Entering Information in WIDS

Data Entry

WIDS offers two types of data entry:  text boxes and grid rows.

Text Boxes:  To enter data into a text box, simply put the page into edit mode and type in the box.   Some fields allow formatting.  If you are copy pasting data from a Microsoft Word document, it is best to clean or remove the formatting before pasting the text into WIDS.  

Grid Rows:  If the page does not provide text boxes, you can add a grid row to enter the data.  To add a grid row, place the page into edit mode.   WIDS displays an Add and Import from Text option (import from text is not available on all pages).   When you click Add, WIDS opens a dialogue box for you to enter the data for a single item (a single program outcome for example).  When you click Import from Text, WIDS opens a dialogue box where you can copy or enter multiple items (multiple program outcomes for example).  Clicking Edit next to the grid row allows you to change the item.

Reordering Grid Rows:  Some grid rows can be reordered. Change the order of items by “dragging and dropping” an item from row to row. If they are available, grab the grip dots to drag.  If they are not available, click the area to the left of the item you want to move. A copy of the row you selected will pop out, indicating that it’s ready for you to move it.  You must be in edit mode to reorder grid rows.

Sorting Grid Rows:  Some grid rows can be sorted for viewing purposes.  If the headers of a grid are brown in color, they are sortable.  To sort the column, just click the header.   Sorts do not save after you leave the page.

Copy Paste in WIDS

When copying and pasting text from a Microsoft Word document, it is best to clean or remove the formatting before pasting the text into WIDS. Microsoft Word creates extra code that can cause unusual formatting and in some cases error messages in WIDS.  To ensure you aren’t copying extraneous HTML,  copy your text, and then paste from Word into Notepad). Once you have pasted the text into Notepad, simply copy it again and paste into the desired WIDS textbox editor. Notepad strips the code and formatting so that you can then use the visual editor in WIDS to change the formatting and font styles.