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50 Time-Saving Tipsfor Lectora Development

Reuse Course Elements9. Create Library Objects.

Tools > Library Object > Save the current selectionas a Library Object

Tools > Library Object > Insert a Library Object froma file

10. Use Shared/Online Library Objects. Tools > Library Object > Share a Library Object

online

Tools > Library Object > Insert an online LibraryObject

11. Use Library Objects Instead of Page Layouts.

Library objects can keep actual text, media, andprogramming, rather than just placeholders.

12. Use Library Objects Instead of Title Templates.Templates include title-level elements. Libraryobjects can include anything: standard pagelayouts, standard interactions, course utilities, pop-upchapters, etc.

13. Import Objects From an Existing Title.Tools > Import from Existing Title

Customize the Environment4. Customize Toolbars.

View > Toolbars and Docking Windows > Customize

5. Add Visibility Icons.File > Preferences > General tab

6. Hide Interface Elements.File > Preferences > General tab

7. Set up Media Editors.File > Preferences > Editors

8. Rearrange Properties and the Title Explorer.Drag and drop panes, autohide panes, etc.

Use Keyboard Shortcuts1. Use Standard Keyboard Shortcuts.

Tab, Enter, Space Bar, etc.

2. Learn Lectora Shortcuts.See Users Guide orwww.e-learninguncovered.com.

3. Assign Your Own Keyboard Shortcuts.File > Preferences > Hotkeys

Make Page Layout More Efficient19. Use Shift + to Move 10 Pixels.20. Use Shift + Drag to Constrain Size or Position.21. Create Styles.

Text Style drop-down menu > Edit Styles

22. Add Custom Colors to the Palette.Any color menu > Custom > Add to Custom Colors

23. Change Size and Position in the Status Bar.

24. Use the Make Same Height/Width Tools.Layout toolbar

25. Set up Custom Guides. View > Show Guides

View > Show Rulers

View > Snap to Guides

26. Offset Objects from Right and Bottom. This lets you change the page size and still have

your objects appear at the bottom of the page.

Properties > Size and Position tab

27. Create a Pop-Up Chapter with Multiple Sizes.This way, you dont have to change default settingsand adjust inherited object placement for individualpop-up pages.

Save Time With Images & Media14. Drag and Drop Images to a Page.

15. Use Shapes for Layout and Swap out WithImages Later.This lets you set up and test your layout andprogramming even if the graphics arent ready yet.

16. Update Objects in the Images or Media FoldersWhen you swap out updated files in these folders,

the title is updated without you even having to openit.

17. Name Your Images With Alt Text.If you are using alt text, make that the file name.

18. Use the Media Library to Delete UnneededResources.This gives you more control over the all-or-nothingoption during publishing.

Diane Elkins | Artisan E-Learning | dpelkins@artisanelearning.com | www.artisanelearning.c

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General Production Tips45. Increase Your Typing Speed.

An increase from 35 wpm (average) to 70 wpmmakes typing twice as fast!

46. Get a Second Monitor.University of Utah study says second monitor helpedusers complete tasks up to 52% faster, saving up to2.5 hours per day.

47. Set up AutoCorrect in Word for StandardPhrases.Such as CN2 for Click Next to Continue.

48. Set up Storyboard Macros in Word.Create buttons or keystrokes to build templates, addtext, etc.

49. Name Storyboards With Keywords.Then name all corresponding elements with thesame keyword.

50. Have a Good Comment Tracking System.Excel, Sharepoint

Create Custom Buttons Quickly40. Add More Than One Button at Once With the

Button Wizard.Multi-select stock buttons or create several custombuttons all in one wizard session.

41. Create Image Buttons With Wingdings.This lets you use the button wizard to create customimage buttons right in Lectora.

42. Make a Copy of an Existing Button Using theResource Manager.Tools > Resource Manager > select the button >Make Unique Resource

43. Reset the Button Wizard to Match an ExistingButton.Edit > Finish

44. Make 3-Phase Buttons in PowerPoint.Save three variations: Normal, Clicked, Mouseover.

Streamline Actions and Variables33. Put an Underscore at the Beginning of Variable

Names.This way, you dont need to scroll through all thesystem variables to find what you want.

34. Name Related Variables so They AppearTogether Alphabetically.For example, use _Uniform-Apron and _Uniform-Nametag instead of _Apron and _Nametag sothat they appear together in the li st.

35. Use the This Object Action Target.This makes actions more reusable.

36. Temporarily Rearrange Pages so That Go ToTargets Are at the Top.For example, if you are linking to a number of pop-up pages, move those pages to the top of the TitleExplorer so that they appear first in the pageselection list.

37. Set up Automatic Page Headings.Change contents action on a text box toCurrentPageName.

38. Copy and Paste Conditions.Action Properties > Conditions tab.

39. Put an X at the Beginning of IncorrectQuestion Feedback Pages.This can reduce errors when you set up correct andincorrect feedback.

Make Editing and Reviews Faster28. Color Code Notes to Track Tasks and Issues.

Tools > Add a NoteRight-click note > Note ColorTools > Notes Report > sort by color

29. Use Dynamic Text for Information Thats Likely toChange. Title properties > Content tab > Dynamic Text

Text properties > Dynamic Text

30. Add a Drop-Down Table of Contents to AllCourses During Production.This lets editors move around freely. You can alwaysremove it if you dont want to keep it.

31. Right-Click a Misspelled Word to Fix It.

32. Double-Click a Publishing Error Message to Go

to the Error.

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