description
More
info...
Main Menu Opens the Main Menu. This gives
you access to the same menus as
the Menubar.
Reference > Menus
> File, Edit, View,
Insert, Tools, Help
Switch
Profile
Opens a popup box showing the
available profiles, to quickly switch
from one profile to another.
More about
ActivInspire >
Making profiles
work for you
Desktop
Annotate
Makes your computer's live
desktop the background of your
flipchart page. Lets you annotate
the desktop and interact with other
applications.
Reference > Tools
> Desktop Annotate
Desktop
Tools
Minimizes ActivInspire and
launches the Desktop Tools.
Desktop Tools
Previous
Page
Displays the previous flipchart
page.
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Toolboxes and Toolbars
Next Page
Displays the next flipchart page.
Adds a new flipchart page, if you
click it on the last page of a
flipchart.
Start/Stop
Flipchart
Vote
Opens the 'Voting Summary' Box.
Only enabled if the current page
contains a prepared voting
question.
Express Poll
Lets you ask your students a quick
question and display voting results
instantly.
Using Learner
Response Systems
> Prepared
questions -Using
the Question
Wizard
Using Learner
Response Systems
> Quick question
and ExpressPoll
Reference > Tools
> ExpressPoll
Color
Palette
see Pen
Tray
In ActivInspire Studio, lets you
select the color of text, highlighter,
lines and shapes, filling objects,
etc.
First steps with
ActivInspire >
Writing on a
flipchart
To select a color not included in
the Color Palette, right-click on the
color you want to change and
select a color, or create your own
custom color.
Width
Selectors
see Pen
Tray
In ActivInspire Studio, lets you
select a different size for your
Eraser, Highlight or Pen. To
change the size, ensure the tool is
selected, then do one of the
following:
First steps with
ActivInspire >
Writing on a
flipchart
Click on one of the circular
settings in the Width
Selector.
For the Eraser and
Highlighter you can choose
from 20 or 50 pixels.
For the Pen you can choose
from 2, 4, 6 or 8 pixels.
Click and drag the slider to
change the width from 0 to
100 pixels in increments of
1.
Setting the width to 0 will
result in a fixed width of 1
pixel. That means the width
will always be 1 pixel, even
if you use Page Zoom to
change the magnification.
You can change the outline width
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Toolboxes and Toolbars
of annotations, lines and shapes
just by selecting the object and
clicking on a pen width.
Select
Lets you select and interact with
objects on the flipchart page.
Reference > Tools
> Select
Tools
Opens the Tools Menu.
Reference > Menus
and Popup Menus
> Tools
Pen
Writes or draws on your flipchart.
Reference > Tools
> Pen
In ActivInspire Primary, it also
opens the Pen Tray at the bottom
of the ActivInspire window.
Highlighter
see Pen
Tray
Emphasizes areas of your flipchart
with translucent color.
First steps with
ActivInspire >
Writing on a
flipchart
Reference > Tools
> Highlight
First steps with
ActivInspire >
Writing on a
flipchart
Eraser
Permanently erases Pen, Highlight
and Magic Ink annotations from
your flipchart.
Reference > Tools
> Eraser
Fills a selected object or page with
color.
Reference > Tools
> Fill
In ActivInspire Primary, it also
opens the Fill Tray at the bottom of
the ActivInspire window.
First steps with
ActivInspire >
Adding and
manipulating
shapes
Shape
Opens the Shapes Menu, to let you
select a shape, then draw it.
Reference > Tools
> Shape
Connector
Connects objects or shapes with a
Connector line.
Reference > Tools
> Connector
Insert Media
From File
Opens a dialog box from which you
can browse to, select and insert
graphics, videos or other files into
the flipchart page.
Text
Adds text you type at your
computer keyboard.
Reference > Tools
> Text
Fill
see Pen
Tray
First steps with
ActivInspire >
Deleting stuff
First steps with
ActivInspire >
Adding and
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Toolboxes and Toolbars
formatting text
Resource
Browser
not applicable
Opens the Resource Browser.
A tour of
ActivInspire >
Exploring
ActivInspire Primary
> Resource
Browser
Page
Browser
not applicable
Opens the Page Browser.
A tour of
ActivInspire >
Exploring
ActivInspire Primary
> Page Browser
Deletes items from the current
page:
First steps with
ActivInspire >
Deleting stuff
Clear
Annotations
Objects
Deletes all
images,
shapes and
text.
Grid
Deletes any
grid.
Background
Deletes any
background.
Page
Reset Page
Resets the current page to the
state it was in when it was last
saved.
Deletes all
objects from
the current
page.
First steps with
ActivInspire >
Deleting stuff
For new, unsaved flipcharts, clears
the current page.
Undo
Redo
Edit-user
defined
buttons
Deletes
anything
drawn with
the Pen,
Highlight or
Magic Ink.
Undoes or redoes your last action,
for example, Fill. Click repeatedly
to undo or redo as many actions as
required.
Visible when the Main Toolbox is
not rolled in or rolled up.
Opens the 'User defined buttons'
Reference > Tools
> Undo and Redo
More about
ActivInspire >
Making profiles
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Toolboxes and Toolbars
Tab in the 'Edit Profiles' Dialog
Box. You can assign properties to
a button, for example to open a file
or run a program. You can also
add a tooltip to identify the button.
work for you >
Creating and
switching profiles >
Defining your own
buttons
Back to top
Pen Tray (ActivInspire Primary)
In ActivInspire Primary, some tools that are available in the Main Toolbox in ActivInspire Studio, are instead provided in the Pen
Tray, for easy access by smaller learners.
The Pen Tray opens, when you on click the Pen
. The Pen Tray contains the following tools:
Tool
Description
Highlighters
Three highlighters of different
thicknesses.
Pens
Six pens of different
thicknesses.
Erasers
Three erasers of different
thicknesses.
Color
More info...
A tour of ActivInspire >
Exploring ActivInspire
Primary > Pen Tray
Along the bottom edge of the
tray:
A range of colors from
which you can select
the color for the Pen
and Highlighter Tools.
Some blank color
slots on which you
can right-click to pick
or mix your own color.
Back to top
Fill Tray (ActivInspire Primary)
The Fill Tray opens, when you on click the Fill Tool. It contains
A range of colors from which you can select the color for the Fill Tool.
Some blank color slots on which you can right-click to pick or mix your own color.
Dual Fill Tray (ActivInspire Primary)
The Dual Fill Tray is identical to the Fill Tray, except for the tray color.
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Toolboxes and Toolbars
Dual Pen Tray (ActivInspire Primary)
The Dual Pen Tray contains the same tools as the Pen Tray, except for the Erasers.
Back to top
Desktop Tools
Desktop Tools are available in the form of a 'Wonderwheel' when you minimize ActivInspire. It contains tools that can be used over
the desktop. Desktop Tools close automatically when you restore the ActivInspire window.
To move Desktop Tools, click in the center of the Wonderwheel and drag the tools to their new location.
Tool
Studio
Primary
Description
More info...
Restore
ActivInspire
Maximizes ActivInspire and closes the
Desktop Tools.
ExpressPoll
Lets you ask your students a quick
question and display voting results
instantly.
Reference > Tools > ExpressPoll
Promethean
Planet
Opens the Promethean Planet website
in your web browser.
On-Screen
Keyboard
Lets you add typed text to your
flipchart while at the board.
Reference > Tools > On-screen
Keyboard
More about ActivInspire > Working at
the board > Using the On-screen
Keyboard
Camera
Tickertape
Clock
Lets you take a snapshot from the
screen, for example, a picture on a
website or flipchart.
Lets you create messages that scroll
continuously across the screen.
Lets you choose an analog or digital
clock. You can set the display, choose
count down or count up as desired.
Reference > Tools > Camera
More about ActivInspire > Working at
the board > Using the Camera
Reference > Tools > Tickertape
More about ActivInspire > Working at
the board > Using Tickertapes
Reference > Tools > Clock
More about ActivInspire > Working at
the board > Using the Clock
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Toolboxes and Toolbars
Screen
Recorder
Lets you record the actions on a
flipchart, desktop flipchart, the
desktop, or another application, saving
them to a file and play them back as
an animation.
Reference > Tools > Screen Recorder
Sound
Recorder
Lets you record sounds if you have
the required hardware.
Reference > Tools > Sound Recorder
Calculator
Lets you do math calculations at the
board.
Reference > Tools > Calculator
Dice Roller
Lets you roll up to five dice.
More about ActivInspire > Number
tools for all occasions > Using the
Calculator
Reference > Tools > Dice Roller
More about ActivInspire > Number
tools for all occasions > Using the
Dice Roller
Back to top
Format Toolbar
The Format Toolbar opens by default, whenever you work with the Text Tool. You can also open the Format Toolbar from the
Notes Browser.
For details, see First steps with ActivInspire > Adding and formatting text.
You can access the following functions from the Format Toolbar:
Function
Studio
Primary
Description
Fonts
Lets you select a font from the dropdown menu.
Font Size
Lets you select a font size from the
drop-down menu.
Increase Font
Size
Decrease
Font Size
Bold
Italic
Increases or decreases the font size
by two points at a time.
Lets you add bold or italic text, or
changes the selected text to bold or
italic.
Underline
Lets you underline text, or underlines
the selected text.
Superscript
Lets you add text in superscript or
subscript, or changes the selected text
to subscript or superscript.
Subscript
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Toolboxes and Toolbars
Text Color
Lets you select a text color or
background color from the olor
Palette, or mix and match your own
color.
Background
Color
Align Left
Center
Aligns text left, centered, or right.
Align Right
Increase Line
Spacing
Increases or decreases the space
between selected lines of text.
Decrease
Line Spacing
Increase
Indent
Increases or decreases the indentation
of the selected text.
Decrease
Indent
Bullets
Lets you turn text into a bulleted list.
On-Screen
Keyboard
Displays the On-Screen Keyboard that
lets you create typed text at he board.
Select All
Selects all the text in the currently
selected text object.
Text Symbols
Lets you select symbols from a dropdown list.
Back to top
Voting Wonderwheel
Tool
Studio
Primary
Description
Click To List Likert
Scale
Displays 'Likert Scale' answering options in the 'Voting
Summary' Box and sends them to ActivExpression devices.
Number Question
Displays 'Number entry' answering options in the 'Voting
Summary' Box and sends them to ActivExpression devices.
Text Question
Displays 'Text entry' answering options in the 'Voting
Summary' Box and sends them to ActivExpression devices.
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Toolboxes and Toolbars
Multiple Choice
Displays 'Multiple choice' answering options in the 'Voting
Summary' Box and sends them to ActivExpression devices.
Sort in Order
Displays 'Sort in Order' answering options in the 'Voting
Summary' Box and sends them to ActivExpression devices.
Yes/No - True/False
Displays 'Yes/No or True/Falser' answering options in the
'Voting Summary' Box and sends them to ActivExpression
devices.
Actions
Device
Registration
Opens the 'Device Registration' Dialog Box to let you begin
registering ActiVote or ActivExpression devices.
Assign Students
To Devices
Opens the 'Assign students to devices' Dialog Box to let you
import student names from a database.
Close
Closes the voting Wonderwheel.
Target
ActivExpression
Devices
Sets the type of device from which votes will be accepted in
the current voting session.
Target ActiVote
Devices
Back to top
Dual Toolbox
The Dual Toolbox appears in the bottom left of the ActivInspire window by default. You can pin or drag and drop the Dual Toolbox.
You cannot add or remove tools from this toolbox.
The Dual Toolbox contains the following tools:
Tool/Menu
item
Color
Palette
Studio
Primary
Description
see Pen
Tray
Click a colour to select the olor for the Pen, Highlighter, or Shape Tools.
see Pen
Tray
Use presets or slider to set pen width.
Right click to access the Extended Color Palette, or create a custom olor.
Width
selectors
Select
Lets you select and interact with objects on the flipchart page.
Fill
Fills a selected object or page with olor.
In ActivInspire Primary, it also opens the Dual Fill Tray at the bottom of the
ActivInspire window.
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Toolboxes and Toolbars
Pen
Writes or draws on your flipchart.
In ActivInspire Primary, it also opens the Dual Pen Tray at the bottom of
the ActivInspire window.
Highlighter
see Pen
Tray
Emphasizes areas of your flipchart with translucent olor.
In ActivInspire Primary, it also opens the Dual Fill Tray at the bottom of the
ActivInspire window.
Shape
Opens the Shapes Menu, to let you select a shape, then draw it.
Connector
Connects objects or shapes with a Connector line.
Handwriting
Recognition
Turns annotations into text.
Shape
Recognition
Turns free-hand drawings into shapes.
Back to top
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Actions
Show Home > Reference > Actions
Actions
You can associate an action with any object in your flipchart in the Action Browser.
If you are used to working with actions in Activstudio or Activprimary, see Summary of differences for important
information about using actions in existing flipcharts in ActivInspire
For every action, there is a matching tool or command.
For information about the types of actions available in ActivInspire, see:
Drag and Drop Actions
Command Actions
Page Actions
Object Actions
Document/Media Actions
Voting Actions
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Properties
Show Home > Reference > Properties
Properties
Use the Property Browser to view, change and apply a range of powerful properties to your flipchart page or objects. The options
are displayed in the Browser and depend on whether you have selected a page, single object or multiple objects. Different types of
objects have different types of properties.
For details of how to change properties, see Changing object properties.
This section briefly describes the available properties by category:
Identification properties
Appearance properties
Outline properties
Fill properties
Background properties
Position properties
Label properties
Container properties
Rotate properties
Restrictors properties
Miscellaneous properties
Multimedia properties
Page properties
Tools property
Revealer properties
Spotlight properties
Grid properties
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Settings
Show Home > Reference > Settings
Settings
You can customize ActivInspire in many different ways to suit your needs. To ensure that selected tools and features always
behave in a predefined way, you can set up and save your preferences in one or more profiles.
This section describes the available settings and their options:
Learner Response System
Clock Tool
Effects
Flipchart Objects
Language
Online Settings
Spell Checker
Tools
User Input
Recordings
Profile and Resources
Flipchart
Multimedia
Design Mode
For details of how to access and change Settings, see Choosing application settings.
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Drag and Drop Actions
Show Home > Reference > Actions > Drag and Drop Actions
Drag and Drop Actions
The quickest way to associate an action with an object is from the Drag and Drop Tab of the Action Browser
The following table lists the actions and briefly describes what happens when you click on the action object:
Action
Effect
More info...
Select
Tools > Select
Enables Select
Pen
Tools > Pen
Enables the Pen
Highlighter
Tools > Highlighter
Enables the Highlighter
Eraser
Tools > Eraser
Enables the Eraser
Text
Tools > Text
Enables the Text
Tool.
Shape
Tools > Shape
Enables the Shape
Tool
Fill
Tools > Fill
Enables the Fill
Tool
Notes Browser
Opens the Notes Browser
ActivInspire's Browsers > Notes Browser
(Studio)
ActivInspire's Browsers > Notes Browser
(Primary)
Next Page
Goes to the next/previous flipchart page.
Previous Page
First Page
Goes to the first/last flipchart page.
Last Page
Revealer
Tools > Revealer
Enables the Revealer
Reset Page
Resets the current page to the state it
was in when it was last saved.
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.
Drag and Drop Actions
Ruler
Tools > Ruler
Enables the Ruler
Protractor
Tools > Protractor
Enables the Protractor
Compass
Tools > Compass
Enables the Compass
ExpressPoll
Launches the voting Wonderwheel.
Tools > ExpressPoll
Use it as a shortcut instead of the
ExpressPoll button, for example, when
the Main Toolbox is unavailable.
Using Learner Response Systems > Quick
Questions and ExpressPoll
Start Flipchart Vote
Starts a voting session, but only if there
is a question on the current page.
Prepared questions - Using the Question
Wizard
Snap to Grid
Makes the object snap to the grid, even
when the grid is invisible.
Tools > Snap to Grid
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Page Actions
Show Home > Reference > Actions > Page Actions
Page Actions
Use page actions to quickly navigate around the flipchart, insert or clear a page, or change the background.
The following table lists the actions and describes what happens when you click on the action object:
Action
Effect
Another Page
Goes to the page number you specify in Action Properties in the
Action Browser.
Clear Page
Clears the page and clears the action object itself.
Copy Page
Copies the current page, including the action object, to the Paste
Buffer, so that you can paste it to a new page.
Cut Page
Cuts the current page from the flipchart.
Duplicate Page After Current Page
Duplicate Page Before Current Page
Inserts a duplicate of the current page before or after the current
page.
Duplicate Page at End of Flipchart
Inserts a duplicate of the current page at the end of the flipchart.
First Page
Goes to the first page in the flipchart.
Last Page
Goes to the last page in the flipchart.
New Page After Current Page
Inserts a blank page before or after the current page.
New Page Before Current Page
Next Page
Goes to the next page.
Page History Back
Each time you show a page in the flipchart, this page number is
added to an internal Page History List. Use the 'Page History
Back' action to return you back through the Page History. If you
have visited a series of pages and each page contains a 'Page
History Back' action object, clicking these objects will take you
back through the page history.
Page History Forward
This action will take you forward through the pages in the Page
History. This action only works if you have issued at least one
'Page History Back' action on one or more pages.
Previous Page
Goes to the previous page.
Reset Page
Resets the page to the state it was in when it was last saved.
Set Background
Opens the 'Set Background' Dialog Box, which lets you set a
background color or image.
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Page Actions
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Object Actions
Show Home > Reference > Actions > Object Actions
Object Actions
Use object actions to change for example, the size, alignment or position of an object, so that when you click on an action object,
either the target object or the action object itself is changed.
The following table lists the actions, and describes what happens when you click on the action object.
Action
Effect
Align Angle
Aligns all selected objects so that their angles
match the first object created within the
selected objects.
Align Bottom
Aligns all selected objects so that their
bottom edges are the same as the bottommost object in the selection.
Align Center X
Aligns all selected objects so that their
centers match horizontally (for X) or vertically
(for Y), with their center points being placed
at the center of the initial bounding rectangle.
Align Center Y
Align Complete
Aligns all selected objects to match the left,
right, bottom, top, width, height and angle
properties of the first object created within the
selected objects.
Align Height
Aligns objects at the height of the first object
created in the group.
Align Left
Aligns all selected objects so that their left,
right or top edges are the same as the left,
right or top-most object in the selection.
Align Right
More info... For each of these actions, the
alignment criteria for the whole group are
always based on the first object created in
the group.
Align Top
Align Width
Stretches a group of objects to the same
width as the first object created in the group.
Angle
Rotates the objects to the angle specified in
'Action Properties'.
Angle Incrementally
Incrementally rotates objects by the angle you
specify in 'Action Properties'. For example, if
you specify 10 degrees, the angle of the
target object changes by 10 degrees
clockwise every time you click on the action
object. You can specify a minus value for the
angle to rotate the objects counterclockwise.
Append Text
Appends the text you typed in 'Action
Properties' to the target text object when you
Tip Insert a space at the beginning of
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Object Actions
click on the action object.
Best Fit To Height
Best Fit to Page
the text.
Applies the best fit to page for the target
objects.
Best Fit to Width
Bring Forwards
Sends the object forwards by one position
within the stack on its current layer.
Using layers and stacking
Bring to Front
Sends the object to the front of the stack on
its current layer.
Change Text Value
Increments or decrements the value of the
target text object by the value of the text
specified in 'Action Properties'. For example,
if the target text object contains ‘5’ and the
Action property text is ‘-2’, the target object
will reduce to ‘3’ when the action is applied.
Clear Annotations
Clears all annotations on the page.
Clear Background
Clears the background.
Clear Grid
Clears the grid.
Clear Objects
Clears all objects on the page.
Copy
Cut
Delete
Copies/Cuts/Deletes/Duplicates any of the
following objects: text, image, annotation
objects, shape, action and mixed groups of
objects.
Duplicate
Edit Text
Selects the target text object and enables the
Text Tool.
Extract Text
Creates a new text object from each word
you click on in the target text object.
Flip in X Axis
Flips the target object in the X axis, towards
the top of the page.
Flip in Y Axis
Flips the target object in the Y axis, towards
the left of the page.
Toggle Grouped
Lets you group or ungroup the currently
selected objects.
Toggle Hidden
Lets you show or hide the currently selected
objects.
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Object Actions
Invert
Turns the object upside down.
Less Translucent
Makes the target object incrementally less
translucent, the more often you click on the
action object.
Toggle Locked
Lets you lock or unlock the currently selected
objects.
Can be moved with the Freely Move
Object
Handle.
Mirror in X Axis
Creates a mirror image of the object in the X
axis, towards the top of the page.
Mirror in Y Axis
Creates a mirror image of the object in the Y
axis, towards the left of the page.
More Translucent
Makes the target object incrementally more
translucent, the more often you click on the
action object.
New Text Object
Inserts a new text object containing the text
you typed in 'Action Properties'.
Useful when you want to use text icons, then
display text at the appropriate time.
Original Size
Resets the size of the object to its originally
authored size. For shapes, this is the size of
the shape, when it was originally added to
the page.
Paste
Pastes the contents of the Paste buffer.
Position Bottom
Moves the bottom of the target object to the
position Y, as specified in 'Action Properties'.
Position Bottom Left
Moves the bottom left of the target object to
position X, Y, as specified in 'Action
Properties'.
Position Bottom Right
Moves the bottom right of the target object to
position X, Y, as specified in 'Action
Properties'.
Position Central
Moves the target object to position X, Y, as
specified in 'Action Properties'.
Position Incrementally
Moves the target object incrementally from its
original position by the number of pixels
specified in 'Action Properties'.
Position Left
Moves the left edge of the target object to
position X, as specified in 'Action Properties'.
Position Right
Moves the right edge of the target object to
position X, as specified in 'Action Properties'.
Position Top
Moves the top edge of the target object to
position Y, as specified in 'Action Properties'.
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Object Actions
Position Top Left
Moves the top left edge of the target object to
position X,Y, as specified in 'Action
Properties'.
Position Top Right
Moves the top right edge of the target object
to position X,Y, as specified in 'Action
Properties'.
Reflect
Flips the object over about its own central Y
axis.
Select All
Selects everything on the page.
Reference > Select
Send Backwards
Sends the target object backwards by one
position within the stack on its current layer.
Send to Back
Sends the target object to the back of the
stack on its current layer.
Size Bottom
Size actions set the overall size of the target
object to the value specified in the 'Action
Properties'. The final position of the object is
dictated by the chosen size action. For
example if you choose 'Size Bottom 100', the
object will be sized such that it is 100 pixels
in width and height, whilst maintaining the
position of the top edge of the object.
Using layers and stacking
Size Bottom Incrementally
Size Bottom Left
Size Bottom Left
Incrementally
Size Bottom Right
Size Bottom Right
Incrementally
Size actions maintain the aspect ratio
of the target object.
Size incrementally actions behave like size
actions with the exception that the target
object is increased or decreased by the
number of pixels specified in 'Action
Properties', while maintaining the original
position, for example bottom right.
Size Central
Size Central Incrementally
Size Left
Size Left Incrementally
Size Right
Size Right Incrementally
Size Top
Size Top Incrementally
Size Top Left
Size Top Left Incrementally
Size Top Right
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Object Actions
Size Top Right
Incrementally
Stretch Bottom
Stretch Bottom
Incrementally
Stretch Bottom Left
Stretch Bottom Left
Incrementally
Stretch Bottom Right
Stretch Bottom Right
Incrementally
Stretch actions set the overall width or height
of the target object to the value specified in
'Action Properties'. The final position of the
object is dictated by the chosen width action.
For example if you choose 'Stretch Bottom
100', the object will be sized so that it is 100
pixels in height, while maintaining the position
of the top edge of the object.
Stretch actions distort the aspect ratio
of the target object.
Stretch incrementally actions behave like
stretch actions with the exception that the
target object is increased or decreased by the
number of pixels specified in Action
Properties, while maintaining the original
position, for example bottom right.
Stretch Central
Stretch Central
Incrementally
Stretch Left
Stretch Left Incrementally
Stretch Right
Stretch Right Incrementally
Stretch Top
Stretch Top Incrementally
Stretch Top Left
Stretch Top Left
Incrementally
Stretch Top Right
Stretch Top Right
Incrementally
To Bottom Layer
To Middle Layer
Sends the object to the bottom, middle or top
layer.
Using layers and stacking
To Top Layer
Translucency
Changes the translucency of the target object
to a fixed value, where:
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Object Actions
0 = solid
255 = clear
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Document/Media Actions
Show Home > Reference > Actions > Document/Media Actions
Document/Media Actions
The following table lists the actions and describes what happens when you click on the action object:
Action
Effect
Open Document, File or
Sound
Opens the document or file, or plays the sound,
you assigned to the object in 'Action Properties'.
More info... More about ActivInspire > Making
flipcharts interactive > Working with
actions
More about ActivInspire > Working
with objects > Adding multimedia
Open Website
Opens the URL you assigned to the object in
'Action Properties'.
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Voting Actions
Show Home > Reference > Actions > Voting Actions
Voting Actions
The following table lists the actions and describes what happens when you click on the action object:
Action
Effect
Assign students to devices
Opens the 'Assign students to devices' Dialog Box.
Device Registration
Starts Device Registration
Export Results To Excel®
Opens the 'Export Results To Excel®' Dialog Box,
if there are voting results on the current page.
More info... Using Learner Response Systems >
Assigning students to devices
Using Learner Response Systems >
Registering devices
Using Learner Response Systems
Choose a folder and enter a file name – voting
results are saved as a .xls file and automatically
opened in Excel, provided it is installed on your
computer.
You can choose to export current or any previous
results displayed in the Results Browser.
ExpressPoll
Launches the voting Wonderwheel.
Use it as a shortcut instead of the ExpressPoll
button, for example, when the Main Toolbox is
unavailable.
Using Learner Response Systems >
Quick questions and ExpressPoll
Launches the Insert Question Wizard. When
you complete the wizard, the question is displayed
on the current (or new) page.
Whenever you navigate to a question
page, the Start/Stop Flipchart
Pause Vote
Toggle switch. Pauses voting, when a timeout has
been set. Press again to restart.
Start/Stop Flipchart Vote
Use as a shortcut instead of the Start Flipchart
Vote button, for example, when the Main Toolbox
is unavailable.
Insert Question
button is highlighted green,
Vote
ready to start a vote.
Starts or stops a voting session, but only if there is
a question on the current page.
Student Database
Opens the 'Edit Student Database' Dialog Box. Use
this as a shortcut, if you often assign voting
devices to student names and your class changes
frequently.
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Creating your first flipchart
Show Home > First steps with ActivInspire > Creating your first flipchart
Creating your first flipchart
Congratulations! When you run ActivInspire, you have already created your first flipchart!
The blank canvas behind the Dashboard in your ActivInspire window is in fact the first page of a brand new flipchart. You could
start working on it right away, then save it later.
Here we show you two other ways to create a flipchart.
Create a flipchart from the Dashboard
On the Dashboard, click on Create a new Flipchart
ActivInspire creates a new 'Untitled' flipchart.
Create a flipchart at any time
1. Click on the Main Menu
icon.
2. From the menu, select:
New Flipchart
or
New and then select one of the following options:
Option
Description
Screen Size Flipchart
Creates a flipchart that is the same size as your current
screen resolution. This is the default setting and is useful if
you don't know what size your screen is.
1024 x 768 Flipchart
1152 x 864 Flipchart
Creates a new flipchart of the specified height and width in
pixels.
1280 x 1024 Flipchart
Custom Size Flipchart
Create your own flipchart size using the 'Custom Page
Size' box. This is useful when you want to create a
flipchart for an extra-wide board or screen, for example.
ActivInspire creates a new 'Untitled' flipchart.
Back to top
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Calculator
Show Home > Reference > Tools > Calculator
Calculator
What?
Where?
Perform mathematical calculations at the board.
Tools > Math Tools > Calculator
Desktop Tools
How?
Click or tap on the calculator keys to perform calculations.
What can I customize?
Choice of calculator:
Calculator supplied with ActivInspire (default)
Calculator supplied with your operating system
Another calculator installed on your computer
Where can I customize it?
Edit Profiles > Settings > Tools
Using the Calculator
More info...
Choosing application settings
Reference > Settings > Tools
Working with actions
Reference > Actions > Command Actions
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Spotlight
Show Home > Reference > Tools > Spotlight
Spotlight
What?
Provides a masking layer over the flipchart (or desktop) containing a movable, sizable
area known as the Spotlight, through which you can see the underlying material.
The chosen Spotlight can be:
Moved by dragging any part of the masked area
Sized by dragging any part of the perimeter of the spotlight
While the Spotlight is showing you can continue to interact with any visible areas of the
flipchart.
Where?
Main Menu > Tools > Spotlight
Shortcut?
Circular Spotlight (see description below):
CTRL+Shift+O (Windows TM & Linux TM )
Cmd+Shift+O (Mac® )
How?
Choose the type of Spotlight from the drop-down menu:
Circular Spotlight
Square Spotlight
Solid Circular Spotlight
Solid Square Spotlight
Provides a
movable, sizable
circular/oval or
square/rectangular
spotlight through
a full page
masking layer.
Provides a
movable, sizable
circular/oval or
square/rectangular
mask.
What can I customize?
Border width
Increase or
decrease the width of
the border around
the spotlight area.
The range is from 0
to 20 pixels.
Border color
Color of the border
around the spotlight.
Background color
Color of the nonspotlighted area
when using the
Spotlight.
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Spotlight
Translucent border
Make the spotlight
border translucent or
a solid color.
Translucent screen
Make the spotlight
screen (the darkened
area that covers the
Flipchart or Desktop
window) translucent
or opaque.
Where can I customize
it?
Settings > Effects
More about ActivInspire > Working at the board > Using the Spotlight
More info...
Menubar > Tools
Reference > Settings > Effects
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Compass
Show Home > Reference > Tools > Compass
Compass
What?
Drawing circles and arcs of any size, colour or line thickness with the
Pen
Highlighter
or Eraser
Where?
Tools > Math Tools > Compass
How?
Drag the compass to the area of the page where you want to draw a
circle or arc, extend it to the desired radius, select the Pen or Highlighter
Tool, adjust the line thickness and color if necessary, drag the pen arm
until you have created the desired shape. Then click on the cross
between the two arms to remove the tool, or drag it into the Trashcan.
Using the Compass
More info...
Working with actions
Reference > Actions > Command Actions
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Connector
Show Home > Reference > Tools > Connector
Connector
What?
Where?
Drawing connections between objects, for example, while creating
concept maps. The connecting line adapts automatically when either of
the connected objects is moved.
Tools > Connector
Main Toolbox
Dual Toolbox
Shortcut?
CTRL+Shift+C (WindowsTM & LinuxTM)
Cmd+Shift+C (Mac® )
How?
Click and drag to create links between objects.
Working in Dual User mode
More info...
Reference > Actions > Command Actions
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Dice Roller
Show Home > Reference > Tools > Dice Roller
Dice Roller
What?
Roll up to five dice.
Where?
Tools > Math Tools > Dice Roller
Desktop Tools
How?
Select the number of dice, rolling speed and whether or not to put the result in the
flipchart.
What can I customize?
Number of dice
1-5
Speed
3 - 11 seconds
Roll
Click to roll the dice.
Output to
Flipchart
Click to put the result in the flipchart.
Where can I customize it?
'Dice Roller' Box
Edit Profiles > Settings > Tools
Using the Dice Roller
More info...
Settings > Tools
Working with actions
Actions > Command Actions
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Eraser
Show Home > Reference > Tools > Eraser
Eraser
What?
Where?
Permanently erase or break up annotations made with the Pen, Highlighter, or
Magic Ink.
Tools > Eraser
Main Toolbox
Dual Toolbox
Shortcut?
CTRL+E (Windows TM & Linux TM )
Cmd+E (Mac® )
How?
Select the width, then rub gently over the annotation.
What can I customize?
Width
Where can I customize it?
Main Toolbox
Increase or decrease the Eraser's width with the slider.
Deleting stuff
More info...
Working with actions
Actions > Command Actions
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Deleting stuff
Show Home > First steps with ActivInspire > Deleting stuff
Deleting stuff
Here we show you several easy ways to delete different things from the page:
Rub out with the Eraser
Clear the page
Reset the page
Undo and Redo
Use the Trashcan
You can also select objects and delete them with the Delete key on your keyboard.
Most of the tools we describe in this section are in the Main Toolbox, except the Trashcan
Rub out with the Eraser
The Eraser
works on any annotations as long as they are on the top layer.
You can use the Eraser in two ways:
To rub an annotation out completely.
To break an annotation into separate objects. This
has the advantage that you can then select and
manipulate the remaining parts of the annotation as
separate objects.
To rub something out with the Eraser:
1. Click on the Eraser. The cursor changes to a little
eraser with a circle.
2. Position the cursor where you want to begin.
3. Click and drag to rub out all or part of the
annotation.
You can change the width of the Eraser in the
same way you change the width of the Pen or
Highlighter.
Clear the page
To delete everything on the current page, click Clear
and select Clear Page.
You can use Clear
for a number of different purposes, for example, to delete all annotations, or delete all objects and leave
everything else in place.
Clear is also available from the Edit Menu.
Reset the page
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Deleting stuff
This is a quick way to undo all the changes you made to the current page since the last time the flipchart was saved.
Reset Page
is also available from the Edit Menu.
Undo
and Redo
Undo and Redo are powerful tools that can quickly get you out of all kinds of trouble!
For example, if you've used any of the above tools too freely and you need to restore some or all of what you've deleted.
Use the Trashcan
If the Trashcan is visible you can delete objects in the following ways:
Drag an object or objects to the Trashcan and drop them when a red
arrow appears in the Trashcan.
Select an object or objects, then click on the Trashcan to delete them.
You can always recover your objects with Undo
.
Back to top
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Fill
Show Home > Reference > Tools > Fill
Fill
What?
Filling:
Shapes with single or gradient colors (you can set gradient colors in
the Property Browser)
Intersecting shapes with different colors
Pages
Changing the color of object outlines.
Where?
Main Toolbox
Tools > Fill
Dual Toolbox
Shortcut?
CTRL+F (Windows TM & Linux TM )
Cmd+F (Mac® )
How?
Select Fill, change the color if desired, click on the object, page or outline.
Where can I customize it?
In Property Browser Fill properties
Adding and manipulating shapes > Fill a shape
More info...
Working with actions
Reference > Properties > Fill properties
Reference > Actions > Command Actions
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Adding and manipulating shapes
Show Home > First steps with ActivInspire > Adding and manipulating shapes
Adding and manipulating shapes
You can add many different types of objects to your flipchart. These range from simple shapes you create with the Shape
Tool, and annotations you create with the Pen
or Highlighter
, to such objects as:
Files from the Resource Library
Imported images
Videos and sound files.
You can manipulate most of these object types in the same way.
Here we show you how to create and manipulate simple shapes with the Shape Tool:
Create a shape
Select a shape
Fill a shape
Move or rotate a shape
Increase or decrease its size
Change its shape
Group and ungroup shapes
Finally, we also give you a taste of a power tool for creating shapes at the board.
Create a shape
To add a shape to your flipchart:
The Shapes Menu opens. Depending on your preference, it is aligned along the side or bottom
1. Click on Shape
of the ActivInspire window.
2. Select the shape you want to draw, for example Triangle. The cursor changes to an arrow and a small version of the shape
you have selected.
3. Move the cursor to the place on the page where you want to draw your shape, then click or press.
4. Continue to press and draw gently until the shape has the desired size.
Select a shape
To make changes to the shape you have just created:
ActivInspire Studio
1. Click on Select
.
2. Move the cursor over the shape. The cursor changes
to a small arrow head with a cross. Click or tap on the
shape. In the example on the right, we have selected
the black triangle. A box appears around the object.
Note:
The row of icons above the shape object, these are
Marquee Handles. Each of these handles lets you
change the object in a different way.
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Adding and manipulating shapes
The square outline around the object. It has grey
or yellow (ActivInspire Primary) circles at the corners
and in the centers of each of the four sides. These are
Sizing Handles. You can click and drag them to
extend and distort the object. There is also a special
for resizing the object proportionally,
handle
without distortion.
For details of all the handles, see Reference > Menus and
Popup Menus > Marquee and Sizing Handles.
ActivInspire Primary
Here we briefly describe the Marquee Handles we are going to use in this section:
1
Freely Move Object, allows you to move the object anywhere on the flipchart page. This tool overrides all object
restrictions and blockers.
2
Rotate Object
3
Toggle Grouped, a switch that allows you to group and ungroup objects, so that you can change or move them as
one.
4
Increase Object Size
Decrease Object Size
5
Edit Shape Points, allows you to change the shape of an object by moving and dragging its corners.
Back to top
Fill a shape
To fill a shape with colour:
1. In the Main Toolbox, click on Fill
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Adding and manipulating shapes
2. From the Color Palette, select a fill color.
3. Click on the shape.
Move or rotate a shape
Move a shape
Here are two ways to move a shape.
1. Select the shape.
2. Keep the mouse button or ActivPen pressed and drag and drop the shape where you want it on the current page.
Or
1. Select the shape.
2. Click on Freely Move Object
3. Keep the mouse button or ActivPen pressed on the icon and drag and drop the shape where you want it on the current
page.
Rotate a shape
1. Select the shape.
2. Click on Rotate Object
3. Keep the mouse button or ActivPen pressed and drag the cursor around to change the shape's rotational angle
Back to top
Increase or decrease its size
Here are two ways to increase and decrease the size of a shape or other object without distorting it.
Make a small change
1. Select the shape.
or Decrease Object Size
2. Click on Increase Object Size
increments.
to change the size in small
3. Repeat until the shape has the correct size.
Make a big change
1. Select the shape.
2. Click on Size Object (maintain aspect ratio)
3. Keep the mouse button or ActivPen pressed and drag the handle until the shape has the desired size.
Back to top
Change its shape
Here are two ways to change the shape of an object.
Lengthen or shorten an object
1. Select the shape.
2. Click on one of the Size Object
handles.
3. Keep the mouse button or ActivPen pressed and drag the handle until the object has the desired length or height.
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Adding and manipulating shapes
Edit Shape Points
To make more complex or subtle changes to a shape, use Edit Shape
Points
1. Select the shape.
2. Click on Edit Shape Points
The object outline changes to a
series of squares. Each one of these is a shape point. The example on
the right shows the eight shape points of a square.
3. Click and drag any of the shape points to alter the shape of the
square.
Back to top
Group and ungroup shapes
To move several objects at the same time, you can select all the objects and group them together with the Toggle Grouped
Marquee Handle.
1. Click on Select
2. Click and drag the cursor diagonally across all the objects to select
them.
. The Toggle Grouped
3. Click on Toggle Grouped
Marquee Handle changes color to indicate that the objects have been
grouped together.
4. Click on the grouped objects and drag them to their new position.
To ungroup objects, so that you can manipulate each one individually:
1. Click on any part of the group to select it.
2. Click on the Toggle Grouped Marquee Handle.
For details of all the Marquee Handles, see Reference > Menus and Popup
Menus > Marquee and Sizing Handles.
Back to top
Power tool
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Adding and manipulating shapes
ActivInspire also offers the Shape Recognition
Tool for creating shapes at the board. You draw a shape by hand and
let ActivInspire turn it into a shape object. For details, see Using Shape Recognition.
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Creating and editing grids
Show Home > More about ActivInspire > Working with objects > Creating and editing grids
Creating and editing grids
The grid is a patterned background. You can have backgrounds with different colors and images.
To select a background:
From the Main Menu select File > Edit > Page Background.
To create a grid:
Right-click on a blank area of a flipchart page and from the Popup Menu select Grid Designer.
About the Grid
Designer
The Grid Designer has three
sections:
Grid Snap and scale settings.
Grid (Level) Add /delete levels
and reset the grid.
Current Level Set options
including pattern and color for one
level at a time.
You can change the grid settings
and preview the results instantly.
Select Close to continue with your
flipchart.
Select the checkbox Visible. The
default grid is displayed.
The default grid has one level, a
box pattern of
Solid lines, horizontal and vertical
(X-Y Direction).
Select the checkbox Allow snap
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Creating and editing grids
to enable object snapping to grid
points.
Select the checkbox On top to
display the grid above all flipchart
objects. This does not interfere
with using the flipchart.
For larger or smaller boxes in the
grid pattern, click + or - .
For a mesh pattern, change the
Grid style to 45 Degrees.
For a diamond grid pattern, change
the Grid style to Angle and
enter a number for the angle of the
lines. You can enter a decimal
value to six significant figures.
If you have the Page Browser open
and the grid cannot be seen
clearly, change the Thumbnail
scale. This also applies to grids in
the Resource Library.
If you want lines in just one
direction, select X only or Y only
from the Direction Drop-down
Menu.
For Line style, instead of Solid
Lines you can choose Dashed
Lines or Dotted Lines,
Crosses or Dots from the Line
style Drop-down Menu.
You can have a grid with several
different pattern styles and colors.
Click Add Level to create a
further level. The number of levels
is shown in the heading Grid (x
Level) where x is the total
number of levels.
Each new level has the default grid
properties. You can change the
Color to identify new levels.
Click on the Color... box to open
the Color Palette. When you have
selected a color, click OK.
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Creating and editing grids
Reversed Grids
A reversed grid has a pale-colored
grid on a dark background. Use
white / black to represent a
chalkboard.
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Creating and editing grids
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Handwriting Recognition
Show Home > Reference > Tools > Handwriting Recognition
Handwriting Recognition
What?
Writing on the board and letting ActivInspire turn your freehand annotations into text.
As well as recognizing handwriting and shapes within ActivInspire, the Handwriting
Recognition Tool can also recognise handwriting in other applications, for example
Microsoft Word ® .
Where?
Tools > Handwriting Recognition
Dual Toolbox
Shortcut?
CTRL+Shift+H (Windows TM & Linux TM )
Cmd+Shift+H (Mac® )
How?
Use Handwriting Recognition while your write:
Take your time to write slowly and clearly. If ActivInspire interprets your writing
correctly, carry on writing, otherwise select the correct spelling from the dropdown list.
Use it at a later time:
With the Select Tool, select the annotations to be turned into text, then select
Convert to Text
from the Object Edit Menu.
What can I customize?
In the Main Toolbox:
Pen width
Default = Fine line
Change the Pen width with the slider, or select a preset width, to
create thicker lines.
Color
Default = Black
Change the olor by selecting another one from the Color Palette.
In the User Input section of Settings:
Recognition
Timeout
Default = 5
Time interval in seconds before ActivInspire starts to turn your
handwriting into text.
Move the slider to change the timeout to between 0 and 5
seconds.
Handwriting
recognition
language
Default = Language used by your computer's operating system
The language in which you are writing your annotations. Select
from the following languages:
Danish, German, Greek, English (Canada), English (United
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Handwriting Recognition
States), Spanish, Spanish (Mexico), Finnish, French, French
(Canada), Italian, Japanese, Korean, Dutch, Norwegian,
Portuguese, Portuguese (Brazil), Russian, Swedish, Chinese
(PRC), Chinese (Taiwan).
Where can I customize
it?
Main Toolbox
Settings > User Input
More about ActivInspire > Working at the board > Using Handwriting Recognition
More info...
Working with actions
Reference > Actions > Command Actions
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Magic Ink
Show Home > Reference > Tools > Magic Ink
Magic Ink
What?
Making any 'top layer' object (or part of an object) invisible, so that you can see the
objects on the layers beneath.
Where?
Tools > Magic Ink
Shortcut?
CTRL+Shift+M (Windows TM & Linux TM )
Cmd+Shift+M (Mac® )
How?
Magic Ink acts like a pen that can draw a 'see through' annotation on the top layer,
letting you punch holes through the objects on the top layer.
More about ActivInspire > Working at the board > Using Magic Ink
More info...
Making flipcharts interactive > Working with actions
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Creating page notes
Show Home > First steps with ActivInspire > Creating page notes
Creating page notes
You can create, view and edit page notes about your flipchart with the Notes Browser
1. Click on the Notes Browser
.
The Browser opens.
2. With your computer keyboard, type your notes. These can be as detailed or brief as you like. By default, your notes appear
as plain text.
3. To format your text, use the Format Toolbar.
4. When you have completed your notes, click on another tool to close the Browser and the toolbar.
Back to top
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On-Screen Keyboard
Show Home > Reference > Tools > On-Screen Keyboard
On-Screen Keyboard
What?
Where?
Adding typed text to your flipchart while at the board.
Tools > More Tools > On-Screen Keyboard
Desktop Tools
Shortcut?
CTRL+K (Windows TM & Linux TM )
Cmd+K (Mac® )
How?
Tap the on-screen keys to create the text.
What can I customize?
Change the formatting, text olor and font with the Format Toolbar.
Where can I customize it?
On the keyboard itself there are options to display a standard or extended
keyboard and choose the number of keys.
More about ActivInspire > Working at the board > Using the On-Screen Keyboard
More info...
Working with actions
Reference > Actions > Command Actions
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Opening a flipchart
Show Home > First steps with ActivInspire > Opening a flipchart
Opening a flipchart
Here we show you several ways to open a flipchart
Open from the Dashboard
When you run ActivInspire, the Dashboard opens, unless you have unchecked the 'Show the dashboard window on startup' Box.
Two ways to open an existing flipchart from the Dashboard.
Browse
1. Click on Open a flipchart. A dialog box opens, showing any flipcharts in the My Flipcharts folder.
2. Select a flipchart from the list in the folder, or navigate to another folder that contains flipcharts and click on Open. The
selected flipchart opens in the ActivInspire window.
Dashboard List
To save you time, ActivInspire lists your most recent flipcharts on the Dashboard. Click on one of the flipcharts.
Two other ways to open a flipchart
1. From the File Menu, select Open, or type CTRL+O (Windows TM and Linux TM ) or Cmd+O (Mac® ). A dialog box opens,
showing any flipcharts in the My Flipcharts folder.
2. Select a flipchart from the list in the folder, or navigate to another folder that contains flipcharts and click on Open. The
selected flipchart opens in the ActivInspire window.
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Printing a flipchart
Show Home > First steps with ActivInspire > Printing a flipchart
Printing a flipchart
You can print your flipchart and use all or part of it as handouts, or print any page notes you have added with the Notes Browser.
1. From the File Menu, select Print, or press CTRL+Shift+P (Windows TM and Linux TM ), or Cmd+Shift+P (Mac® ). The 'Flipchart Print' Dialog
Box opens (shown below). You can select from a range of print options, including Export to PDF.
2. Make your choices, then click on Print.
ActivInspire Studio
ActivInspire Primary
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Protractor
Show Home > Reference > Tools > Protractor
Protractor
What?
Drawing arcs, segments and circles, measuring angles.
Where?
Tools > Maths Tools > Protractor
How?
Position the Protractor, drag it to the required size, select the type of protractor you
want to use and select the type of arc to create. Then select the Pen and change
the color or width as necessary, align the cursor on the edge of the protractor and
begin drawing.
Close the Protractor from the Popup Menu, or drag it to the Trashcan.
What can I customize?
Where can I customize it?
Full
Protractor
Displays a 360 degree circular protractor.
Half
Protractor
Displays a 180 degree protractor.
Arc
Lets you draw an open arc.
Closed Arc
Lets you draw a closed arc
Filled Arc
Lets you draw a filled arc.
In the Protractor Context Menu.
Using the Protractor
More info...
Working with actions
Reference > Actions > Command Actions
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Undo and Redo
Show Home > Reference > Tools > Undo and Redo
Undo
What?
and Redo
Undoing or redoing your last action, for example, Fill
Where?
.
Edit > Undo
Edit > Redo
Main Toolbox
Shortcut?
Undo:
CTRL+Z (Windows TM & Linux TM )
Cmd+Z (Mac® )
Redo:
CTRL+Y (Windows TM & Linux TM )
Cmd+Y (Mac® )
How?
Click repeatedly to undo or redo as many actions as required.
First steps with ActivInspire > Deleting Stuff
More info...
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Ruler
Show Home > Reference > Tools > Ruler
Ruler
What?
Drawing and measuring lines on the board.
Where?
Tools > Maths Tools > Ruler
How?
Drag the ruler to lengthen or shorten it, position it on the page where you want to
draw or measure, select the ruler's units of measurement.
Use the Pen or Highlighter to draw lines.
What can I customize?
Length of the ruler.
Select the units of measurement for the top and bottom edges.
Where can I customize it?
In the Ruler Popup Menu.
Using the Ruler
More info...
Working with actions
Reference > Actions > Command Actions
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Saving a flipchart
Show Home > First steps with ActivInspire > Saving a flipchart
Saving a flipchart
When you have completed your flipchart, you need to save it.
Here we show you two ways to do this.
Save a flipchart with its current name
Press CTRL+S (Windows TM and Linux TM ), or Cmd+S (Mac® ).
If you are saving an already named flipchart, that's all you need to do.
If you are saving a new flipchart, a standard save dialog box opens, allowing you to name and save your flipchart. When
saved, the flipchart's Document Tab shows the new name of the flipchart.
Save a flipchart with a new name
You may wish to use one flipchart as a starting point, then make changes and save different versions of it for different purposes.
1. From the File Menu, select Save As...
2. Type the name of your flipchart.
3. Click on Save. The Document Tab now shows the new name.
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Select
Show Home > Reference > Tools > Select
Select
What?
Selecting and manipulating one or more items on your flipchart.
Where?
Tools > Select
Main Toolbox
How?
Select the tool, then click on the item or drag the cursor across one or more items
to select them as a group.
First steps with ActivInspire > Adding and manipulating shapes > Select a shape
More info...
Reference > Actions > Command Actions
file:///C|/Program%20Files/Activ%20Software/Inspire/help/en_US/select.htm[1/21/2010 6:10:49 PM]
Shape
Show Home > Reference > Tools > Shape
Shape
What?
The Shape Tool provides access to the Shape Toolbox, containing a range of
predefined shape and line objects that can be added to the flipchart page.
Where?
Main Toolbox
Main Menu > Insert > Shapes
Shortcut?
CTRL+Shift+S (Windows TM & Linux TM )
Cmd+Shift+S (Mac® )
How?
Click on the Shape Tool to display the Shape Toolbox. From the Shape Toolbox,
click on the specific shape (or line) you wish to add to the page. Move the cursor
onto the page at the place you wish to draw the shape. Then click and drag the
cursor across the flipchart to add your new shape object at the required size on the
page.
What can I customize?
Outline
Select the outline color from the Color Palette, or change
the outline color and other properties in the 'Outline'
section of the Object Browser.
Fill
Select the Fill colour from the Shape Toolbox, or change
the fill colour and other properties in the 'Fill' section of
the Object Browser.
Where can I customize it?
Main Toolbox
Property Browser > Fill section
First steps with ActivInspire > Adding and manipulating shapes
More info...
Changing object properties
Reference > Properties Outline properties
Reference Properties > Fill properties
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Shape Recognition
Show Home > Reference > Tools > Shape Recognition
Shape Recognition
What?
Drawing on the board and letting ActivInspire turn your drawings into shapes.
Where?
Tools > Shape Recognition
Dual Toolbox
How?
Take your time to draw slowly and clearly. Works for all kinds of shapes, but is
particularly useful for things like triangles, squares and circles.
What can I customize?
In the Main Toolbox:
Pen width
Default = Fine line
Change the Pen width with the slider, or select a preset
width, to create thicker lines.
Color
Default = Black
Change the color by selecting another one from the olor
Palette.
In the 'User Input' section of Settings:
Recognition
Timeout
Default = 5
Time interval in seconds before ActivInspire starts to turn
your drawing into a shape.
Move the slider to change the timeout to between 0 and 5
seconds.
Fill recognized
shapes
Default. RRecognized shapes are automatically filled with
another color, or with the same color as the outline (see Fill
mode below).
RRecognized shapes are drawn in the outline color but
not filled.
Fill mode
Only enabled if Fill recognized shapes is selected.
Another
color
Default. Fills the shape with a different color than the outline.
Same as the
outline
Fills the shape with the same color as the outline.
Where can I customize
it?
Another color
Click to select a Fill color from the olor Palette.
Main Toolbox
Settings > User Input
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Shape Recognition
More about ActivInspire > Working at the board > Using Shape Recognition
More info...
Working with actions
Reference > Actions > Command Actions
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Snap to Grid
Show Home > Reference > Tools > Snap to Grid
Snap to Grid
What?
This is a toggle option which when turned on, forces objects that are moved on the
page to automatically align to the nearest part of the grid.
Where?
Flipchart Page > Popup Menu > Snap To Grid
How?
This function only applies if the page has a grid that has been designed to allow
snapping to occur. When set, objects will align themselves to the grid after you
complete the movement of the object. In most cases the bottom left corner of the
object will align to the nearest intersection on the grid. With text objects, the text
baseline will snap to the grid.
More about ActivInspire > Working with objects > Creating and editing grids
More info...
Reference > Tools > Grid Designer
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Flipchart Spellchecker
Show Home > Reference > Tools > Flipchart Spellchecker
Flipchart Spellchecker
What?
Check the spelling.
Where?
Tools > More Tools
How?
Like the spell checker in your word processing software, it allows you to select a
language and suggests changes which you can accept, reject, ignore, apply singly
or throughout the flipchart. When you have finished, click on Done.
Where can I customize it?
'Spell Checker' Dialog Box
File > Settings > Spell checker
What can I customize?
You can choose which types of words to ignore, which language to use and
whether or not to highlight misspelled words.
First steps with ActivInspire > Adding and formatting text > Spellcheck
More info...
Working with actions
Reference > Actions > Command Actions
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Teacher Lock
Show Home > Reference > Tools > Teacher Lock
Teacher Lock
What?
This is a toggle tool that when turned on allows you to prevent certain aspects of
the program from running. Where?
Main Menu > Tools > More Tools… > Teacher Lock
How?
Click on the Teacher Lock Tool and enter your password (defaults to 1234). The
Teacher Lock is then active.
Click on the Teacher Lock Tool a second time and enter your password again to
turn off the Teacher Lock feature.
More about ActivInspire > Working at the board > Using Teacher Lock
More info...
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Text
Show Home > Reference > Tools > Text
Text
What?
Allows you to add or edit rich text objects on your flipchart pages.
Where?
Main Menu > Tools > Text
Main Toolbox
Shortcut?
CTRL+T (Windows TM & Linux TM )
Cmd+T (Mac® )
How?
Select the Text Tool, then click on the flipchart page to start a new text object or
click on an existing text object to re-edit that object.
When in text edit mode, the Format Toolbar opens at the top of the screen,
offering a range of text edit features, including font selection, size, attributes and
symbols. To commit text in the text edit box to the page, click outside the box or
select another tool.
First steps with ActivInspire > Adding and formatting text
More info...
file:///C|/Program%20Files/Activ%20Software/Inspire/help/en_US/text.htm[1/21/2010 6:10:59 PM]
XY Origin
Show Home > Reference > Tools > XY Origin
XY Origin
What?
Defining a page's rotation point, so that you can rotate objects around the origin
point.
Where?
Tools > Maths Tools
How?
Select XY Origin, use Select to mover the point to the desired position and click
or tap. Rotate objects around the point with the Rotate Object Handle.
More about ActivInspire > Number tools for all occasions > Setting the XY Origin
More info...
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First steps with ActivInspire
Show Home > First steps with ActivInspire
First steps with ActivInspire
This section contains the information you need to quickly get you started with ActivInspire:
Creating your first flipchart
Writing on a flipchart
Adding and formatting text
Adding and manipulating shapes
Copying, pasting and duplicating objects
Deleting stuff
Inserting pages
Inserting resources
Using grids
Creating objects
Creating page notes
Saving a flipchart
Printing a flipchart
Opening a flipchart
Easy teacher tricks
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About resources
Show Home > More about ActivInspire > Working with resources > About resources
About resources
ActivInspire includes a set of useful resources, contained
within the Resource Library.
The Resource Library contains many types of resources, for
example, activities, shapes, objects, backgrounds, grids,
graphic files, video files, sounds and templates.
There are two main sections in the Resource Library:
Use My Resources
you create yourself .
to store any resources
Use Shared Resources
to access the
resources that were installed with ActivInspire.
to organize your
Use the Resource Browser
Resource Library folders and resource content within the
folders.
You can customize the Resource Library, by adding your own
folders and resources and removing any you don't need.
You can also store your resources in other folders on your
computer.
You can retrieve resources from anywhere on your computer
and if you have internet access, you can also download
resources from Promethean Planet.
You need to register as a member and sign in,
to download resources from Promethean
Planet.
Go and explore!
If you haven't explored the Resource Library yet, do so now.
1. Open the Resource Browser.
In ActivInspire Primary, click on the Resource Locations
button on the film reel.
2. Browse the Shared Resources folders. Click on the + and - symbols to expand or collapse the folders displayed.
3. Look for categories that are of particular interest to you and explore them.
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Adding resources to a flipchart
Show Home > More about ActivInspire > Working with resources > Adding resources to a flipchart
Adding resources to a flipchart
The process of adding resources from the Resource Library to a flipchart is always the same, regardless of the type of resource.
Here we concentrate on templates, one type of resource that can be used in many different ways:
About templates
Insert a template
About templates
Some templates are designed to be used as provided, while you can use others as the starting point for your own work. Templates
can be life savers, when you quickly need to put a lesson together.
Some templates contain Page Notes with suggestions for how to use the template. How you use templates is entirely up to you.
You can always visit Promethean Planet for more templates
Insert a template
Here we show you some quick ways to insert a template into your flipchart.
Drag and drop
1. In the Page Browser, click on the
thumbnail of the page after which you want
to insert a page template.
2. Open the Resource Browser and browse
to the Templates folder.
3. Select a category and view its contents in
the Browser. For example, Templates >
Dual mode. This category contains
templates for collaborative working with two
ActivPens.
4. Click on the template of your choice and
drag and drop it onto the flipchart page.
The example on the right shows a template for
working with numbers in Dual User mode.
For ideas on how to use this template, click on the Notes
icon.
After you add a template activity page, save the flipchart.
Then after performing the activity, you can use the Reset Page
state.
icon to restore the activity page to its original saved
Use the Insert Menu
1. In the Page Browser, click on the thumbnail of the page after which you want to insert a page template.
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Adding resources to a flipchart
2. From the Insert Menu, select Page > and one of the available categories, for example, Templates > Dual mode.
or
From the Insert Menu, select Page > More Page Templates. The Shared Resources folder opens in the
Resource Browser.
3. Click on the Shared Page Templates folder and look at the thumbnails of the available templates.
4. Drag the template of your choice onto the flipchart page, or double-click the thumbnail to add it to the page.
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Importing and exporting resource packs
Show Home > More about ActivInspire > Working with resources > Importing and exporting resource packs
Importing and exporting resource packs
Here we show you how to import and export resource packs
Import resource packs
You can import resource packs to My Resources or Shared Resources.
1. From the File Menu, select Import > Resource Pack To My Resources or Resource Pack To Shared
Resources. A dialog box opens.
2. Browse to where the resource pack is located.
3. Select the resource pack and click on Open.
Export resource packs
Any folder of resources can become a resource pack.
1. In the Resource Browser select the folder of resources you want to export.
2. Right-click and select Export to Resource Pack, or
From the Popup Menu, select Export to Resource Pack. A dialog box opens.
3. Browse to where you want to export the folder.
4. Type in a name for the resource pack.
5. Click on Save. If a resource pack of the same name already exists in your chosen location, ActivInspire prompts you to:
Overwrite the existing resource pack
Extend the resource pack
Abort.
file:///C|/Program%20Files/Activ%20Software/Inspire/help/en_US/importing_and_exporting_resource_packs.htm[1/21/2010 6:11:07 PM]
Working with your own materials
Show Home > More about ActivInspire > Working with resources > Working with your own materials
Working with your own materials
We recognize that teaching materials come in many different formats. Everyone has their own ways of creating and presenting
information and ActivInspire supports many common formats.
You can:
Drag and drop images and text onto flipcharts from other applications running on the same computer.
Import files from other applications, for example SMART Notebook and Microsoft PowerPoint. For details, see Importing and
exporting files.
Browse to your existing resources with the Resource Browser.
Open flipcharts (.flp) created with earlier versions of Promethean software (Activstudio or Activprimary versions 2 and 3).
Remember that while ActivInspire can open flipcharts created in earlier versions of Promethean software, it saves
flipcharts in a format (.flipchart) that is incompatible with earlier versions of the software. Once you save these
flipcharts in ActivInspire, you cannot open them in Activprimary or Activstudio.
If your flipcharts contain actions, check that they are working as expected.
If they do not, see Reference > Actions > Summary of differences, where we describe any differences between
actions created in ActivInspire and earlier versions of Promethean software.
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Publishing flipcharts
Show Home > More about ActivInspire > Working with resources > Publishing flipcharts
Publishing flipcharts
Use the Flipchart Publisher to create a protected version of your flipchart, prohibiting certain edit and output functions. You can
then distribute the protected flipchart that prevents the user from copying, printing or using the Camera
.
Save a copy of your flipchart in a known place before you publish it. When published, any restrictions you have
set for your users will also apply to you.
Give your flipchart Publisher Information and limit what people can do with your flipchart.
Two ways to open the Flipchart Publisher
From the Main Toolbox
1. Click on the Main Menu
icon
2. Select Publish...
From the File Menu
1. From the File Menu select Publish... The 'Flipchart Publisher...' Dialog Box opens.
2. Enter publisher Information as appropriate. This information is for your own use and will not be visible to users.
3. Select or deselect restrictions as appropriate, then do one of the following:
Click Cancel to close the dialog box without saving.
Click Save Details to save your choices without publishing.
Click Publish... to implement your choices and publish the flipchart to another location.
For more information, see Flipchart Publisher options
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Adding images
Show Home > More about ActivInspire > Working with objects > Adding images
Adding images
Here we list the types of image you can use and show you how to add them:
Which graphics files can you use?
Add an image from the Resource Library
Add an image from elsewhere
Which graphics files can you use?
You can add images with these file extensions to your flipcharts, .jpg, .gif, .bmp, .tif, .png and .wmf (Windows computers only).
Any other formats are not supported.
Add an image from the Resource Library
1. Open the Resource Browser
2. In the top pane of the Browser, browse Shared Resources until you find the desired category.
3. Open the folder and browse its contents in the bottom pane of the Resource Browser.
4. Double-click on the image, or drag and drop it onto the flipchart page.
Add an image from elsewhere
1. From the Insert Menu, select Media. The 'Choose media to insert' Dialog Box opens.
2. Browse to the folder that contains the file. This can be on your computer, or on the network.
3. Double-click on the file, or click on the file, then click on Open.
You can also create your own snapshots at the board with the Camera
For more information, see Using the Camera.
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Transforming objects
Show Home > More about ActivInspire > Working with objects > Transforming objects
Transforming objects
Selecting Objects
Click to select objects when the Object cursor shows that the object is within range.
Click and drag diagonally - a grey rectangle indicates the selection area. Any object touched by the selection area is selected.
Click in the Property Browser.
Moving Objects
Click and drag the object, or drag it with the Freely Move Object
front of the board.
Marquee Handle so you are not standing directly in
Resizing Objects
Click and drag the Marquee Handles to resize objects.
Use the bottom-right handle to transform objects with uniform scaling. That is, retaining the original proportions. Resizing with the
other handles will change the proportions and produce a distorted object.
If you should distort an object by mistake, then right-click the object and display the Property Browser. Scale Factor X and Y show
the precise scaling. Set these the same for proportional scaling. Set both to 1 to revert to the original sizes.
The Object Edit Popup Menu has convenient transforming tools (below) which can be added as part of a profile.
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Transforming objects
Increase / Decrease Object Size: The object size is increased or decreased by 10%.
Original Size: The object is restored to its original size.
Best Fit to Width: If the width of an object is distorted the height is increased proportionally.
Best Fit to Height: If the height of an object is distorted the width is increased proportionally.
Best Fit to Page: Object size is increased proportionally to the maximum for the page.
Mirror in X / Y Axis: The object is reflected along the X or Y axis.
Flip in X / Y Axis: The object is reflected and duplicated along the X or Y axis.
The alignment options are shown graphically in the menu.
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Importing files
Show Home > More about ActivInspire > Importing and exporting files > Importing files
Importing files
In this section, we show you how to import files that were created with other software.
You can import the following types of files:
PowerPoint® files as objects or as images
ExamView® XML files
IMS® QTI XML files
SMART® Notebook files
SMART® Gallery items
For details of how to import resource packs, see Importing and exporting resource packs.
Import PowerPoint® files
You can choose to import your PowerPoint files:
As objects, which means items in your PowerPoint presentation become individual objects on each page of the flipchart,
so that you can edit them, for example, with the Text
Tool.
As images, which means each slide of your PowerPoint presentation is imported as one image that fills a whole flipchart
page.
Import PowerPoint files as objects
1. On the Dashboard, click on Import
from Powerpoint..., or
from the File Menu, select Import >
Powerpoint® as objects. The
'Select a Powerpoint® File' Dialog Box
opens.
2. Navigate to the folder that contains the
file you want to import and select it.
3. Click on Open. A progress bar indicates
how the import is progressing and closes
on completion.
ActivInspire imports the selected file to a
new 'Untitled' flipchart.
When import is complete, you can select
and manipulate the imported objects like
any other objects.
Import PowerPoint files as images
From the File Menu, select Import > Powerpoint® as images.
The import process is exactly the same as for objects above, only the result is different. Each PowerPoint slide is imported as a
single image on each flipchart page.
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Importing files
Import other types of files
1. From the File Menu, select one of the
following:
Import > ExamView® XML
file or
Import > IMS® QTI XML file
or
Import > SMART® Notebook
File v8, v9, v9.5, v10 or
Import > SMART® Gallery
File.
2. A Dialog Box for your chosen import
operation opens.
3. Navigate to the folder that contains the
file you want to import and select it.
4. Click on Open. A progress bar indicates
how the import is progressing and closes
on completion.
ActivInspire imports the selected file to a
flipchart of the same name as the
original file. For example, 'Question
Types Test', as shown on the right.
When import is complete, you can select
and manipulate the imported objects like
any other objects.
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Exporting files
Show Home > More about ActivInspire > Importing and exporting files > Exporting files
Exporting files
In ActivInspire you can export:
Your flipcharts to PDF. For details, see Printing a flipchart.
A flipchart page to a graphics file.
Voting results to Microsoft Excel® .
Export a page to a graphics file
1. Right-click on a blank part of the page you want to export.
2. From the menu select Export Page. The 'Export Page' Dialog Box opens.
3. Browse to the folder where you want to save the file.
4. Select a file type (Bitmap, JPEG, PNG, or TIF).
5. Type a file name.
6. Click on Save.
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Clock Tool
Show Home > Reference > Settings > Clock Tool
Clock Tool
For details of how to access Settings, see Choosing application settings.
Settings
Options
Analog
Clock numbers
Default = View numbers around the clock face.
Display colored blocks around the clock face.
Second hand
Default = Display the second hand.
Display the hour and minute hands only.
Digital
24 Hour
View a 24 hour clock.
Default = View a 12 hour clock.
Seconds
Default = Display the seconds counting.
View the hours and minutes only.
Show AM/PM
View a 12 hour clock with AM or PM displayed.
Default = Do not show AM/PM.
Show date
Default = Display today's date below the time.
View the time only.
file:///C|/Program%20Files/Activ%20Software/Inspire/help/en_US/settings_clock_tool.htm[1/21/2010 6:11:18 PM]
Design Mode
Show Home > Reference > Settings > Design Mode
Design Mode
For details of how to access Settings, see Choosing application settings.
Settings
Options
Allow locked objects to be edited
Default = Remove any locking properties, to allow free
movement and editing of all objects.
Do not allow.
Show hidden objects
Default = Make all objects visible.
Do not show hidden objects.
Highlight actions
Default = Highlight actions with a red square in Design
Mode.
Do not highlight actions.
Disable Actions and Drag a Copy
Default = Switch off any actions and disable 'Drag a Copy'
in Design Mode.
Keep actions and 'Drag a Copy' enabled.
Disable object restrictions
Default = Switch off any object restrictions in Design
Mode, so that you can freely move objects.
Keep object restrictions enabled.
Disable blocker objects
Default = Switch off the restrictors' 'Can block' settings.
Do not disable blocker objects.
Disable grid snapping
Default = Remove any 'Snap to Grid' properties set on
objects to allow free movement of objects.
Keep any 'Snap to Grid' properties.
Disable desktop interaction
Default = Disable Desktop Annotate and Desktop Tools.
Do not disable desktop interaction.
Show Design Mode Tooltip Hints
Default = Show tooltips.
Do not show tooltips.
file:///C|/Program%20Files/Activ%20Software/Inspire/help/en_US/design_mode.htm[1/21/2010 6:11:19 PM]
Effects
Show Home > Reference > Settings > Effects
Effects
For details of how to access Settings, see Choosing application settings.
Settings
Options
Spotlight Tool
Border width
Increase or decrease the width of the border around the
spotlight area. The range is from 0 to 20 pixels.
Default = 15
Border color
Color of the border around the spotlight.
Default = blue
Background color
Color of the non-spotlighted area when using the Spotlight.
Default = black
Translucent border
Default = Make the spotlight border translucent.
Give the spotlight border a solid color.
Translucent screen
Make the spotlight screen (the darkened area that covers
the Flipchart or Desktop window) translucent.
Default = Make the spotlight screen opaque.
Right click captures image
Default = Paste an image of the spotlight area on your
current flipchart page, when you right click while the spotlight
is activated.
Right click does not capture the spotlight area.
Reveal Tool
Color
Color of the Revealer blind.
Default = black
Animation Speed
Speed with which the hidden object will be revealed when
you are using an ActivRemote device. The range is from 1 to
20 seconds.
Default = 15
file:///C|/Program%20Files/Activ%20Software/Inspire/help/en_US/settings_effects.htm[1/21/2010 6:11:21 PM]
Flipchart
Show Home > Reference > Settings > Flipchart
Flipchart
For details of how to access Settings, see Choosing application settings.
Settings
Create desktop flipchart on launch
Options
Create a desktop flipchart when you launch ActivInspire.
Default = Do not create a desktop flipchart on launch.
World color
Background color of the flipchart window, behind the flipchart
page.
Default = Blue
Default page scale
Default page scale for when you create a new flipchart or
open an existing flipchart:
Default = Best Fit
Width Fit
Height Fit
25%
50%
100%
150%
200%
400%
800%
Original Scale
You need to restart ActivInspire to activate this setting after
changing it.
Default page size
Default page size for when you create a new flipchart or open
an existing flipchart:
Screen Size
Default = 1024 * 768
1152 * 864
1280 * 1024
Custom
Default Page color
Only enabled if you set the default background to be a color.
Default = white
Show flipchart summary when saving
Open a window to insert information describing the
flipchart when saving.
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Flipchart
Default = Close without showing flipchart summary.
file:///C|/Program%20Files/Activ%20Software/Inspire/help/en_US/settings_desktop_flipchart.htm[1/21/2010 6:11:22 PM]
Flipchart Objects
Show Home > Reference > Settings > Flipchart Objects
Flipchart Objects
For details of how to access Settings, see Choosing application settings.
Settings
Options
High-quality rendering
Default = Improve the resolution of objects. Could make
older computers run more slowly.
Draw objects with lower resolution. May make edges look
uneven.
High-quality rendering when annotating
Improve the look of all line and shape edges, including
freehand annotations. Could make older computers run more
slowly.
Default = Draw annotations with lower resolution.
Container center tolerance
If you are using containers with the Match Centers option,
you can specify how precisely the centers of objects must line
up to be contained. The lower the number of pixels, the
greater the accuracy required in lining up the centers of
objects.
Default = 10
Show pickup handles when dragging objects from Library
Default = Enable the Select Tool and display pickup
boxes on items dragged from the Resource Library.
Do not enable the Select Tool.
Show pickup rectangle
Default = Display a rectangle around selected objects.
Do not show a rectangle.
Add Timestamp to all new pages created
Stamp the date and time on all new flipchart pages.
Default = Do not add a timestamp.
Automatic annotation grouping
Group annotations together automatically as one object.
Treat annotations as individual objects.
Resource Library
Default resource library
Location of the resource library that is displayed in the
Resource Browser:
Default = Shared Resources
My Resources
Other
Resource items retain transparency
Default = Transparent objects retain their original
transparency when dragged onto a flipchart page from the
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Flipchart Objects
resource library.
Transparent objects do not retain their original
transparency.
View Mode
Layout of the contents of the resource library in the Resource
Browser:
Default = List
Grid
Thumbnail Size
Size of the thumbnails displayed in the Resource Browser:
Default = Large
Small file:///C|/Program%20Files/Activ%20Software/Inspire/help/en_US/settings_flipchart_objects.htm[1/21/2010 6:11:24 PM]
Language
Show Home > Reference > Settings > Language
Language
For details of how to access Settings, see Choosing application settings.
Setting
Options
Application language
Displays ActivInspire in your computer's default language.
You can choose another language from the drop-down menu,
if your computer supports more than one locale.
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Learner Response System
Show Home > Reference > Settings > Learner Response System
Learner Response System
For details of how to access Settings, see Choosing application settings.
Settings
Options
ExpressPoll
Question timeout
The time allowed to respond to a question. Setting a default timeout
restricts the time available to vote.
If you do not set a default timeout, voting will continue until all users
have responded, or until you click on Stop Vote
.
Default = 0
Apply timeout to prepared questions
Apply the above timeout to prepared questions.
Default = Do not apply the timeout.
Append question to current flipchart
Append the question to the end of the current flipchart on a new
page.
Default = Do not append the question.
ActiVote
Allow users to modify their response
Allow users to change their response during the timeout period.
When the timeout period has ended, further responses are ignored.
Default = Do not allow users to change their responses.
Answers
Show results after vote
Default = Display results on the board after the vote has ended.
Do not display results.
Automatic page advance
Turn the page automatically after receiving votes.
Default = Do not turn the page automatically.
Anonymous mode
Display the results of the vote anonymously.
Default = Display the results by device or name.
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Learner Response System
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Multimedia
Show Home > Reference > Settings > Multimedia
Multimedia
For details of how to access Settings, see Choosing application settings.
Settings
Options
Show sound controller
Default = Show the Sound Controller when playing a
sound file; overrides other dynamic settings.
Hide the Sound Controller during play.
Show controls for flash
Default = Show controls when Flash® files are playing.
Overrides dynamic settings.
Do not show controls for flash files.
Show frame capture button
Default = Show Frame Capture button for still images
from videos and Flash files.
Does not show Frame Capture button.
Force overlay mode for flash
Lets you annotate over a Flash file.
Default = Does not let you annotate over a Flash file.
file:///C|/Program%20Files/Activ%20Software/Inspire/help/en_US/settings_multimedia.htm[1/21/2010 6:11:29 PM]
Online Settings
Show Home > Reference > Settings > Online Settings
Online Settings
For details of how to access Settings, see Choosing application settings.
Settings
Options
Web Links
Home URL
Web update
URL
The website that is displayed when you open your web
browser from ActivInspire.
The website that ActivInspire contacts when you click Check
for Updates on the Dashboard.
Proxy settings
Proxy server name
Name and HTTP port number of your proxy server.
HTTP port number
Default HTTP port number = 0
Your system administrator or service provider will supply you
with these details.
Username
The login name and password required to access your server,
not to access the Online Resource Library.
Password
Your system administrator or service provider will supply you
with these details.
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Profile and Resources
Show Home > Reference > Settings > Profile and Resources
Profile and Resources
For details of how to access Settings, see Choosing application settings.
ActivInspire stores profiles, templates and other files in the default folders shown in the following table. You can copy or move the
files to other folders if you wish and change the appropriate setting so that ActivInspire can access the files in their new location.
When you change the default locations in 'Profile and Resources', you are simply pointing ActivInspire to look
for files in a new location. The files themselves do not move. Copy your files to the new location before you
change the location in ActivInspire. For information about copying or moving files, see your operating system
documentation.
Settings
Default locations
Use default profile path
Default = Access profiles at the location shown below.
Access profiles at another location.
Profile stored in
Windows
My Resources\My Profiles
Mac
My Resources/My Profiles
Linux
Use default 'My Resources'
path
My resources files in
Default = Access 'My Resources' at the location shown below.
Access 'My Resources' at another location.
Windows XP
Documents and Settings\username\My Documents\Activ Software\ActivInspire\My
Resources
Windows Vista
Users\username\Document\ Activ Software\ActivInspire\My Resources
Mac
/Users/username/Documents/Activ Software/ActivInspire
Linux
/home/username/Documents/Activ Software/ActivInspire
Use default 'Shared Resources'
path
Shared resources files in
Default = Access 'Shared Resources' at the location shown below.
Access 'Shared Resources' at another location.
Windows XP
Documents and Settings\All Users\Documents\Activ Software\ActivInspire
Windows Vista
\Users\Public\Documents\ Activ Software\ActivInspire
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Profile and Resources
Mac
/Users/shared/Promethean/Activ Software/ActivInspire
Linux
/var/Promethean/Inspire/Shared Resources
Use default page template path
Default = Access page templates at the location shown below.
Access page templates at another location.
Page template files in
Windows
Shared Resources\Activities and templates
Mac
Shared Resources/ Activities and templates
Linux
Use default question page path
Default = Access question pages at the location shown below.
Browse to access question pages at another location.
Question page files in
Windows
Shared Resources\FlipchartPages\Activities and templates\Templates (learner
response)\
Mac
Shared Resources/FlipchartPages/Templates (learner response)/
Linux
file:///C|/Program%20Files/Activ%20Software/Inspire/help/en_US/settings_profile_and_resources.htm[1/21/2010 6:11:32 PM]
Spell Checker
Show Home > Reference > Settings > Spell Checker
Spell Checker
For details of how to access Settings, see Choosing application settings.
Settings
Options
Highlight misspelled words
Highlight misspelled words as soon as they have been
added to the flipchart.
Default = Do not highlight.
Ignore capitalized words
Ignore words with leading uppercase letters while spell
checking.
Default = Do not ignore.
Ignore words in UPPERCASE
Ignore words in uppercase letters while spell checking.
Default = Do not ignore.
Ignore words that contain numbers
Ignore words that contain numbers while spell checking.
Default = Do not ignore.
Ignore words in mixed case
Ignore words that contain both uppercase and lowercase
letters while spell checking.
Default = Do not ignore.
Ignore internet addresses
Ignore internet addresses while spell checking.
Default = Do not ignore.
Report repeated words
Default = Be notified of repeated words while spell
checking.
Do not report repeated words.
Edit user dictionary
Open the user dictionary for the currently selected language
(see below) in a text editor.
Dictionary language
Language to be used for spell checking, select from the dropdown menu.
Default = Your computer's operating system language.
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User Input
Show Home > Reference > Settings > User Input
User Input
For details of how to access Settings, see Choosing application settings.
Settings
Options
Keyboard
Use keyboard supplied with operating system
Use the keyboard supplied with your operating system.
Default = Use the Floating Keyboard supplied with
ActivInspire.
Use keyboard specified by user
Allows you to select another keyboard.
Automatically show keyboard with text objects
Show the floating keyboard when editing text objects.
Default = Do not show the keyboard.
Automatically show keyboard when saving files
Display the keyboard when saving a flipchart. This is
useful when you are working at the board and want to quickly
type a filename without returning to your computer.
Default = Do not show the keyboard.
Recognition Tools
Recognition Timeout (seconds)
Timeout for handwriting and shape recognition.
Range = 1 - 5 seconds.
Default = 5
Fill recognized shapes
Fill your shapes with color when your they are
rrecognized.
Default = Do not fill recognized shapes.
Fill mode
Only enabled if 'Fill recognized shapes' is selected. Select
from the drop-down menu:
Same as the outline
Another color (see below)
Another color
Only enabled if 'Another color' is selected above. Click on the
box to choose a color.
Handwriting Recognition Language
Language to use for handwriting recognition, select from the
drop-down menu.
Default = Your computer's operating system language.
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User Input
file:///C|/Program%20Files/Activ%20Software/Inspire/help/en_US/settings_user_input.htm[1/21/2010 6:11:35 PM]
Identification properties
Show Home > Reference > Properties > Identification properties
Identification properties
For details of how to change properties, see Changing object properties.
Property
Option
Description
Name
ActivInspire allocates default names to flipchart objects, for example, Shape1, Shape2.
You can select and change the default name.
Keywords
One or more words that identify the object.
Two ways to enter keywords:
Click on the Keywords box and begin typing. Separate individual keywords by a
space.
Click on the Keywords Editor icon [...], click on Add and begin typing. Use the
Keywords Editor to add, move and remove keywords.
Use keywords with containers. If you set a container so that it can contain an object
with a particular keyword, for example, 'animal', any object with the keyword 'animal' can
be contained by that container.
Description
Only applies to pages.
Allows you to include instructions or comments about a specific page in the description
area. This can be used to describe how the page has been set up, for example, if you
share pages with fellow teachers and you have created some complex object properties or
actions.
Question
Tag
A multi-answer question produced by the Question Wizard or ExpressPoll has three types
of text objects:
With Question
Option
Label tags
The tag numbers let you see the answer / option pairings – this can be useful when you
edit and reformat the text, or move answers around.
If you nominated a correct answer with the Question Wizard, this information is contained
within the 'Label' tag. When the corresponding answer is returned by voters, it is
highlighted green in the results display. Nominate a new correct answer by placing it next
to the object with the appropriate 'Label' number.
You cannot generate a question and start a vote by applying tags to text entered
outside of the Question Wizard or ExpressPoll.
None
Default
Question
Allocated to your Question text.
Option 1
Associated with text tagged Label 1 (displayed as answer A or 1).
Option 2
Associated with text tagged Label 2 (displayed as answer B or 2).
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Identification properties
Option 3
Associated with text tagged Label 3 (displayed as answer C or 3).
Option 4
Associated with text tagged Label 4 (displayed as answer D or 4).
Option 5
Associated with text tagged Label 5 (displayed as answer E or 5).
Option 6
Associated with text tagged Label 6 (displayed as answer F or 6).
Label 1
Option numbers and labels must match, for answers to be correctly interpreted.
Label 2
Label 3
Label 4
Label 5
Label 6
If you move any options or labels, make a note of the change.
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Container properties
Show Home > Reference > Properties > Container properties
Container properties
For details of how to change properties, see Changing object properties.
Property
Option
Description
Can Contain
Nothing
Default
No container setting is applied.
Anything
Any object placed on top is recognized.
Specific Object
Choose one specific object for the container to
recognize.
Keywords
The container recognizes any resource which has
the keywords you specify.
Contain
Object
Only enabled if 'Can Contain' is set to 'Specific
Object' (see above).
Select the object from the 'Select Object' Dialog
Box.
Contain
Words
Only enabled if 'Can Contain' is set to 'Keywords'
(see above).
Type the keywords the container can recognize.
Contain Rule
Centers Must Match
The content's center must be placed on the
container's center for the contents to be recognized.
Useful when the 'contents' are bigger than their
containers.
Completely Contained
The contents must fit inside the container.
Reward
Sound
False
Default
Reward
Sound
Location
Return if not
Contained
False
Set to 'True' to play a sound when an object is
correctly contained.
Only enabled if 'Reward Sound' is set to 'True' (see
above).
Opens the 'Select a sound' Dialog Box to let you
browse to and select a sound file.
Default
Returns the object to its original position on the
flipchart page if set to 'True'.
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Container properties
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Restrictors properties
Show Home > Reference > Properties > Restrictors properties
Restrictors properties
For details of how to change properties, see Changing object properties.
Property
Option
Description
Can Block
False
Default
True
Object can block.
Can Snap
False
Default
True
Object can snap to.
Snap Point x
Point on the x axis to which the object can snap.
Snap Point y
Point on the y axis to which the object can snap.
Snap To
Center
Default. Object snaps to the center.
Other Place
Object snaps to another place which you can define.
Other Object
Object can snap to another object.
First Text Line
Object can snap to the first line of text.
Specific Point
Object can snap to a specific point.
Top Left
Object can snap to the top left.
Top
Object can snap to the top.
Top Right
Object can snap to the top right.
Left
Object can snap to the left.
Right
Object can snap to the right.
Bottom Left
Object can snap to the bottom left.
Bottom
Object can snap to the bottom.
Bottom Right
Object can snap to the bottom right.
Can Move
Freely
Default. Object can move anywhere on the flipchart page.
Vertically
Object can only move vertically.
Horizontally
Object can only move horizontally.
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Restrictors properties
Along path
Object can only move along the defined path.
No
Object cannot move.
Move Path
Only enabled if 'Can Move' is set to 'Along path' (see above).
Select the path from the 'Select Object' Dialog Box.
Can Size
Freely
Default
None
Object cannot be resized.
file:///C|/Program%20Files/Activ%20Software/Inspire/help/en_US/restrictors_properties.htm[1/21/2010 6:11:39 PM]
Menus and Popup Menus
Show Home > Reference > Menus and Popup Menus
Menus and Popup Menus
This section lists and briefly describes the tools and functions available in each Menu and Popup Menu in ActivInspire:
Menubar
Popup Menus
Marquee and Sizing Handles
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ExpressPoll
Show Home > Reference > Tools > ExpressPoll
ExpressPoll
What?
Ask your students a quick question and display voting results instantly.
Where?
Tools > ExpressPoll
Main Toolbox
Desktop Tools
Shortcut?
F3
How?
Select a question style and options from the voting 'Wonderwheel'
What can I customize?
Question timeout
Specifies the time available to respond.
Apply timeout to prepared
questions
Toggle switch.
Append question to current
flipchart
Toggle switch.
Where can I customize it?
Settings > Learner Response System
Using Learner Response Systems
More info...
Settings > Learner Response System
Working with actions
Actions > Voting Actions
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Summary of differences
Show Home > Reference > Actions > Summary of differences
Important information for users of Activstudio and
Activprimary
Summary of differences
ActivInspire has been streamlined to work on WindowsTM , Mac ® and Linux TM computers. Flipcharts produced with Activstudio and
Activprimary 3.n should open in ActivInspire, on any of these platforms. Furthermore, ActivInspire is integrated to support devices
which previously needed separate software.
However, as a result of the streamlining, some flipchart objects with previously associated actions may lose their action when you
open the flipchart in ActivInspire.
If this happens, you can assign another appropriate action or delete the object.
The following sections list the differences between actions in Activstudio and Activprimary 3.n and ActivInspire:
Not supported
Superseded
Supported with differences
Not supported
These actions do not work in ActivInspire:
Export Page
Fraction Creator
Powerpoint Convertor
Link Library
Power Tools
Export to ppt
Export to ppt obj
Export to doc
Export to pdf
Export to html
Export to swf
Export Results to Text
Export Wizard
Activity Wizard
Activcataloger
Annotation Upgrader
Open My Notes and Pointers
Open Shared Notes and
Pointers
Open Other Notes and
Pointers
Export to QuickTime (Mac)
Export to picture slides
(Mac)
Export to Applescript (Mac)
Activmarker
Clipboard Tickertape
Open My Tickertapes
Open Shared Tickertapes
Open Other Tickertapes
Resource Library Small
Thumbnails
Resource Library Large
Thumbnails
Page Select Small
Page Select Medium
Page Select Large
Superseded
These actions do not work in ActivInspire, because they have been superseded by other actions. We recommend that you read the
notes and save your flipcharts to the new .flipchart format with File > Save as... Then consider mapping other actions and try
them out, before you use the flipcharts in the classroom. See the Notes column for suggestions.
Action
Notes
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Summary of differences
Recognition Toolbox
Choose between Handwriting Recognition
and Shape Recognition
Flipchart Recorder
Consider using the Screen Recorder
Update Thumbnails
Thumbnails are automatically updated in the Browser
Embed File Actions
Choose between Insert Link to File and Insert Media from File
Resource Manager
In ActivInspire, you manage resources with the Resource Browser
Keyword Editor
In ActivInspire, you access the Keywords Editor from the Property Browser
Flipchart Builder
In ActivInspire, you build flipcharts with the Page Browser and Resource Browser
Launch/Quit Application (Mac)
Consider using Insert Link to File. You can launch an application, but you cannot
quit.
Supported with differences
These actions work, but they may behave differently in ActivInspire. We recommend that you read the notes, save your flipcharts
to the new .flipchart format, then try the actions out before you use them in the classroom. See the Notes column for a brief
description of the differences.
Activstudio &
Activprimary Action
ActivInspire Action
Notes
Deconstruct Text
Extract Text
New name, same functionality.
Start Flipchart Vote
Enables Start Flipchart Vote
if there is a
question on the current flipchart page.
ActiVote Results
Voting Browser
Shows voting results in the Voting Browser
ActiVote Session
Voting Browser
Opens the Voting Browser
and displays
information about the current session.
Various Show Clock actions
Clock
Displays the Clock
according to the settings
in the 'Edit Profiles Settings' Tab.
ActiVote Question Settings
Question on Current Page
Launches the Insert Question Wizard. When
you complete the wizard, the question is displayed
on the current page.
Recorder Menu
Screen Recorder
Displays the Screen Recorder
Start/Stop ActiVote
There is no Area Screen Recorder in ActivInspire.
Area Screen Recorder
Straight Line
Shape
Enables the Shape
Tool.
Horizontal Line
Vertical Line
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Summary of differences
Square Tool
Circle Tool
Semi Arc
Rectangle
Ellipse
Corner Arc
Callout
Arrow
Point to Point
Slate Control
Device Registration
Device Register
Starts Device Registration
ActiVote Users
Individual Resource Folder
Actions
Resource Library
Opens Shared Resources.
Question Master
Question Wizard
Launches the Insert Question Wizard. When
you complete the wizard, the question is displayed
on the current page.
Cut Page
Cut Page
Cuts, copies or pastes the designated target
object.
Copy Annotation
Copy
Paste Annotation
Paste
If there is no designated target object, applies the
action to the currently selected object. If no object
is selected, applies the action to the action object
itself.
Show Page Selector
Page Browser
Opens the Page Browser
Edit Text
Text
Starts the Text
Set Grid (Mac)
Grid Designer
Opens the Grid Designer
Set Page rColor (Mac)
Set Background
Opens the 'Set Background' Dialog Box, where you
can set a background color or image.
Slate XR (Mac)
Device Registration
Starts Device Registration
Print Dialogue Box
Opens the 'Print' Dialog Box, where you can select
options to print to PDF
tool.
Slate IR (Mac)
Print to pdf (Mac)
Back to top
In ActivInspire, all the following actions open the 'Edit Profiles' Dialog Box. See the Notes column for details of what to do next.
Activstudio &
Activprimary Action
Notes
file:///C|/Program%20Files/Activ%20Software/Inspire/help/en_US/summary_of_differences.htm[1/21/2010 6:11:44 PM]
Summary of differences
Vote Settings
Click on the 'Settings' Tab and select Learner Response Systems.
Toolstore
Click on the 'Commands' Tab and add or remove tools to/from the Main Toolbox or
Marquee Handles
Open Toolbox Layout
Click on the 'Layout' Tab.
Small Toolbox
Click on the 'Layout' Tab and select the desired layout.
Medium Toolbox
Large Toolbox
Vertical Orientation
Right Orientation
Left Orientation
8, 16, 24 Toolbox Colors
Dock Resource Library Left
Dock Resource Library Right
In ActivInspire Studio, the Resource Library opens in the Resource Browser. Click on the
'Layout' Tab and select the desired Browser behavior.
Dock Resource Library Bottom
Left
Dock Resource Library Bottom
Right
Save Toolbox Layout
Click on the 'Layout' Tab. Save the layout to the default profile, or to another profile.
Clock Settings
Click on the 'Settings' Tab, then click on Clock Settings.
Back to top
file:///C|/Program%20Files/Activ%20Software/Inspire/help/en_US/summary_of_differences.htm[1/21/2010 6:11:44 PM]
Appearance properties
Show Home > Reference > Properties > Appearance properties
Appearance properties
For details of how to change properties, see Changing object properties.
Property
Option
Description
Layer
Top
Default
Middle
Specify on which layer the object is placed.
Bottom
Background
Depth
not applicable
Read only indicator. Shows the position of the object in the stacking order.
Grids and objects, if placed in front, have a higher number in the stacking
order.
Translucency
This value can range from fully translucent (visible) to no translucency (solid).
Use the slider to change the translucency.
Visible
Ink Type
True
Default
False
Set to 'False' to make the object invisible.
Pen
Default
Highlighter
Annotations can be one of three types:
Magic Ink
Pen annotations are solid.
Highlighter annotations are partially translucent.
Magic Ink annotations allow you to see through objects on the top layer.
file:///C|/Program%20Files/Activ%20Software/Inspire/help/en_US/appearance_properties.htm[1/21/2010 6:11:46 PM]
Outline properties
Show Home > Reference > Properties > Outline properties
Outline properties
For details of how to change properties, see Changing object properties.
Property
Option
Description
Style
Outline style
Solid
Default
None
Dashed
Dot
Dash-Dot
Dash-Dot-Dot
Color
Width
Cap Style
Outline color
Black
Default
Outline width in pixels. Range = Finest possible, 1 - 100.
4
Default
Applies caps of the selected type to the beginnings and ends of annotations or
lines, when 'Style' is set to one of the dashed options.
Round
Flat
Default
Square
Join Style
Applies to the outside corners of shape objects.
Round
Default
Mitre
Bevel
file:///C|/Program%20Files/Activ%20Software/Inspire/help/en_US/outline_properties.htm[1/21/2010 6:11:48 PM]
Fill properties
Show Home > Reference > Properties > Fill properties
Fill properties
For details of how to change properties, see Changing object properties.
Property
Option
Description
Style
None
Default
Set to another option to apply the style of your
choice.
Solid
Apply a solid fill effect.
Dense1
Select from matrix patterns of different densities.
Dense2
Dense3
Dense4
Dense5
Dense6
Dense7
Horizontal
Select from a range of hatched fill patterns.
Vertical
Cross
Backward Diagonal
Forward Diagonal
Cross Diagonal
Gradient
Gradient
Select to enable a two-rcolor graduated fill.
None
Default
Vertical
Set to another option to apply the graduated coloring
of your choice.
Horizontal
Diagonal1
Diagonal2
Radial
Color
Black
Default
Color 2
Black
Set to another rcolor to apply the shading of your
choice.
Only enabled when the fill 'Style' is set to
'Gradient' (see above).
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Fill properties
file:///C|/Program%20Files/Activ%20Software/Inspire/help/en_US/fill_properties.htm[1/21/2010 6:11:49 PM]
Background properties
Show Home > Reference > Properties > Background properties
Background properties
For details of how to change properties, see Changing object properties.
Property
Option
Description
rColor
Black
Default
Set to another rcolor to change the background.
Mode
Transparent
Default
Opaque
Set to 'Opaque' to make the background rcolor appear solid.
file:///C|/Program%20Files/Activ%20Software/Inspire/help/en_US/background_properties.htm[1/21/2010 6:11:51 PM]
Position properties
Show Home > Reference > Properties > Position properties
Position properties
For details of how to change properties, see Changing object properties.
Property
Option
Description
Left
Distance of object to left margin in pixels. Accurate to three decimal points.
Top
Distance of object to top margin in pixels. Accurate to three decimal points.
Width
Width of object in pixels. Accurate to three decimal points.
Height
Height of object in pixels. Accurate to three decimal points.
Scale Factor x
1
Default
Change the number to scale the object by the new factor along the x axis. For
example, set the scale factor to 2 to double the size.
Scale Factor y
1
Default
Change the number to scale the object by the new factor along the y axis.
Inverted
False
Default
Change to 'True' to flip the object by 180 degrees along the vertical.
Angle
0
Default
Change this to any value between 1 and 360 to pivot the object by the specified
number of degrees around the top right Marquee Handle.
Reflected
False
Default
Change to 'True' to flip the object by 180 degrees along the horizontal
Locked
False
Default
Change to 'True' to lock the object in place, so that it cannot be selected and
moved, except with the Freely Move Object Handle.
To unlock it again, set back to' False', or double-click the lock icon on the Object
Browser.
file:///C|/Program%20Files/Activ%20Software/Inspire/help/en_US/position_properties.htm[1/21/2010 6:11:52 PM]
Label properties
Show Home > Reference > Properties > Label properties
Label properties
For details of how to change properties, see Changing object properties.
Property
Option
Description
Caption
Lets you add a one-line caption to an object.
Font Name
Arial
Default
Click the drop-down box to change the font.
Font Size
12
Default
Click the up or down arrow to increase or decrease the font size, or select the
size digits and type in the new size.
Font Color
Black
Default
Click on the color box to select another font color.
Outline Style
None
Default
Solid
Dashed
Dot
Dash-Dot
Dash-Dot-Dot
Background
Mode
Opaque
Default
Transparent
Select to make the label background transparent.
Background
Color
Click the box to select a background color.
Behavior
Always On
Default
Tooltip
Select to make the label visible only when the cursor moves across the object.
Click the drop-down arrow to select an outline style for your label.
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Rotate properties
Show Home > Reference > Properties > Rotate properties
Rotate properties
For details of how to change properties, see Changing object properties.
Property
Option
Description
Can Rotate
Freely
Default
Object can rotate without any restrictions
Clockwise
Object can only rotate in a clockwise direction.
Anticlockwise
Object can only rotate in an anticlockwise direction.
No
Object cannot rotate.
Rotate Step
Object rotates a step at a time.
Rotate About
Center
Default
Object can only rotate around its own center.
Other Place
Object can rotate around another place which you can define.
Other Object
Object can rotate around another object.
First Text Line
Object can rotate around the first line of text.
Specific Point
Object can rotate around a specific point.
Top Left
Object can rotate around the top left.
Top
Object can rotate around the top.
Top Right
Object can rotate around the top right.
Left
Object can rotate around the left.
Right
Object can rotate around the right.
Bottom Left
Object can rotate around the bottom left.
Rotate Object
Only enabled if 'Rotate About' is set to 'Other Object' (see above).
Select the object from the 'Select Object' Dialog Box.
Rotate Point x
Object can rotate around the x coordinate.
Rotate Point y
Object can rotate around the y coordinate.
file:///C|/Program%20Files/Activ%20Software/Inspire/help/en_US/rotate_properties.htm[1/21/2010 6:11:55 PM]
Multimedia properties
Show Home > Reference > Properties > Multimedia properties
Multimedia properties
For details of how to change properties, see Changing object properties.
Multimedia properties are dependent on the type of file, operating system and multimedia player.
Property
Option
Description
Force Overlay
False
Multimedia object is not forced on top of annotations.
(swf and flv objects
only)
True
Multimedia object is forced on top of annotations.
Autoplay
False
Playback starts automatically when page is displayed
True
Playback does not start automatically when page is displayed.
False
Single autoplay or controlled playback of multimedia file.
True
Playback is repeated until stopped.
False
Controller is displayed.
True
Controller is hidden.
False
Resizing will keep the aspect ratio.
True
Resizing distortions are possible.
Transparent
Background
False
When embedded objects are not set to forced overlay, they will be transparent.
(swf objects only)
True
When embedded objects are not set to 'Force Overlay', they will be transparent.
Loop
Hide Controls
Force Aspect
file:///C|/Program%20Files/Activ%20Software/Inspire/help/en_US/multimedia_properties.htm[1/21/2010 6:11:57 PM]
Page properties
Show Home > Reference > Properties > Page properties
Page properties
For details of how to change properties, see Changing object properties.
Property
Options
Description
Width
Page width in pixels.
Height
Page height in pixels.
Frames Across
Default = 0
Allows you divide the page into frames and specify the number of
horizontal frames.
Frames Down
Default = 0
Allows you divide the page into frames and specify the number of
vertical frames.
Background
Fill
Default = White
Image
Allows you to use an image, Desktop Snapshot or Desktop Overlay
as the background of your flipchart page.
Desktop Snapshot
Desktop Overlay
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Tools properties
Show Home > Reference > Properties > Tools properties
Tools properties
For details of how to change properties, see Changing object properties.
Property
Option
Description
Page Tools
As before
Default for all pages.
Maintains the current state of the Spotlight or Revealer when you go to
the selected page. For example, if the Revealer is switched on for
page 1 of your flipchart, it will automatically be switched on when you
turn to page 2, if page 2 contains the 'As before' tool state. However, if
the Revealer is switched off on page 1, it will also be switched off on
page 2.
Revealer Tool
Spotlight Tool
Tools off
Switches the Revealer or Spotlight off when you go to this page.
Revealer Mode
Full
Allows you to reveal the page by moving the cursor inward from any
side of the page.
Top
Bottom
Left
Right
Spotlight Mode
Circular Spotlight
Square Spotlight
Solid Circular Spotlight
Switches the Revealer or Spotlight on when you go to this page.
Allows you to reveal the page by moving the cursor inward from either
the top, bottom, left or right of the page.
Provides a movable, sizable circular/oval or square/rectangular spotlight
through a full page masking layer.
Provides a movable, sizable circular/oval or square/rectangular mask.
Solid Square Spotlight
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Revealer properties
Show Home > Reference > Properties > Revealer properties
Revealer properties
For details of how to change properties, see Changing object properties.
Property
Option
Description
Mode
Off
Default.
Switches the Revealer off.
Top
Bottom
Left
Right
Full
Distance
0
Switches the Revealer on and lets you reveal the display from the top,
bottom, left or right; or sets the Revealer to 'Full', so that you can reveal the
flipchart page from any side.
Default.
Only enabled if 'Mode' is set to something other than 'Off'. Sets the starting
distance in pixels of the Revealer from the top, bottom, left or right edge of
the flipchart edge.
file:///C|/Program%20Files/Activ%20Software/Inspire/help/en_US/revealer_properties.htm[1/21/2010 6:12:01 PM]
Spotlight properties
Show Home > Reference > Properties > Spotlight properties
Spotlight properties
For details of how to change properties, see Changing object properties.
Property
Options
Description
Mode
Off
Switches the Spotlight off.
Circular Spotlight
Hides the screen, but for a circular or square spotlight.
Square Spotlight
Solid Circular Spotlight
Solid Square Spotlight
Left
Top
Width
Height
All the screen is visible, except for a solid circle or solid square.
Aligns the Spotlight at the specified number of pixels distance from the left or top
of the display.
Sets the width or height of the Spotlight.
file:///C|/Program%20Files/Activ%20Software/Inspire/help/en_US/spotlight_properties.htm[1/21/2010 6:12:02 PM]
Grid properties
Show Home > Reference > Properties > Grid properties
Grid properties
For details of how to change properties, see Changing object properties.
Property
Option
Description
Visible
False
Default: False
Hides the grid.
True
Shows grid.
Thumbnail
Scale
Defines the scale at which the thumbnail
representation of the grid will be drawn in the
Resource Library, when browsing for resources.
Default Scale
Defines a scale factor which is applied to the grid's
defined start and step values. For example, if the
grid has an X Step of 50 pixels and a Default Scale
property of 2.0, the grid will be drawn every 100
pixels across the display.
Scale Step
Defines the amount by which the Grid Default Scale
-
will alter each time you click on the + or buttons
to enlarge or reduce the grid on the page. The value
is added or subtracted from the Default Scale
depending on the button clicked.
Allow Snap
False
True
On Top
False
True
Grid Designer
Default: False.
Enables or disables Snap to Grid.
Default: False
Places grid in front of or behind objects.
Opens the Grid Designer.
file:///C|/Program%20Files/Activ%20Software/Inspire/help/en_US/grid_properties.htm[1/21/2010 6:12:04 PM]
Marquee and Sizing Handles
Show Home > Reference > Menus and Popup Menus > Marquee and Sizing Handles
Marquee and Sizing Handles
By default, the following handles are available when an object is selected:
Marquee
Handle
Studio
Primary
Description
More info...
Freely Move
Object
Lets you drag the object anywhere
on the page or into the Trashcan,
even if the object is locked.
Rotate Object
Lets you rotate the object.
First steps with ActivInspire
> Adding and manipulating
shapes
Object Edit Menu
Opens the Object Edit Menu.
Reference > Menus and
Popup Menus > Popup
Menus
Translucency
Slider
Lets you increase or decrease the
object's translucency.
Toggle Grouped
Toggle switch. Groups selected
objects so that you can work on
them as a single object.
A tour of ActivInspire >
Exploring ActivInspire
Studio > ActivInspire's
Browsers > Object Browser
A tour of ActivInspire >
Exploring ActivInspire
Primary > ActivInspire's
Browsers > Object Browser
Bring Forward
Brings the object forwards or
sends it backwards by one position
within the stack.
More about ActivInspire >
Working with objects >
Using layers and stacking
Duplicate
Duplicates or the currently
selected object.
First steps with ActivInspire
> Copying, pasting and
duplicating objects
Increase Object
Size
Increases or decreases the size of
the object in increments according
to the Scale Factor set in the
Object Browser. The default factor
is 1.
Activates an object's shape points
so that you can drag them to
change the shape of the object.
First steps with ActivInspire
> Adding and manipulating
shapes
Send Backward
Decrease Object
Size
Edit Shape Points
file:///C|/Program%20Files/Activ%20Software/Inspire/help/en_US/marquee_and_sizing_handles.htm[1/21/2010 6:12:06 PM]
Marquee and Sizing Handles
Sizing Handle
Size Object
Size Object
(Maintain Aspect)
Click and drag to extend and
distort the object
Click and drag to extend the
object proportionately.
First steps with ActivInspire
> Adding and manipulating
shapes
For details of how to add or remove Marquee Handles, see Choosing your tools.
file:///C|/Program%20Files/Activ%20Software/Inspire/help/en_US/marquee_and_sizing_handles.htm[1/21/2010 6:12:06 PM]
Grid Designer
Show Home > Reference > Tools > Grid Designer
Grid Designer
What?
Designing your own custom, grids, or adapt grids in the Resource Library.
Where?
Page Browser Popup Menu
Shortcut?
CTRL+Shift+G (WindowsTM & LinuxTM)
Cmd+Shift+G (Mac® )
How?
The Grid Designer gives you many options. Amongst other things, it lets you select
grid colors and line styles, stack several levels of grid on top of each other, show
or hide the grid, allow or disallow snap, so that objects align themselves
automatically with the grid, show it on top of or behind objects, set X and Y origins
and direction, as well as the size of X and Y steps.
Where can I customize it?
'Grid Designer' Dialog Box
More about ActivInspire > Working with objects > Creating and editing grids
More info...
Working with actions
Reference > Actions > Command Actions
file:///C|/Program%20Files/Activ%20Software/Inspire/help/en_US/grid_designer.htm[1/21/2010 6:12:08 PM]
Copying, pasting and duplicating objects
Show Home > First steps with ActivInspire > Copying, pasting and duplicating objects
Copying, pasting and duplicating objects
You can save a lot of time by re-using objects.
Here we show you how to:
Copy and duplicate objects
Cut and paste objects
Copy and duplicate objects
Copying and duplicating an object sounds similar, but is not quite the same.
Copy and paste an object
When you copy an object, ActivInspire stores it in the Paste buffer, until you decide where you want to put it.
Here are two ways to copy an object.
With the object selected:
From the Edit Menu, select Copy.
Click on the Object Edit Menu and select Copy.
Here are three ways to paste an object.
Navigate to where you want to put the copy of the object. This can be on the same page, another page, or even another open
flipchart:
Click where you want to insert the object and from the Edit Menu select Paste.
Right-click where you want to insert the object and from the Popup Menu select Paste.
To stack one object on top of another:
1. Select the other object.
2. Click on the Object Edit Menu and select Paste. The copied object is stacked on top of the selected object. Both objects
are on the same layer.
Duplicate an object
When you duplicate an object, ActivInspire places the duplicate so that it partly overlaps the original object.
Here are three ways to duplicate an object.
With the object selected:
Click on the Duplicate
Marquee Handle.
From the Edit Menu, select Duplicate.
In the example on the right, note that the second object overlaps the first one.
Alternatively...
You can duplicate the whole page, then delete any unwanted objects from the copy:
Right-click anywhere on the page and from the Popup Menu, select Duplicate.
ActivInspire inserts a duplicate of the current page after the current page.
file:///C|/Program%20Files/Activ%20Software/Inspire/help/en_US/copying_pasting_and_duplicating_objects.htm[1/21/2010 6:12:09 PM]
Copying, pasting and duplicating objects
Back to top
Cut and paste objects
Cutting and pasting an object means removing it and inserting it elsewhere.
Here are two ways to cut and paste an object.
With the object selected:
From the Object Edit Menu, select Cut.
From the File Menu, select Cut.
To paste the object:
From the Object Edit Menu, select Paste.
From the File Menu, select Paste.
Back to top
file:///C|/Program%20Files/Activ%20Software/Inspire/help/en_US/copying_pasting_and_duplicating_objects.htm[1/21/2010 6:12:09 PM]
Inserting pages
Show Home > First steps with ActivInspire > Inserting pages
Inserting pages
Here we show you how to insert different kinds of pages into your flipchart:
Insert a blank page
Insert a snapshot of your desktop
Insert a blank page
1. In the Page Browser, click on the thumbnail of the page before or after which you want to insert a blank page.
2. From the Insert Menu, select Page > Blank Page After Current, or Blank Page Before Current.
Or
From the Page Browser's Popup Menu, select Insert Page > Blank Page After Current, or Blank Page Before
Current.
A blank page is inserted.
Insert a snapshot of your desktop
1. In the Page Browser, click on the thumbnail of the page after which you want to insert a snapshot.
2. From the Insert Menu, select Page > Desktop Snapshot. The 'Insert Page' Popup Box opens.
3. Click on the Camera
A snapshot of your computer's desktop appears in a new page after the current one.
file:///C|/Program%20Files/Activ%20Software/Inspire/help/en_US/inserting_pages.htm[1/21/2010 6:12:11 PM]
Inserting resources
Show Home > First steps with ActivInspire > Inserting resources
Inserting resources
You can add your own resources, use those provided with ActivInspire, or use resource packs that have been imported into the
Resource Library. Use resources as the building blocks for your lessons.
Here we show you how to find a resource and add it to a flipchart. Then we show you how to add a resource to the Resource
Library. Finally, we also show you how to add your own resources to the Resource Library.
First find the resource (ActivInspire Studio)
1. Click on the Resource Browser
The Shared Resources
folder opens in the Browser. This folder contains
resources to share with your colleagues. The Browser also contains buttons to open other folders:
My Resources
opens your personal resources folder.
Other Resource Folder
displays some of your frequently used folders.
Browse to locate another folder your computer, or to create another folder.
Search Resources on Promethean Planet
browser.
opens a dialogue box to allow you to look for files elsewhere on
opens the Resources page of Promethean Planet in your web
2. In the Browser, explore the categories in Shared Resources until you find the one you are looking for, and click on it. The
top half of the Browser now shows the subfolders in that category.
3. Browse to and click on the folder that contains the type of resource you want to insert, for example, maths > tangrams in the
Shared Annotations folder. The bottom half of the Browser shows thumbnails of the resources in this folder.
4. Use the slider to see all the resources in this subfolder.
Back to top
First find the resource (ActivInspire Primary)
1. In the Main Toolbox, click
on the Resource
Browser The
Resource Browser opens
like a film strip along the
bottom edge of the
ActivInspire window. In the
example on the right, you
can see four resources.
The one with the musical
note icon includes a sound
action.
2. Click on Resource
Locations
The
Shared Resources
folder opens in a popup
Here we briefly describe the parts of the Resource Browser in the picture
above.
1
Resources
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Inserting resources
window This folder
contains resources to
share with your colleagues.
The window also contains
buttons to open other
folders:
My Resources
opens your personal
resources folder.
2
Forward and Backward buttons let you scroll through the resources.
3
The Tool Pod contains the following tools:
Resource Locations
Rubberstamp On/Off
Toggle Transparency
Other Resource
Folder
displays
some of your frequently
used folders.
Browse to locate another folder
opens a dialog box to allow you to look for files
elsewhere on your computer, or to create another folder.
Search Resources on Promethean Planet
in your web browser.
opens the Resources page of Promethean Planet
3. In the popup window, explore the categories in Shared Resources, until you find the one you are looking for
and click on it. The pop-up window now shows the subfolders in that category.
4. Browse to and click on the folder that contains the type of resource you want to insert, for example, maths >
tangrams in the Shared Annotations folder. The film strip shows thumbnails of the resources in this folder.
5. Use the Backward and Forward buttons on the film reel
to see all the resources in this subfolder.
Back to top
Insert a resource into the flipchart
Here are several quick ways to insert a resource:
Click on the thumbnail of the resource in the Browser and drag and drop it onto the flipchart page.
Right-click on the thumbnail and select Insert Resource into Flipchart from the Popup Menu.
Click on the Popup Menu and select Insert Resource into Flipchart.
Once you have inserted a resource, you can manipulate it like other objects to suit your needs.
Back to top
Insert a resource into the Resource Library
You can also add your own resources to the Resource Library from a flipchart page. For example, if you want to file and reuse
some images, action objects or containers.
To add a resource to an existing folder in the Resource Library:
1. Open the folder in the Resource Browser.
2. Click and drag the object into the folder in which you want to insert it, then release it. The newly-added resource now
appears in the items section of the Browser. It has the default name of 'ResourceN' where 'Resource' identifies the type of
resource, for example, Image, and 'N' is a number.
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Inserting resources
To rename the resource:
1. Select the resource in the Resource Browser.
2. Select Rename Resource File from the Popup Menu. The 'Rename Resource File' Dialog Box opens.
3. Enter a name and click on OK.
To create a new folder, then add the resource to it:
1. In the Resource Browser, browse to and select the folder where you want to create a new folder.
2. Click on the Resource Browser Folders Menu and select Create New Folder. The 'Create New Folder' Dialog Box opens.
3. Enter a folder name and click on OK.
4. In the Resource Browser, browse to the new folder, then drag and drop the resource as described above.
file:///C|/Program%20Files/Activ%20Software/Inspire/help/en_US/inserting_resources.htm[1/21/2010 6:12:13 PM]
Using grids
Show Home > First steps with ActivInspire > Using grids
Using grids
Here we introduce grids and show you how to use them:
About grids
When to use grids
Insert a grid from the Resource Library
Snap to grid
Show or hide grids
About grids
A grid is one of the components which can make up the background layer of a flipchart. When you apply a grid to a page, you can
still change the color of the background and apply a background image to the page. Any objects, such as annotations and images,
are placed on top of the grid because they exist on a different layer. However, you can move the grid so that it displays on top of
all other objects.
When to use grids
You can use grids in a wide range of activities, here are some ideas:
Position objects accurately
when designing a
presentation and ensure
objects are lined up in the
correct place during drag and
drop activities.
Create your own graph
paper, which you can use to
represent numerical data in a
visual form.
Create guidelines to assist
with drawing threedimensional objects.
Create specialized paper to
represent complex
mathematical functions.
Add scale to your
demonstrations, such as
object transformations.
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Insert a grid from the Resource Library
The Resource Library contains a number of sample grids, which are ready for you to use.
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Using grids
Here we show you how to insert one of these grids into a flipchart:
1. Navigate to the page where you want to insert a grid.
2. Click on the Resource Browser
3. In the Shared Resources folder, click on Grids.
4. Select the category of your choice, for example, Graph Paper > Green. The thumbnails in the Browser show the
available grids.
5. Here are three quick ways to add the grid to the page. Click on the thumbnail of your chosen grid, then:
Drag and drop the grid onto the page.
From the Popup Menu, select Insert into Flipchart.
Right-click on the thumbnail and select Insert into Flipchart.
Snap to Grid
Use Snap to Grid so that items on the flipchart automatically line up with a grid on the page when you move them.
Make items line up with a grid
1. Drag a grid onto the page from the Resource Library.
2. Right-click on the page and select Snap to Grid.
3. Move or create an object, note how it lines up with the grid.
Switch off Snap to Grid
Snap to Grid remains active until you deselect Snap to Grid, or until you delete the grid.
When Snap to Grid is enabled, you may find that objects continue not to snap to the grid. This may be because the
Grid has not been designed to allow snapping to take place.
For details, see Reference > Tools > Grid Designer.
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Show or hide grids
Grids are useful when you are constructing a flipchart, or when you want to align or measure objects precisely. You may want to
show or hide a grid when you are presenting at the board. You can still use the snap to grid feature without showing the grid itself.
We assume that you have already added a grid to the page.
Here we show you two ways to show and hide grids.
Property Browser
1. Click on the page to select it.
2. Open the Property Browser
3. Scroll down to Grid. Set Visible to True to show the grid, or to False to hide it.
Right-click
1. Right-click on the page.
2. Select Hide Grid. This is a toggle switch, you can use it to show or hide the grid.
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Using grids
For details of how to create your own grids with the Grid Designer
, see Creating and editing grids.
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Creating objects
Show Home > First steps with ActivInspire > Creating objects
Creating objects
Here we show you how to:
Create a shape
Change its color
Create a shape
1. Click on Shape
Shapes Menu opens:
The cursor changes to give you a preview of the default shape
, a straight line. The
In ActivInspire Studio, it opens vertically on the right of the ActivInspire window by default.
In ActivInspire Primary, it opens in a horizontal film strip along the bottom edge of the ActivInspire window. Click on
the buttons on the film reel to reveal more shapes.
2. Click on another shape, for example, the triangle. Note that the cursor changes to a triangle
.
3. Position the cursor where you want to start drawing the triangle, then click and drag until you are satisfied with the shape.
Change its color
Here are two ways to change the color of a shape:
Change the outline color
1. Click on Fill
2. Select a colour from the Color Palette.
In ActivInspire Studio, this is in the Main Toolbox.
In ActivInspire Primary, this is in a pod at the bottom of the ActivInspire window.
3. Position the cursor over the outline of the shape and click. The outline color changes to the one you chose.
If you click near, but not on the outline, the whole page will be filled with the color you selected. Just click on
Undo
and try again.
Change the fill color
New shapes are filled by default. Changing the fill color is even easier than changing the outline color:
1. Click on Fill
2. Select a color from the Color Palette.
3. Position the cursor over the centre of the shape and click. The shape fills with the color you chose.
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Creating objects
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Easy teacher tricks
Show Home > First steps with ActivInspire > Easy teacher tricks
Easy teacher tricks
ActivInspire helps you include images, color and interactivity in your lessons. Here are some ideas on how to make the most of the
software:
1. Use color and fonts
Interactive whiteboards give you the opportunity to use many colors in your classes. It’s easy to get into the habit of using only one
or two fonts. Explore the full range of fonts available, but remember to choose strong colors that work well on the board, keep your
layout uncluttered, so that the aims and objectives of the lesson don't get lost in the detail. 2. Raid the Resource Library
In the Resource Library you’ll find a wide range of images, backgrounds and other resources.
3. Use many pages
Spread exercises over a number of pages to help you control the pace of lessons.
4. Re-save your flipcharts
When you teach with your flipcharts you will customize them for each class. Re-save the flipchart with a different name when you
have finished teaching the lesson and distribute the flipchart to your students.
5. Print your flipcharts
Use the pages as handouts.
6. Explore the presentation tools
Take advantage of ActivInspire’s presentation features to make lessons more creative and engaging. What do the Revealer
the Spotlight
the Tickertape
and Magic Ink
do?
7. Get your students involved
Encourage students to do presentations at the board; let them create their own pages; let them take control of tools; let them work
together in Dual User mode; ask them ad-hoc questions to stimulate discussion.
8. Share your flipcharts
And make sure your colleagues share their flipcharts with you!
9. Incorporate your current resources into the flipchart
If you already use CD-ROMs, DVDs and USB storage devices, use them with your flipcharts. Use scanners to copy handouts
you’ve already created – but remember to take advantage of ActivInspire's opportunities for interactivity.
10. Keep the focus on what is being learned
ActivInspire offers excellent opportunities for flexible teaching, making it look like you’re being spontaneous whilst sticking strictly to
the lesson plan laid down in the flipchart.
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Popup Menus
Show Home > Reference > Menus and Popup Menus > Popup Menus
Popup Menus
Popup Menus are context specific, for example, the Object Edit Menu is only available when you are working with objects.
You can display Popup Menus by clicking on this icon
, or by right-clicking on a flipchart page or object.
For full details of the tools provided in ActivInspire, see Reference > Tools.
Here we give you an overview of the tools and functions available in the Popup Menus in ActivInspire:
Object Edit Menu
Page Menu
Resource Browser Folders Menu
Resource Browser Items Menu
Object Edit Menu
When you have selected an object, you can also display the Object Edit Menu from this Marquee Handle
You can access the following functions from the Object Edit Menu:
Tool
Property
Browser
Studio
Primary
Description
Opens the Property Browser.
More info...
A tour of ActivInspire > Exploring
ActivInspire Studio > ActivInspire's
Browsers > Property Browser
A tour of ActivInspire > Exploring
ActivInspire Primary >
ActivInspire's Browsers > Property
Browser
Action Browser
Opens the Action Browser.
A tour of ActivInspire > Exploring
ActivInspire Studio > ActivInspire's
Browsers > Action Browser
A tour of ActivInspire > Exploring
ActivInspire Primary >
ActivInspire's Browsers > Action
Browser
Edit Shape
Points
Activates an object's shape points
so that you can drag them to
change the shape of the object.
First steps with ActivInspire >
Adding and manipulating shapes
Insert link to
file...
Opens the Insert Link to File
Dialog Box.
More about ActivInspire > Working
with objects > Adding and
removing links
Cut
Copy
First steps with ActivInspire >
Copying, pasting and duplicating
objects
First steps with ActivInspire >
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Popup Menus
Cuts, copies, pastes, duplicates or
deletes the selected object.
Paste
Deleting stuff
Delete
Transform
Reorder
Displays tools for changing the
position, size and alignment of the
selected object.
Toggle Locked
More about ActivInspire > Working
with objects > Transforming
objects
Displays tools for moving selected
objects to a different place in the
stacking order, or to another layer
Reference > Menus and Popup
Menus > Menubar > Edit
Toggle switch. Locks or unlocks
selected object(s) so that they can
or cannot be moved or grouped
with other objects.
A tour of ActivInspire > Exploring
ActivInspire Studio > ActivInspire's
Browsers > Object Browser
Toggle Grouped
Toggle switch. Groups selected
objects so that you can work on
them as a single object.
Toggle Hidden
Toggle switch. Shows or hides the
selected object(s).
Toggle Drag a
Copy
Toggle switch. Enables or disables
the ability to click on an object
and create another copy by
dragging it away from the original.
A tour of ActivInspire > Exploring
ActivInspire Primary >
ActivInspire's Browsers > Object
Browser
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Page Menu
This menu is available from the Page Browser and by right-clicking on a flipchart page.
Tool
Description
Insert Page
More info...
Reference > Menubar > Insert
First steps with ActivInspire > Inserting
pages
Blank Page Before Current
Blank Page After Current
Desktop Snapshot
Inserts a blank page before or after the
current one.
Minimizes ActivInspire and opens the
'Insert Page' Popup Box with the
Camera set to 'Take a Snapshot'.
More about ActivInspire > Working at
the board > Using the Camera
Reference > Tools > Camera
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Popup Menus
More Page Templates
Opens a 'User Selected' folder.
Has the same effect as clicking on the
Other Resource Folder icon in the
Resource Browser.
More about ActivInspire > Working with
resources > Adding resources to a
flipchart
Insert Question
Launches the 'Insert Question' Wizard.
Using Learner Response Systems >
Prepared questions - Using the
Question Wizard
Export Page
Opens the 'Export Page' Dialog Box.
More about ActivInspire > Importing and
exporting files
Set Background
Opens the 'Set Background' Dialog Box.
Select from:
Fill
Image
Desktop Snapshot
Desktop Overlay
Grid Designer
Opens the Grid Designer.
Hide Grid
Hides the grid.
Snap to Grid
Makes moving objects snap to the grid.
Add to Resource Library
Adds the selected item to the 'My
Resources' folder.
More about ActivInspire > Working with
resources
Cuts, copies, pastes, duplicates or
deletes the current flipchart page.
Add Page
More about ActivInspire > Working with
objects > Creating and editing grids
Add Background
Add Grid
Cut
Copy
Paste
Duplicate
Delete
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Resource Browser Folders Menu
This menu is available in the Folders section of the Resource Browser.
Tool
Description
Export to Resource Pack...
Opens the 'Save as...' Dialog Box.
More info...
More about ActivInspire > Working with
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Popup Menus
Import Resource Pack Here...
Only available for top-level folder in 'My
Resources' and 'Shared Resources'.
Rename Folder
Delete Folder
Only available for lower-level folders in
'My Resources', 'Shared Resources'
and 'User Selected' folders.
Create New Folder
Opens a dialog box to let you rename,
delete or create a folder.
resources > Importing and exporting
resource packs
Resource Browser Items Menu
This menu is available in the Resources section of the Resource Browser.
Tool
Description
More info...
View Mode
View as list
Displays resources in the folder as a
list or grid.
View as grid
Thumbnail Size
Small
Displays small or large thumbnails of
resources.
A tour of ActivInspire > Exploring
ActivInspire Studio > ActivInspire's
Browsers > Resource Browser
A tour of ActivInspire > Exploring
ActivInspire Primary >ActivInspire's
Browsers > Resource Browser
Large
Insert into Flipchart
Inserts selected resource into the
current flipchart page.
First steps with ActivInspire > Inserting
resources
More about ActivInspire > Working with
resources > Adding resources to a
flipchart
Rename Resource File
Opens the 'Rename Resource File'
Dialog Box. Lets you enter a new
filename and save the resource.
Delete from Library
Deletes the selected resource from the
Resource Library.
Back to top
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