Tool Factory Workshop Guide

Tool Factory Workshop Overview 

Included in your purchase of Tool Factory Workshop are the 

following easy to use programs: 

Tool Factory Word Processor - Best in class for creativity and 

page layout. 

Tool Factory Spreadsheet - Power and flexibility - you can 

count on it! 

Tool Factory Math Draw - A revolutionary vector drawing tool 

that will change the way you teach math. 

Tool Factory Database - The first multi media enhanced 

database with attitude! It’s our best seller! 

Just look at the footer at the bottom right of every page to find 

the instructions for the program you are looking for. 

www.toolfactory.com

Minimum System Requirements 

Windows 98SE, 300 MHZ, 64 MB (128 MB recommended), 300 

MB HDD space (600 MB recommended), resolution of 800 x 

600. 

Tool Factory Resources and Clip Art 

700 MB HDD space. 

Tool Factory Workshop Installation Instructions 

• Insert the CD into the CD drive and the install program will 

autostart. 

If the installer does not auto-start; 

- Open ‘My Computer’ and navigate to the drive which contains 

the CD. 

Right click on the drive and select ‘AutoPlay’. The installation 

program will now run. 

• Follow the instructions from the appropriate section(s). 

- Local Installation (see below). 

You will have the option to click ‘Cancel’ and ‘Back’ buttons 

throughout the installation. These will exit the installer without 

installing or moveyou backwards through the process. 

Please follow these instructions to install the software onto a 

stand alone PC (including local installation on a networked PC). 

Welcome to InstallShield Wizard for Tool Factory 

Workshop 

• Click ‘Next’ to proceed. 

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Installation Instructions 

‘Licence Agreement’ 

• Read the licence agreement. You can print a copy if you wish 

by clicking the ‘Print’ button. 

• Select ‘I accept the terms in the licence agreement’ and then 

click ‘Next’ to continue. 

‘Destination Folder’ 

The default location for the product and resources to install to is 

the Program Files folder and the Tool Factory folder on the local 

drive. (To change the install location click the ‘Change’ button 

and select the location you wish to install to. Click the ‘OK’ 

button.) 

• Once you have chosen the location or accepted the default 

location click the ‘Next’ button to continue. 

‘Setup Type’ 

• Choose from (a) ‘Complete’ installation, which installs the entire 

product to one location or (b) ‘Custom’ installation, which allows 

you to install different parts of the product to different locations. If 

you are installing the product on a server we recommend you 

choose the ‘Complete’ installation. 

a) ‘Ready to Install the Program’ 

• Click the ‘Install’ button to complete the installation process. 

b) ‘Custom Setup’ 

This window allows you to select different installation locations 

for different parts of the product. You can also choose not to 

install an individual part of the product e.g. ‘Tool Factory 

Resources’. 

• To change the installation location of a section of the product 

select the appropriate title and then click on the ‘Change’ 

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Installation Instructions 

button. Choose a location and click ‘OK’. (Clicking on the ‘Space’ 

button will allow you to see how much space you have on the 

computer and other mapped drives.) 

• To remove a section from the installation, click on the drop down 

menu next to the title and select the appropriate option. 

• Click on the ‘Next’ button when you have finished customising the 

installation and wish to proceed with the installation. 

• ‘Shortcut Setup’ 

Choose the icons you would like to be installed to your desktop. 

• ‘Ready to Install the Program’ 

Click the ‘Install’ button to complete the installation process. 

‘InstallingTool Factory Workshop’ 

This window displays the progress of the installation. 

‘InstallShield Wizard Completed’ 

• Click on the ‘Register’ button to register your product with us. This 

will only take a few minutes and we can then keep you right up to 

date. 

• Now click ‘Finish’. 

Enter your serial number and key 

To complete the process and to license your product, enter the serial 

number and key printed on your purchased licence. To do this: 

• Open the product. Go to the ‘Start’ button on your desktop and in 

‘All Programs’ select ‘Tool Factory’ then ‘Tool Factory Workshop’, 

then open any program. 

• Click ‘Help’ on the menu bar, then ‘Upgrade’. 

• Enter your serial number, key and user name (minimum 7 

characters). 

Click ‘OK’. 

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2 

Foreword 

Tool Factory Workshop has been quoted as “the most childfriendly 

office suite ever built!” We have listened to thousands 

of teachers who use Tool Factory Workshop every day to 

inform the development of the next version. 

Tool Factory Workshop is a fully integrated set of software 

tools. This revolutionary principle means that all the tools have 

the same easy-to-use interface and, because they all work in a 

similar way, having mastered one, the others are easy to pick 

up. Tool Factory Workshop has been carefully thought out to 

give you EIGHT KEY TOOLS in a single application making it 

ideal for embedding technology standards into curriculum. 




page layout. 



Tool Factory Painter - A vibrant paint package to inspire 

creative young minds. 


count on it! 

Tool Factory Word Processor

Tool Factory Decision Tree - A powerful and imaginative way 

to sort and classify. 

Tool Factory Slide Show - Create top-notch presentations to 

be proud of. 

Tool Factory Logo - Flexible, progressive kid-friendly 

computer programming language. 

All of the above tools share a common interface and therefore 

the same desktop icon . 

Free Tutorials and training materials! Download 

free training materials, comprehensive 

powerpoint teaching presentations, and 

printable step-by-step tutorials for every single 

application! 

For further information about any of our products visit 

www.toolfactory.com, call us at (800) 220-8386 or email 

www.toolfactory.com 3

4 

Contents 

• Introduction 

• Getting Started 

• Using Tool Factory as a Basic Word Processor 

-Add Text 

-Add Images, Video Clips or Sound 

-Add Graphics 

• Using Tool Factory as a Talking Word Processor 

- Basic Speech Facility 

- Additional Speech Options 

• Using Tool Factory Tools and Effects 

- Group Objects Together 

- Text Effects 

- Text Tools 

- Graphics Effects 

- Graphics Tools 

- Page Effects 

- Page Tools 

• Tool Factory Special Features and Tools 

- Draw a Table 

- Create a Word Bank 

- Record a Sound 

- Links 

- Saving Individualized Options 

• Resource Bank 

• Help 

Tool Factory Word Processor 

5 

6 

9 

9 

10 

10 

12 

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13 

15 

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32 

35

Introduction 

Tool Factory Word Processor is a highly versatile and powerful 

program with word processing, desktop publishing and 

multimedia capabilities all in one. 

Tool Factory Word Processor is ideal for daily writing and 

publishing tasks. You can use the screen like a piece of paper, 

just click anywhere and type. Text and graphics (clipart, 

graphics, digital photos, and images taken with a digital 

microscope) can be instantly sized, colored, moved, rotated, 

cropped or copied just by clicking the mouse. Its multimedia 

capabilities mean that video, sound recordings and animated 

objects can all be easily added to a document. In addition, all 

forms of written text (letters, words, sentences or whole 

paragraphs) can be read out loud through the natural sounding 

speech engine. 


6 

Getting Started 

• Go to the ‘Start’ button on your 

desktop and in ‘All Programs’ 

select ‘Tool Factory Word 

Processor’. 

Alternatively double click on the 

shortcut on your desktop. 

A Word Processor page will be displayed, with the ’General’ 

and ‘Word Processor’ toolbar already open (Fig.1). 

Additional Word Processor toolbars can be added or removed 

at any time within the ‘Toolbar control’ window. Each toolbar 

contains a set of buttons which have been 

grouped under the headings ‘Graphics’, 

‘Text’, ‘Highlight’, ‘Table’ and ‘Additional’. 

• These toolbars can be added by clicking on 

the ‘Toolbar control’ button , then 

selecting the toolbars required from the 

‘Toolbar control’ window (Fig.2). 

Word 

Processor 

Toolbar 

(Fig.4) 

Fig.4 


Fig.1 

Fig.2

Highlighter Toolbar (Fig.5) 

Table Toolbar (Fig.6) 

Additional 

Toolbar (Fig.7) 

Fig.7 

Fig.5 

Fig.6 

• Close the ‘Toolbar Control’ window when you have opened 

the toolbars you require. 

Once displayed these toolbars can be repositioned by clicking 

on their left-hand edge (a double-headed arrow will appear) 

and dragging them into place. You can also move the toolbars 

to the bottom of the screen, making them easier to use on a 

whiteboard. Click on 'Toolbars' on the menu bar, then 'Move to 

bottom'. To revert the toolbars, click on 'Toolbars' then 'Move to 

top'. Or right mouse click on any toolbar and select ‘Move to 

bottom’. 

Personalize Which Toolbar Buttons are Displayed 

The 'Toolbar control' window allows the user to select not only 

which Word Processor toolbar(s) to display but also to select 

which buttons from each toolbar are shown. This feature 

enables you to totally personalize the toolbar to meet your 

individual students' needs or lesson requirements. 


Add/Remove Individual Toolbar Buttons 

• Open the 'Toolbar control' window. 

(Fig.2 on page 6) 

• ‘Ctrl+Shift+T’ will open a visual 

toolbar control window (Fig.8) which 

allows you to configure which buttons 

appear on the toolbars. 

Fig.8 

• Click on individual buttons to 

enable/disable them as required. You can also switch 

toolbars on and off in this window. 

• Click on the 'Back' button to return to the first window or 

close the window. 

Disabled buttons will no longer appear within the toolbar 

displayed on the screen. The new settings will be saved 

automatically so that each time Tool Factory Workshop is 

opened the same personalized buttons will be displayed. 

When a Tool Factory Word Processor document is saved the 

information about which toolbars are open will be saved 

enabling Tool Factory Workshop to automatically display those 

toolbars when the document is reopened. This feature makes it 

easier for students to continue working on a document over 

time or set up templates. 

The buttons displayed on the toolbar(s) will be determined by 

the options applied to the individual computer rather than 

those within the saved document. 

8 


Using Tool Factory as a Basic Word 

Processor 

In Word Processor the screen is just like a piece of paper, and 

text and graphics can be placed anywhere on the page. 

Add Text 

Click with the mouse pointer anywhere on screen and begin to 

type. Text will automatically be ‘wrapped’, enabling it to be 

selected as one single unit for editing or repositioning. If you 

want to be able to select words/sentences separately you will 

need to click elsewhere on the screen before typing. 

Use the Spell Checker and Dictionary 

If a word is misspelled, or a word is entered 

that the spell checker does not recognize, 

the word will be highlighted. The word can 

be corrected by editing it (i.e. click and 

retype) or you can right mouse click and 

Fig.9 

use the ‘Spelling’ window (Fig.10). 

To use the spell checker it needs to be 

switched on. Turn the spell ‘check’ on by 

selecting ‘Tools’ on the menu bar, then 

‘Options’ followed by ‘General’ and then 

click in the box next to the word ‘Check’. 

• The word can be replaced directly by either: Fig.10 

- right clicking on the word, to bring up an 

alternative word or list of words, then clicking once on the 

correct word (Fig.9). 

- or by clicking on the word then on the ‘Spell’ button on 


the ‘Text’ toolbar to open the ‘Spelling’ window and double 

clicking on the correct word (Fig.10 on page 9). 

• If the word is not found in the list provided open the ‘Spelling’ 

window, then click in the box to the left of the word 

‘dictionary’ to view more options. 

• To add a word to the dictionary, open the ‘Spelling’ window 

and click on the ‘Add’ button. 

Add Images, Video Clips or Sound 

Images, video clips and sound can all be 

easily inserted into a Word Processor page. 

The bank will be open by default. It can be 

toggled open/closed by clicking on the 

‘Resource Bank’ button on the ‘General’ 

toolbar (Fig.11). 

• Open the folder containing the images, 

video clips or sounds by browsing through 

the folders, or by using the search facility. 

• Click on the image, video clip or sound 

required, then drag and drop it onto your 

page. 

Add Graphics 

• Pre-drawn Shapes 

(See the ‘Find the Shapes’ example in the ‘Resource Bank’.) 

- Right click on the ‘Polygon’ button to open the 

‘Shapes menu’. 

- Select a shape from the menu with a click, then drag and 

drop it onto the page. 

- Close the ‘Shapes’ window. 

10 


Fig.11

• Lines, Rectangles or Circles 

- Click on the ‘Line’ , ‘Rectangle’ or ‘Circle’ 

button. The mouse pointer will change to crosshairs when 

over the page. 

- Click on the page then drag the crosshairs across the page 

to create your line or shape. To get a perfect square or circle 

hold down the Ctrl button while dragging out the shape. 

Select Objects 

• Either, click directly on the object (text needs a double click). 

Or, click near to the object then, still holding the left mouse 

button down, drag the pointer over the object. 

• Once selected, a red selection box will surround the object 

(Fig.12). 

Cut, Copy and Paste Objects 

• Select the object to be copied, or cut. 

• Click on the ‘Copy’ or ‘Cut’ button on the ‘General’ 

toolbar. 

• Paste an object by clicking on the page where 

you want the object to go, then clicking on the 

‘Paste’ button on the ‘General’ toolbar. 

• Another way to copy and paste an object is to Fig.12 

select the object, then, without releasing the left hand mouse 

button, click and hold the ‘Ctrl’ button on your keyboard and 

drag a copy off the original. 

Reposition Text, Images and Graphics 


• Select the object to be moved with a double click. 

• Hover the mouse pointer over the object so that it changes to 

a hand. 

• Click and drag the object to its new position. 

Resize Text, Images and Graphics 


• Hover the mouse pointer over any corner of the object 

selection box until the pointer changes to a sizing arrow. 

• Click and drag the object outwards or inwards until it is the 

desired size. 

Crop Images 


• Hover the mouse pointer over the blue boxes surrounding the 

image. 

• Click and drag the object outwards or inwards until the 

desired crop is reached. 

12 

Using Tool Factory as a Talking Word 

Processor 

Basic Speech Facility 

Hearing Spoken Text 

Text in Word Processor can be read out loud by the natural 

sounding speech engine at any time. 


• Click at the beginning of the text to be spoken. 

• Click on the ’Speech’ button on the ‘General’ toolbar. 

All text written beyond where the caret is placed will be 

spoken. 

Additional Speech Options 

To Open the Speech Menu 

• Click on ‘Tools’ on the menu bar then 

‘Options’. 

• Click on ‘Speech’. The ‘Speech’ menu 

will now be displayed (Fig.13). 

Fig.13 

Alternatively, the ‘Speech’ menu can be 

opened, once text has been added to the page, by right 

clicking on the ‘Speech’ button. 

Speak Words On Click 

When this option is selected individual words are spoken 

automatically each time they are clicked on. See the ‘Rhyming 

Words’ example in the ‘Resource Bank’. Whole sentences or 

paragraphs can still be read by clicking on the ‘Speech’ button, 

as explained above. 

• Open the ‘Speech’ menu then click in the box to the left of 

the words ‘Speak on click’ so that it is checked (Fig. 13). 

Hear All the Text on the Page 

When this option is selected any text on the page is repeatedly 

spoken once the ‘Speech’ button is clicked on. 

• Open the ‘Speech’ menu then click in the ‘Continuous’ 


checkbox (Fig.13). 

Speak as You Type 

As text is typed it can be spoken either as individual letters, 

letter sounds, part words, words or complete sentences. 

• Open the ‘Speech’ menu then select one or more of the five 

‘Speak as you type’ options by clicking in the corresponding 

boxes (Fig.13 on page 13). 

Letters 

Sounds 

Part Words 

Words 

Sentences 

Change the Volume or Speed at Which Text is Read 

• Either open the ‘Speech’ menu as above, or open the 

‘Effects’ window by selecting the text and clicking on the 

‘Effects’ button on the ‘General’ toolbar then clicking on 

‘Speech’. 

• Move the control slider, (Fig.13 on page 13), to the desired 

speed or volume. As they are moved you will be able to hear 

the effect. 

Edit the Hightlight Color of Spoken Text 

As text is spoken it can be highlighted in a color, making it 

easy for students to follow. 

• Either open the ‘Speech’ menu or the ‘Effects’ window as 

described above. 

• Click on the ‘Color’ button (Fig.13 on page 13) to select a 

color for the text to change to, as it is spoken. 

14 


Edit the Speech Voice 

The speech voice can be changed to a 

different voice from the drop down menu 

provided. For example, you might wish 

to use a male voice instead of a female 

one. 

• Open the ‘Speech’ menu (see Page 13). 

Fig.14 

• Click on the arrow to the right of the 

name of the current voice (i.e. ‘Laura’) to open the drop 

down menu of voice options (Fig.14). 

• Click on a name to select their voice. As each voice is clicked 

on you will be able to hear them say their name. 

Using Tool Factory Tools and Effects 

Group Objects Together 

Objects (text, images, graphics, frames, etc.) can be grouped 

together. Once grouped they can be treated as one unit, 

making it easier to resize, reposition, and apply text or graphic 

effects. 

• Select the objects to group by selecting on one object, then 

right clicking on all the other objects to be included. Or, click 

near the objects then drag the mouse pointer across the 

screen, releasing it when all the objects have been selected 

(Fig.15 on page 16). 


• Click on the ‘Group’ button on 

the ‘Additional’ toolbar. All selected 

objects will now be grouped and 

can be selected with a single click 

(Fig.16). 

• To separate the group, select the 

group and click on the ‘Group’ 

button . 

Text Effects 

Edit the Font Style, Size or Color 

• Select the text to be edited then 

click on the ‘Effects’ button . 

• Open the ‘Typeface’ tab within the 

‘Effects’ window (Fig.17). 

- Font Style: Click on the arrow 

button next to the current font then 

select a new font style from the drop 

down menu. 

- Font Size: Choose from one of the 

nine preset sizes, or type a new size 

directly into the box. 

- Font Color: Select a color from the 

color menu or click on ‘More colors’ for 

a wider choice. 

Make Text Bold, Underlined or Italic 

• Select the text to be adjusted. 

• Click on the ‘Bold’ , ‘Underline’ and/or ‘Italic’ 

16 


Fig.15 

Fig.16 

Fig.17

uttons on the ‘Text’ toolbar. Alternatively, these same effects 

can be achieved by clicking on the corresponding buttons in 

the ‘Typeface’ tab within the ‘Effects’ window. 

Shadow or Frame Text 

• Select the text to be shadowed or framed. 

• Either, click on the ‘Effects’ button to open the ‘Effects’ 

window then select the ‘Shadow’ or ‘Frame’ checkbox (Fig.17 

on page 16). 

Or, press ‘ctrl o’ (shadow), or ‘ctrl f’ (frame), on your 

keyboard. 

Text Tools 

Highlighter Pens 

Text can be highlighted in one 

of five colors. 

• Open the ‘Highlighter’ toolbar 

Fig.18 

from the ‘Toolbar control’ 

window (Fig.2 on page 6). 

• Click on the ‘Highlighter pen’ you wish to use (Fig.18). 

• Click in front of the text to be highlighted then, keeping the 

left hand mouse button held down, drag the highlighter over 

the text. Release the mouse to stop. 

The ‘Highlighter pen’ will remain selected and can be 

used at any time. Click on the selected ‘Highlighter 

Fig.19 

pen’ or close the toolbar to deselect it. 

• Remove a highlight by clicking on the ‘Remove highlight’ pen 

(Fig.19) 


Insert a Text Frame 

A text frame can be used to keep text within a set area. It 

could also be used to provide students with a writing frame, 

using preselected font sizes, styles and colors. 

• Click on ‘Other’ on the menu bar then ‘Add text frame’, or 

press F7 on your keyboard. 

• The mouse pointer will change to crosshairs. Click on the left 

side of the screen and drag the crosshairs across the screen 

to create the frame. 

• The frame can be resized or repositioned by first selecting it 

with a double click. Then, hover over a corner until the sizing 

arrow appears, or hover inside the box so that the mouse 

pointer changes to a hand allowing you to move the frame. 

• To lock the text frame in place, so that it cannot be moved 

when text or images are added, first select the frame then 

click on ‘Tools’ on the menu bar then ‘Lock to page’. 

Use Text Flows to Create Newspaper Style Columns 

A text flow can be created 

between text frames so that once 

one is full the text automatically 

flows into the next. A newspaper 

page is a fantastic use of this 

feature as the text needs to flow 

from one column into the next. 

• Create two text frames (as 

above) and select them. 

• Press ‘Ctrl w’ on your keyboard, 

or click ‘Other’ on the menu bar 

then ‘Add flow/flow text’. 

Fig.20 

18 


Size and Color Gradient Text 

Blocks of text can be size and color graded so that the text 

starts off one color, or size, and gradually changes until it 

becomes a different color, or size, at the end. (See the word 

‘repeat’ in the ‘Calligrams’ example in the ‘Resource Bank’.) 

• Change the font size, and/or 

color, of the first and/or last 

word (or letter in a word) of the 

text you wish to grade, so that 

they are different sizes, or colors 

Fig.21 

(Fig.21). 

• Then place the caret at one end of the text and drag the 

cursor across the text while 

holding down the left mouse 

button. The letters will be 

highlighted in grey as they are 

Fig.22 

selected (Fig.22). 

• Either press ‘Ctrl’ and ‘g’ on 

your keyboard, or click on 

‘Effects’ on the menu bar then 

‘Grade’. The words (or letters in 

a word) will now be size, or color, 

Fig.23 

graded (Fig.23). 


Graphics Effects 

Graphic effects can also be applied to an 

image. For example, to create a 

silhouette or have a faint background on 

a page. 

• Select the shape or line then click on 

the ‘Effects’ button to open the 

‘Graphics effects’ window (Fig.24) 

Edit the Line Style 

• Click on ‘Style’ then select the desired line style and/or 

thickness (Fig.24). 

Edit the Line or Fill Color 

See the words ‘hide’ and ‘reveal’ in the ‘Calligrams’ example in 

the ‘Resource Bank’. 

• Click on ‘Line Color’ or ‘Fill Color’ 

(Fig.24) then select a color from 

the color menu or click on ‘More 

colors’ for a wider choice 

(Fig.25). 

Fig.25 

Add Arrow Heads to Lines and Pre-drawn Shapes 

• Click on ‘Arrows’ (Fig.26) then select an arrow head by 

clicking on it. It will automatically be 

placed at the end of your line, or on 

your shape outline. 

• Increase or decrease the size of the 

20 


Fig.24 

Fig.26

arrow head by clicking on the small triangles to the right of 

the words ‘Arrow head’. 

Add a Shadow or a Frame to a Graphic 

• Click in the box to the left of the word ‘Shadow’ or ‘Frame’ so 

that it is checked (Fig.24 on page 20). 

Alternatively, press ‘ctrl o’ (shadow), or ‘ctrl f’ (frame), on 

your keyboard. 

Graphics Tools 

Create Your Own Polygon 

• Click on the ‘Polygon’ button . 

The mouse pointer will change to 

crosshairs when over the page. 

• Click on the page to start drawing the 

polygon, then move the crosshairs 

across the page to create a line. 

• Click to end the line then move the 

Fig.27 

crosshairs to create the next side of the 

polygon, and so on. 

• Join the last side of the polygon to the starting point to finish 

(Fig.27). Or, right click at any time. 

Draw using the Freehand Pen Tool 

See the word ‘shiver’ in the 

‘Calligrams’ example in the 

‘Resource Bank’ (Fig.28). 

• Select the pen by clicking on the 

‘Draw’ button on the 

Fig.28 


‘Graphics’ toolbar. The mouse pointer will change to a pencil 

when placed over the page. 

• Click on the page to start drawing. 

• Right click to stop using the pencil. The pencil is also 

automatically switched off when the 'Graphics' toolbar is 

closed. 

Page Effects 

Change the Page Color 

• Click on the ‘Looks’ button on the 

‘Additional’ toolbar, then select 

‘Background’ (Fig.29) followed by ‘Paper 

Color’. 

• Select the paper color you want by clicking 

on it. 

Fig.29 

Change the Page Setup 

The paper size and layout (portrait, 

landscape or poster) can be easily changed. 

• Click on the ‘Looks’ button , then 

select ‘Page’ (Fig.30). 

• Click on the paper or layout options desired. 

Fig.30 

Hide/Show Printer Limits 

All documents can have the printer limits 

shown or hidden. 

• Click on the ‘Looks’ button , then 

select ‘Viewer’ (Fig.31). 

• Click the checkbox to the left of the words 

‘Printer limits’. 

Fig.31 

22 


Page Tools 

Lock Objects to the Page 

Objects can be locked to the page to stop them being 

selected. This allows text to be placed over or inside an object, 

for example a photograph. Locking objects to the page is also 

very useful to do when preparing an interactive worksheet for 

students to use, so that they cannot move or delete objects by 

accident. 

• Select the object(s) to lock to the page then click on ‘Tools’ 

on the menu bar and ‘Lock to page’. 

• To make any changes to the object click on ‘Tools’ then 

‘Access locked items’. 

Change the Level Objects are Positioned on the Page 

If you want to place an object behind, or in front of, another 

object you may need to change its level. 

• With the object selected, click on ‘Tools’ on the menu bar 

then click on ‘Back - Move Lower’ (to move an object behind 

another) or ‘Forward - Move Higher’ (to move it in front). 

Alternatively, press ‘Ctrl’ l’ (lower or back) or ‘Ctrl h’ (higher or 

forward) on your keyboard. 

Add Additional Pages to the Document 

• Either click near the bottom of the current 

page and press ‘Enter’. 

Or click on the current page then click ‘Edit’ Fig.32 

on the menu bar followed by ‘Pages’ and ‘Insert page’ 

(Fig.32). 


Create a Header or Footer for All Pages 

Any object can be a page header, or footer, which will be 

repeated on every page within your document. Headers and 

footers can be used to place text or a graphic (such as the 

school logo) on each page, or to number pages. 

• Select the object for the header or footer and press ‘Ctrl y’ on 

your keyboard or choose ‘Header/footer’ from ‘Other’ on the 

menu bar. 

• Click on ‘All pages’ to have it placed on every page. 

If the header or footer is moved into a different position on 

one page it will automatically be repositioned on any other 

pages. 

Add Page Numbers to Every Page 

• Click on the first page in the location you want the number to 

appear. 

• Press ‘Ctrl p’ on your keyboard, or chose ‘Insert page 

number’ from ‘Tools’ on the menu bar. 

24 


Tool Factory Special Features and 

Tools 

Draw a Table 

Tables can be added to the page, then repositioned and 

resized in the same way as any other object placed on a Word 

Processor page. 

• Open the ‘Table’ toolbar from the ‘Toolbar control’ window 

(Fig.2 on page 6) then click on 

the ‘New table’ button . 

• Click anywhere on the page, then 

holding down the left mouse 

button, drag the crosshairs 

across the page until you have 

created a table containing the 

number of rows and columns you 

Fig.34 

require (Fig.34). 

• Add or remove rows and 

columns by clicking on the 

corresponding buttons (Fig.35). 

Fig.35 

Create a Word Bank 

Word Banks can be created to support 

students’ writing. The ‘Word bank’ will open as 

a separate window and objects within it can be 

added to a document directly with a double 

click or by clicking on them and dragging them 

onto the page (Fig.36). For example, you could 

create a word bank using key words and related 

Fig.36 


images to support students writing about a science experiment 

they had completed out or a class visit. 

• Click on ‘Other’ on the menu bar then ‘Create word bank’. A 

window will open containing a Word Processor page. 

• Click on the page and add the text (and graphics) in the 

same way you would to any Word Processor page. Lists of 

words can be separated by pressing the ‘Enter’ key, on your 

keyboard. 

• Save your word bank before closing the Word Processor 

window. You can now access the file as you would any other. 

Record a Sound 

Sounds, such as a voice speaking or an instrument playing, 

can be recorded directly into any Word Processor document. A 

microphone will need to be connected to 

your computer. 

• Click on ‘Tools’ on the menu bar then 

click on ‘Record a sound’. The ‘Sound’ 

Fig.37 

window will open (Fig.37) and a sound 

button will be placed on the page. 

• Click on the ‘Record’ button to begin recording. 

• Click on the ‘Stop’ button to end the recording. 

• Click on the ‘Play’ button to playback the recording. 

If you are not happy with the recording click on the ‘Record’ 

button and repeat the above steps. All previous recordings 

will be overwritten. If you are happy with the recording close 

the ‘Recording’ window by clicking on the cross in the top 

right hand corner. 

• Each time the sound button on the screen is clicked on your 

26 


sound will play. 

Making Links 

• Open the ‘Additional’ toolbar from the ‘Toolbar control’ 

window (Fig.2 on page 6). 

Create an Animation by Linking Two Objects 

Any object can be made to move along a straight line, shape 

or free-hand pen line. 

• Place an object (image or text) on the page, then draw the 

line you want the object to follow over. 

• Select the object to animate, then select 

the line it’s going to follow. (Select the 

first object as normal, then hold down 

the ‘Ctrl’ button on your keyboard as you 

click on the second object.) 

Fig.38 

• Select the ‘Links’ button on the 

‘Additional’ toolbar, to open the ‘Links’ window then select 

‘Animate’ (Fig.38). 

• Click in the box to the left of the words ‘Follow over’. 

• Click in the ‘seconds’ box to change the time it takes the 

object to follow the graphic. If the object is following a 

continuous path the animation will be continuous. If not, to 

repete the animation, click in the ‘Repeating’ checkbox. 

• Click on the page to remove the red selection boxes. To 

activate or stop the animation click on the object itself. 

• To hide the line or shape outline the object is following 

change the color of the line to ‘None’. 


Hide or Show an Object 

A link can be added to an object so that it is hidden or shown 

when the mouse pointer either hovers over it or is clicked on. 

• Select the object to add the hide/show link to. 

• Click on the ‘Links’ button to open the ‘Links’ window 

then select the ‘Animate’ tab (Fig.38 on page 27). 

• To hide/show an object only when the mouse is hovered over 

the object; click in the checkbox ‘Hide when over’ or ‘Show 

when over’. 

• To hide/show an object when the mouse clicks on the object; 

click the checkbox to the right of the words ‘Hide/show on 

click’ (Fig.38 on page 27). 

• Activate the link by first clicking on the page, then clicking on 

the object itself. 

Link a Sound to an Object 

Bring graphics or text to life by adding a sound effect or 

recorded speech that play each time the object is clicked. 

• Use a sound from the ‘Resource Bank’ 

- Select a sound from the ‘Resource Bank’ and drag it into 

your document. 

- Select the object you want to link the sound to (left mouse 

click), then select the sound (right mouse click). The object 

needs to be selected first or the link cannot be made. 

- Click on the ‘Links’ button then 

click on ‘Speech’ tab within the ‘Links’ 

window (Fig.39). 

- Click in the box to the left of the word 

‘Sound’ to create the link. 

Fig.39 

- Activate the link by first clicking on the 

28 


page, then clicking on the object itself. 

• Record your own sound or speech as you create the link 

- Select the object you want to link the sound to and open 

the ‘Links’ window (Fig.39 on page 28). 

- Click on ‘Speech’ tab, then the red ‘Record’ button. 

- Record your sound then close both the ‘Sound’ and ‘Links’ 

windows. 

- Activate the link by first clicking on the page, then clicking 

on the object itself. 

Create a Link to Another File 

Links from a Word Processor document 

can be used to open another document, 

file, video clip, web page, etc. 

• Select an object to act as the link button. 

• Click on the ‘Links’ button then click on 

Fig.40 

‘File’ (Fig.40). 

• Click ‘Browse’ to search for the item you want to make the 

link to then ‘Open’ to select it. 

• Select ‘Close current file’ if you want the document you are in 

to close once the link is clicked on. 

• Activate the link by first clicking on the page, then clicking on 

the object itself. 


Saving Individualized Options - Networking 

Individualized options can be applied to one or more 

computers enabling schools to set different defaults for 

different students, grades, classes, etc. 

By default the options are saved to the local computer, 

however changes to the options can be applied to a number of 

computers on the same network by saving the changes to a 

mapped drive then directing the other computers to the same 

folder. 

Apply the Same 'Resource Bank' and/or 'Toolbar' Options to 

Selected Computers Across a Network 

• Click on 'Tools' on the menu bar and then on 'Choose options 

and templates folder'. 

• Select a folder to save the changes into and click 'OK'. If you 

want more than one computer to use the same folder you 

must choose one on a mapped drive. 

• Go to each computer on the network you wish to apply these 

options to and click on 'Tools' on the menu bar and then on 

'Choose options and templates folder'. Now select the folder 

that the changes were saved to and click 'OK'. 

You can save different options for different groups of people by 

using user profiles or by saving a new set of options under a 

different name. 

• Click on 'Tools' on the menu bar and then on 'Options'. 

• Click in the drop down box, which says 'default', and type in a 

new name i.e. 'First Grade'. 

• Amend the options as desired. 

30 


• Click on 'Save'. 

You can also lock the 'Administration' and 'Resource bank' 

settings. 

• Enter a valid key in the 'Lock 

Configuration Options' section of 

the 'General' tab (Fig.41) 

• Select either 'Administration', 

'Resource Bank' or both, then click 

'OK' 

Note: You will also need the 

Fig.41 

product registration key to unlock 

these settings. 


32 

Resource Bank 

There is a wide range of resources that can be 

accessed through the 'Resource Bank' . It 

is divided up into five tabs (Fig.42) 

Bank - which includes: 

• Curriculum Resources: Clipart, digital photos, 

videos, sounds and word banks categorized 

by curriculum subjects. 

• Curriculum Examples & Templates: A wide 

variety of examples and templates can also 

be found within the 'Resource Bank'. These 

provide ideas on how Tool Factory Workshop 

can be used effectively across the curriculum 

by students of all ages and abilities. 

Acquire - Enables the user to import images directly from 

digital imaging devices (i.e. digital camera or microscope). 

Internet - Provides a quick link to the Internet in the same 

way as clicking on 'Internet Explorer'. 

My Bank - Access your own resources, such as those saved 

within 'My Documents' or on your network. 

By default the 'Resource Bank' is displayed at the left hand 

side of the screen. However, if you would like to change its 

size you can do so. Click on the right edge and drag the sizing 

arrows outwards or inwards to resize. 


Fig.42

Locate a Resource 

Keyword Search: 

• Click in the 'Search' box in the bank and type in the 

name of the item you are looking for, for example 'horse'. 

• Click on the 'Search' button . All items containing your 

search word will be displayed within the 'Resource Bank' 

window. 

• The search looks for all words that contain the given 'string' 

of letters. For example, if you search for 'cat' 'cathedral' will 

be included within the list of items. 

Return to Home: 

If closed, when re-opened the 'Resource Bank' will 

automatically open where it last browsed to, but you can return 

to the start position at any time by clicking on the 'Home' 

button at the top of the bank. 

'Resource Bank' Options 

To make the 'Resource Bank' easier to use, several options 

can now be selected to match different students' needs or 

lesson requirements. 

• Reduce the Number of Tabs Displayed 

Simplify the 'Resource Bank' by reducing the number of 

sections available to students. For example, if you do not 

wish students to access items directly from the Internet, that 

section can be hidden. 

- Click on 'Tools' on the menu bar and then on 'Options'. 

- Select 'Bank'. (Fig.43 on Page 34) 

- Enable or disable the 'Resource Bank' tabs from being 

displayed by clicking next to the corresponding titles. 


• Set a 'Home' Location of Your Choice for the 'My Bank’ 

Section 

By setting a folder or mapped drive as the 'Home' location 

for the 'My Bank' section students 

will be able to navigate to their 

own class, or individual folder 

much quicker. 

- Click on 'Tools' (on the menu 

bar) and then on 'Options'. 

- Select 'Bank'. 

Fig.43 

- Within the 'Default Path' section 

click on the 'Browse' button next to the 'My Bank' location 

box. 

- Navigate to the desired location then click 'OK'. 

34 

Changes made to the 'Resource Bank' options will be 

remembered and applied each time the 'Resource Bank' is 

opened. However, these options can be readjusted at any 

time by simply repeating the above steps. 


2 

Foreward 















page layout. 






count on it! 

Tool Factory Spreadsheet




be proud of. 









application! 


www.toolfactory.com, call sales (800) 220-8386 or email 

sales@toolfactory.com. 


4 

Contents 



• Creating a New Spreadsheet 

- Create a Spreadsheet 

- Enter Data 

- Insert Images 

- Enter Formula 

- Autosum 

- Replicate Formula 

- Apply Units of Measurement or Currency 

- Autosort 

- Add a Row or Column 

- Delete a Row or Column 

- Resize a Row or Column 

- Reposition the Spreadsheet 

• Creating a “Function Machine” 

• Creating a Graph or Chart from a Spreadsheet 

- Select Data 

- Create a Graph or Chart 

- Change the Data Series 

- Include Column and Row Headings 

- Add a Grid to the Chart Background 

- Display the Data as Percentage 

- Display the Frequency Data Occurs 

- Resize or Reposition the Chart 

- Edit Chart Text 

• Tool Factory Spreadsheet Special Features and Tools 

- Cell Effects 

- Chart Effects 

- Page Effects 

• Resource Banks 

• Help 

Tool Factory Spreadsheet 

5 

6 

7 

7 

8 

8 

8 

10 

10 

11 

11 

12 

12 

13 

13 

14 

15 

15 

15 

16 

17 

17 

17 

17 

18 

18 

19 

19 

22 

23 

24 

25

Introduction 

Tool Factory Spreadsheet is an easy to use, yet powerful 

spreadsheet program. It enables you to create multiple 

spreadsheets and charts on one page, and annotate them with 

text and graphics around the spreadsheets and charts. In 

addition, when data is changed within a spreadsheet any 

associated charts are automatically updated too. 

Tool Factory Spreadsheet allows you to create a spreadsheet 

containing only the cells you need. It includes a common list of 

formulas which can be applied to data and used with charting 

options. This program is great for use at all grade levels. It is 

also compatible with other spreadsheet programs allowing 

students to develop their basic skills, then easily progress 

toward more complex spreadsheet programs. 


6 




select ‘Tool Factory 

Spreadsheet’. Alternatively 

double click on the shortcut on 

your desktop. 

A Tool Factory Spreadsheet page 

will be displayed, with the ’General’, 

‘Word Processor’ and ‘Spreadsheet’ 

toolbars already open (Fig.1). 

• Open additional toolbars by clicking on 

the ‘Toolbar control’ button . To 

control the icons on each toolbar hold 

down ‘CTRL’ ‘Shift’ and ‘T’ click in the 

appropriate box (Fig.2). 

Fig.3 

The ‘Spreadsheet’ toolbar (Fig.3) 

contains the ‘New spreadsheet’, ‘Formula editing window’, 

‘Autosum’, ‘Sort up’, ‘Sort down’ and ‘Chart’ buttons. 

Remember that you are working within the Tool Factory Word 

Processor environment so all the usual functionality of Tool 

Factory Word Processor in terms of effects and links are 

available to you. See the Tool Factory Word Processor Getting 

Started Guide for further details. 


Fig.1 

Fig.2

Creating a New Spreadsheet 

Create a New Spreadsheet 

• Click on the ‘New spreadsheet’ button (on the 

‘Spreadsheet’ toolbar). 

• Click anywhere on the page, then holding down the left 

mouse button, drag the crosshairs across the page until you 

have created a spreadsheet containing the number of rows 

and columns you require (Fig.4). 

• You can create several spreadsheets on a single page by 

repeating the above procedure. 

Working with Tables 

Younger or less able students 

may find it easier to work with a 

table rather than a spreadsheet. 

Fig.4 

Graphs and charts can be 

created from a table, but 

formulas cannot be applied to 

cells. 

• Open the ‘Table’ toolbar from 

the ‘Toolbar control’ window 

(Fig.2) then click on the ‘New table’ 

Fig.5 

button . 

• Click anywhere on the page, then holding down the left 

mouse button, drag the crosshairs across the page until you 

have created a table containing the number of rows and 

columns you require (Fig.5). 


Enter Data into a Spreadsheet 

• Click in individual cells to input your 

data. You do not need to enter units 

of measurement at this point (Fig.6). 

• Move between cells using the arrow 

keys on your keyboard, or by 

clicking in cells directly with the mouse. 

Insert Images 

Clipart or digital photos can easily be inserted into Tool Factory 

Spreadsheet; however a cell cannot contain both text and an 

image. 

• Click on the ‘Resource Bank’ button on the ‘General’ 

toolbar to open the ‘Resource Bank’. 

• Select the image you want, then drag and drop it into a cell. 

• The cell will automatically adjust to the size of the image 

placed in it. 

• To resize the image: select it, 

hover over a corner with the 

mouse pointer until the 

sizing arrow appears, then 

click and drag it to the 

required size (Fig.7). 

Enter a Formula into a Spreadsheet 

A key function of a spreadsheet is to manipulate the data 

contained in it. Within Tool Factory Spreadsheet you can either 

write your own formula, or use a pre-written formula contained 

within the formula editing window. The notation used in Tool 

8 


Fig.7 

Fig.6

Factory Spreadsheet is similar to that of other spreadsheet 

programs so skills learned are transferable. 

Using Pre-written Formulas within the Formula Editing Window 

Example: use a formula to calculate an average. 

• Click in the cell you wish to apply the formula to. 

• Open the formula editing window by clicking on the ‘Formula 

editing’ button on the ‘Spreadsheet’ toolbar, or press 

the ‘=’ button on your keyboard. 

• Click on the black triangle to open the drop down menu. 

• Select ‘average (range)’ from the drop down menu by clicking 

on it. 

• The words ‘average (range)’ will appear in the formula box. 

• Now, click and drag the mouse pointer over all the cells you 

wish to be included in this calculation (i.e. the range). They 

will now replace the word “range” in the formula box (Fig.8). 

• To apply the formula click on the green checkmark. The 

formula window will close automatically. Alternatively click 

on the red ‘X’ to start over. 

• Click in any other 

cell, or press enter 

on your keyboard, to 

continue. 

Fig.8 


Entering Formulas Directly Into a Cell 

• Click in the cell you wish to apply a 

formula to, then type in your formula 

(for example, “=a1+a2”). 

• Press ‘enter’ on your keyboard or click 

in another cell. 

• The formula will be hidden except 

when that cell is selected on (Fig.9). 

Autosum 

The ‘Autosum’ function is a quick way of adding together the 

numerical values within selected cells in a column or row. 

• Select the cells to be included in the 

sum. 

• Click on the ‘Autosum’ button on 

the ‘Spreadsheet’ toolbar. 

• The sum of the values will be placed in 

the cell below the column, or to the 

right of the row (Fig.10). 

Replicate Formula 

You can apply the same formula to a column or row of different 

data without writing the formula over again. 

To replicate a formula: 

• Select the cell with the formula already in it. 

• Roll the mouse over the white box in the bottom right hand 

corner of the cell. The mouse pointer will change to a black 

10 


Fig.9 

Fig.10

cell replicate cross. 

• Click on the cell replicate cross and drag it across all the 

cells you wish the same formula to be applied to. 

Apply Units of Measurement or Currency 

Any units of measurement or currency can be applied to cells. 

• Select the cell(s) you want to apply a 

unit of measurement to. 

• Click on the ‘Effects’ button on 

the ‘General’ toolbar to open the 

‘Effects’ window (Fig.11). 

• Select the ‘Cell’ tab. 

Fig.11 

• Either: 

-Select a unit of measurement from 

the ‘format’ drop down menu by 

clicking on it (Fig.12). 

-Or, add a unit of measurement not 

listed by clicking in the format box 

and entering a 1 followed by a space 

then the unit required. For example: 

Fig.12 

“1 ml”. 

• Close the window. 

Autosort 

The ‘Autosort’ function is a quick way of sorting data in a 

column or row into ascending or descending order. 

• Select the cells to be sorted, 

• Click on the appropriate ‘Autosort’ button to sort 


the selected data into ascending or descending order. 

• The data will automatically be sorted into the order selected. 

All other cells in the spreadsheet will re-arranged in line with 

the sorted row/column. 

Add a Row or a Column 

• To add a row below a cell, first place the caret in a cell. 

• Then, either press ‘Ctrl’ and ‘Return’ on your keyboard, or 

click ‘Spreadsheet’ on the menu bar then ‘Insert Row’. 

• To add a column to the right of a cell, first place the caret in a 

cell. 

• Then, either press ‘Ctrl’ and ‘Tab’ on your keyboard, or click 

‘Spreadsheet’ on the menu bar then ‘Insert Column’. 

Alternatively, place the caret in a cell, then click on the ‘Add 

row’ or ‘Add column’ button . 

Delete a Row or a Column 

• Select the row(s) or column(s) to be deleted by clicking on 

the number or letter headers on the edge of the spreadsheet. 

• Press ‘backspace’ or ‘delete’ on your keyboard. 

Alternatively, select the row or column to be deleted then click 

on the ‘Delete row’ or ‘Delete column’ button. 

12 


Resize a Row or Column 

• Roll the mouse over the line for an individual row or column 

until the mouse pointer changes to a column or row resizing 

arrow. 

• Click and drag the resizing arrow until the row or column 

reaches the desired dimensions. 

Reposition the Spreadsheet 

• Click once in the top left hand corner of the spreadsheet the 

mouse pointer will change to a hand then drag the 

spreadsheet to a new position on the page. 


14 

Creating a “Function Machine” 

Tool Factory Spreadsheet can be used to create a wide range 

of “Function Machines”. Students can use these to test 

themselves, try to work out what the “machine” is doing, or 

create their own machine for a given function. There are two 

examples of a “Function Machine” in the ‘Resource Bank’ 

(‘Times Table Calculator’ and ‘Number Bonds to 100’). 

To create a number bonds “Function Machine”: 

• Create a spreadsheet with one row and two columns 

(Fig.13). 

• Write a number of your choice into the first cell, for example 

23. 

• In the second cell enter your formula, 

for example “=100-a1” (Fig.14). 

• Edit the cell color, font style and color if 

Fig.13 

desired (see the ‘Cell Effects’ section in this guide for details 

on Page 19). 

• Hide the cell headings (see the ‘Cell 

Effects’ section on page 19). 

Fig.14 

• Lock the second cell in place to hide the formula. (Select the 

cell, click on ‘Tools’ on the menu bar then ‘Lock to page’.) 

• The “function machine” is now ready (Fig.15). Click in the first 

cell and delete the number that 

is there then enter a new 

number, for example 37. The 

number in the second cell will 

Fig.15 


automatically adjust so that the total of the two numbers is 

100. 

Creating a Graph or Chart from a 

Spreadsheet 

Data contained within a spreadsheet or table can be 

represented in a graph or chart. Any number of graphs or 

charts can be produced from a single spreadsheet and placed 

on the same Tool Factory Spreadsheet page. You can choose 

to graph all the data contained within the spreadsheet, or just a 

selection. 

Select Data 

• Create a spreadsheet. (See the section ‘Creating a New 

Spreadsheet’ on page 7.) 

• Select the cells containing the data (numbers and/or text) to 

be included in the chart or graph by clicking in the first cell 

then, keeping the left mouse button held down, drag the 

mouse across all the other cells to be included, releasing the 

mouse when your selection is complete. 

• Alternatively, select a single row or column by clicking on its 

cell heading. Then select additional rows or columns, if 

required, by holding down the ‘Ctrl’ button on your keyboard 

as you click on the additional row or column headings. 

Create a Graph or Chart 

Within Tool Factory Spreadsheet there are four different chart 


or graph types: a pie chart, a bar chart, a line graph and a 

scatter graph. Selected data can be graphically represented in 

different chart types on the same page. This can prompt 

student discussion regarding which graph type best represents 

their data. (See the example ‘Favorite Colors’ in the ‘Resource 

Bank’.) 

• Select the data as above. 

• Click on the ‘Chart’ button on the ‘Spreadsheet’ toolbar 

to open the ‘Chart’ window. A chart or 

graph containing the selected data will 

automatically appear on the page. 

• Change the displayed chart or graph by 

clicking on different graph types within 

Fig.16 

the ‘Chart’ window (Fig.16). 

Changes can be made to existing graphs at any time by 

selecting them with a single click, then opening the ‘Chart’ 

window. 

Change the Data 

Series 

• Depending on which 

data is selected from 

within the spreadsheet 

the graph or chart will 

be organized in either 

Fig.17 

rows or columns. To 

organize the chart in a different way by changing the ‘Data 

series’ select either ‘Rows’ (Fig.17) or ‘Columns’ (Fig.18). 

16 


Include Column and Row Headings 

• If the first row or column of the selected data is a heading 

rather than a value to be included in the chart select the 

checkbox ‘First row is heading’ or ‘First column is heading’ 

within the ‘Chart’ window. 

Add a Grid to the 

Chart Background 

• A grid background can 

be added to a graph or 

chart by clicking in the 

box next to the word 

‘Grid’ within the ‘Chart’ 


Fig.18 

Display the Data as a 

Percentage 

• Data can be displayed as a percentage rather than as a 

numerical value. With the graph or chart selected click next 

to the word ‘Percentage’ within the ‘Chart’ window (Fig.16). 

Display the Frequency Data Occurs 

• The frequency with which data occurs within a column can be 

displayed. Create a graph or chart from a single column of 

data, then click next to the word ‘Frequency’ within the 

‘Chart’ window (Fig.16). 


Resize or Reposition the Chart 

The chart can be resized or 

repositioned at any time. 

Resizing the chart may 

change how much 

information is shown on the 

scale. For example, a scale 

showing the units 4, 8 and 

12 may adjust to show the 

units 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 

Fig.19 

when the chart is enlarged 

• Select the chart with a single click. A selection box will 

appear around the chart outline (Fig.19). 

• To reposition it elsewhere on the page move the mouse 

pointer over the chart so that it changes to a hand. Click on 

the chart and drag it keeping the left mouse button held 

down to a new position on the page. 

• To resize the chart, move the mouse pointer over one of the 

red corner handles until it changes to the sizing arrow. Click 

and drag keeping the left mouse button held down the sizing 

arrow inwards or outwards until the chart reaches the 

desired dimensions. 

Edit Chart Text 

The text in chart titles, axis headings and keys can be edited in 

the same way as text within other Tool Factory Workshop 

Programs. Just click and type and the font style, color and size 

adjusted (Fig.20). 

18 


• Click once with the mouse 

pointer to place the caret 

within the existing text. 

Delete unwanted words 

then type in your new text. 

• To change the font style, 

color and size select the 

text with a double click then 

click on the ‘Effects’ button 

Fig.20 

to open the ‘Effects’ 

window. (See the ‘Tool Factory Word Processor Getting 

Started Guide’ for further guidance on text effects.) 

Tool Factory Spreadsheet Special 

Features and Tools 

Cell Effects 

The Cell Effects window enables you to change the color of 

cells, change the color, size and style of text within a cell, hide 

or show cell headings, justify the contents of the cell, and set 

the number of decimal places displayed within a cell. Effects 

can be applied to the whole spreadsheet, rows, columns, 

multiple cells or individual cells. 

To select the whole spreadsheet: 

• Click once in the top left hand corner of the spreadsheet to 

select the entire spreadsheet. 


• When selected the spreadsheet will be surrounded by a red 

dotted box. 

To select a row or column: 

• Click on the number or letter buttons on the edge of the 

spreadsheet. 

• The selected row or column will be colored grey. 

To select multiple cells: 

• Click and drag the mouse over all the cells to be included. 

• The selected cells will be colored grey when selected. 

To select an individual cell: 

• Click in the cell. 

Change the Cell Color 

To make cells stand out or to simply produce a more colorful 

spreadsheet you can change the cell colors. (See the ‘Favorite 

Colors’ example in the ‘Resource Bank’.) 

• Select cell(s) to color. 

• Click on the ‘Effects’ button to 

open the ‘Effects’ window. 

• Select ‘Cell’ then click on ‘Fill color’ 

(Fig.21). 

• Choose a color then close the two 

windows. 

Fig.21 

Edit the Text 

The font style, size and color of text within a cell can be easily 

changed. 

• Select the cell(s) you wish to edit the text in. 

20 


• Click on the ‘Effects’ button 

to open the ‘Effects’ 

window. 

• Select the ‘Typeface’ tab to 

change the font style 

and/or size (Fig.22). 

• Select the ‘Color’ tab to 

change the font color. 

• Close the two windows. 

Fig.22 

Set the Number of Decimal Places 

The number of decimal places 

displayed can be set from zero to 

Fig.23 

fifteen. (See the ‘Long Jump 

Distances’ example in the ‘Resource Bank’.) (Fig.23). 

• Select the cell(s) you want to change. 

• Click on the ‘Effects’ button to open the 

‘Effects’ window. 

• Select the ‘Cell’ tab. 

• Click on the up/down arrow (to the right of 

‘dp’) to increase or decrease the number of 

Fig.24 

decimal places (Fig.24). 


Hide/Show the Cell Headings 

Once a spreadsheet has been created you may wish to hide the cell 

headings (row and column headers). Most of the examples in the 

‘Resource Bank’ have the cell headings hidden. 


• Click anywhere in your spreadsheet. 

• Click on the ‘Effects’ button to open the ‘Effects’ 

window, then the ‘Cell’ tab. 

• Click on the ‘Cell headings’ button to hide or show the 

cell headings (Fig.24). 


Chart Effects 

The colors of the graph columns and lines, pie chart sections, 

key and chart background can all be changed. (See the 

example ‘How Far Does a Toy Car Travel on Different 

Surfaces’ example in the ‘Resource Bank’.) 

Change the Background Color of a 

Chart 

• Select the chart or key background by 

clicking on its border. 

• Click on the ‘Effects’ button to 

open the ‘Effects’ window, then the 

‘Fill color’ tab (Fig.25). 

• Select a new background color. 

• To change the color of the outline click on the 

‘Line color’ tab and select a new color. 

Change the Color of the Axis 

• Select the axis by clicking on it (Fig.26). 

• Click on the ‘Effects’ button to open the 

‘Effects’ window, then ‘Line color’. 

22 


Fig.25 

Fig.26

• Select a new color. 

Change the Color of Columns, Lines and 

Sectors 

• Click on the corresponding color within the key 

Fig.27 

to select a column, line or sector (Fig.27). 

• Click on the ‘Effects’ button to open the ‘Effects’ 

window, then ‘Fill color’ tab or 

‘Line color’ tab. 

• Select a new color. 

• Close the ‘Effects’ window when 

you have finished adding chart 

effects (Fig.28). 

Fig.28 

Page Effects 

Tool Factory Spreadsheet operates within the Tool Factory 

Word Processor environment, therefore objects (text and 

images) can be added around the spreadsheet and charts. 

(See the examples in the ‘Resource Bank’.) The additional 

text/images could be purely decorative or could provide 

instructions for a student activity. 

Remember that you are working within Tool Factory Word 

Processor so all the usual functionality of the program in terms 

of effects and links etc. are available to you. 


Resource Bank 

There is a wide range of resources that can be accessed 

through the 'Resource Bank' . It is divided up into five tabs 

(Fig.42) 

Bank - which includes: 

• Curriculum Resources: Clipart, digital photos, videos, sounds 

and word banks categorized by curriculum subjects. 

• Curriculum Examples & Templates: A wide variety of 

examples and templates can also be found within the 

'Resource Bank'. These provide ideas on how Tool Factory 

Workshop can be used effectively across the curriculum by 

students of all ages and abilities. 

Acquire - Enables the user to import images directly from 

digital imaging devices (i.e. digital camera or microscope). 

Internet - Provides a quick link to the Internet in the same 

way as clicking on 'Internet Explorer'. 

My Bank - Access your own resources, such as those saved 

within 'My Documents' or on your network. 

By default the 'Resource Bank' is displayed at the left hand 

side of the screen. However, if you would like to change its 

size you can do so. Click on the right edge and drag the sizing 

arrows outwards or inwards to resize. 


2 

Foreword 















page layout. 






count on it! 

Tool Factory Math Draw




be proud of. 









application! 


www.toolfactory.com, call sales on (802) 375-6549 or email 



Contents 



• Designing a Classroom 

• Create a Scale Drawing of a Classroom 

• Tool Factory Math Draw Special Features 

- Draw Resource Bank 

- Layers 

- Grids 

- Special Fills 

• Tool Factory Math Draw Special Tools and Functions 

- Angle Measuring Tool 

- Protractor 

- Calliper Tool 

- Ruler 

- Object Properties 

- Measure Mode 


• Help 

4 

Tool Factory Math Draw 

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Introduction 

ool Factory Math Draw is a powerful yet easy vector drawing 

and graphical modelling tool, specifically designed to meet the 

demands of the curriculum at every level. 

Objects can be created using straight lines, curved lines, 

geometric shapes and curved shapes, then combined to create 

a graphical model. All objects can be easily repositioned, 

rotated and resized enabling students to explore alternative 

models and identify patterns and relationships. 

Tool Factory Math Draw includes a range of clipart specifically 

designed to meet students’ needs. For example, to assist 

students in graphically model a familiar environment such as a 

classroom, clipart has been created using a ‘bird’s eye view’ of 

objects. In addition there is a selection of isometric clipart 

which allows students to model a classroom or garden in 3D. 

Drawings can be created on a blank page, a square grid (2D) 

or on an isometric grid (3D). Grid lines can be set to any 

measurement enabling students to draw to scale. Easy to use 

measuring tools, including a ruler, protractor, calliper tool and 

angle measurer, allow students to accurately represent lengths 

and angles of objects on a page. 


6 




select ‘Tool Factory Math 

Draw’. 

Alternatively double click on 

the shortcut on your desktop. 

A Tool Factory Math Draw page 

Fig.1 

will be displayed, with the ’General’, ‘Word Processor’ and 

‘Draw’ toolbar already open (Fig.1). 

• Open the ‘Draw’ toolbar by clicking 

on the ‘Toolbar control’ button , 

then click in the appropriate box. 

Press ‘CTRL+Shift+T’ to open a 

supplementary window which allows 

you to control the buttons that 

appear on each toolbar (Fig.2). 

Fig.2 

The ‘Draw’ toolbar 

contains the ‘Layers’, 

‘Grid background’, 

‘Special fills’, ‘Object 

Fig.3 

properties’, ‘Calliper’, ‘Ruler’, 

‘Angle measure’ and ‘Protractor’ 

buttons (Fig.3). 

Fig.4 

• In addition to the ‘Draw’ toolbar 

you may wish to use the ‘Graphics’ tools (Fig.4) on the Word 

Processor Toolbar. 


• Close the ‘Toolbar Control’ window. 

• Additional toolbars can be opened or closed at any time from 

within the ‘Toolbar control’ window. Click on the ‘Toolbar 

control’ button to access this window. 

• To change the page background to a 

grid: 

- Click on the ‘Grid backgrounds’ 

button on the ‘Draw’ toolbar to 

open the ‘Grid background’ window 

(Fig.5) 

- Click in the checkbox next to 

‘Display Grid’ so that it is selected. 

Fig.5 

- If you wish objects to snap to the grid 

lines as they are placed on the page, put a check in the 

‘Snap to grid’ checkbox. 

- Close the ‘Grid backgrounds’ window. 

Designing a Classroom 

(See the ‘Classroom’ examples in the ‘Resource Bank’.) 

Draw the Floor Outline 

• Click on the ‘Rectangle’ button on the ‘Word Processor’ 

toolbar. The mouse pointer will change to crosshairs when 

over the page. 

• Click on the page then, holding down the left mouse button, 

drag the crosshairs across the page to create your 

rectangular floor (Fig.6). 


Layer Objects 

Math Draw allows you to put 

objects on different layers so that 

they can be viewed separately. 

• Click on the ‘Layers’ button 

on the ‘Draw’ toolbar to 

open the ‘Layers’ window. 

• Then click on the ‘Layer 

properties’ button and 

rename the layer “floor” (Fig.7). 


Change the Floor Color 

• Select the rectangle (your floor 

outline) by clicking on it. 

• Click on the ‘Special fills’ button 

Fig.7 

on the ‘Draw’ toolbar. 

• Then select ‘Texture fill’ (Fig.8). The ‘Textures’ window will 

automatically open. 

• Choose a texture by clicking on it 

then select ‘Tile’ to tile the fill. 

• Close the ‘Special fills’ window. 

Put a Rug on the Floor 

• Create and fill a small rectangle, as explained above, to 

represent a rug. 

• To resize the rug, first select it, then place the cursor over 

any corner of the object selection box until the pointer 

changes to a sizing arrow. Click on the sizing arrow and drag 

8 


Fig.6 

Fig.8

it outwards or inwards until 

your object is the required size. 

• To reposition the rug first select 

it, then place the mouse 

pointer over the rectangle so 

that the cursor changes to a 

hand. Click and drag the rug to 

its new position (Fig.9). 

Fig.9 

Add New Layers 

Draw allows you to place objects at different levels. 

• Click on the ‘Layers’ button to open the 

‘Layers’ window. 

• Lock the “floor” layer in place by putting a 

check in the box next to the word ‘Locked’ 

(Fig.10). 

• Click on the ‘Add new layer’ button . 

• Click on this new layer, within the ‘Layers’ 

window, to select it (Fig.11), then click on the 

‘Layer properties’ button and rename the layer 

“furniture”. 


Put in the Tables 

• Click on the ‘Resource Bank’ button on the 

‘General’ toolbar to access the ‘Draw’ clipart 

folder, then select ‘School’ and ‘Classroom’. 

• Click on the trapezoid shaped table and drag 

and drop it onto the page (Fig.12). 

Fig.10 

Fig.11 


• Select the table then, without 

releasing the left mouse 

button, hold down the Ctrl key 

and drag the hand off of the 

table to create a second table. 

• While the table is selected, 

rotate it 180° (using the green 

rotation handle), then join it to 

the first tabel to make a hexagon 

(Fig.13). 

Put in the Chairs 

• Select a chair from the ‘Classroom’ 

folder in the ‘Resource Bank’ and drag 

and drop it onto the page. 

• Resize it to fit the table then rotate and 

drag into place (Fig.14). 

• To place the chair under the table, select 

the chair then press ‘Ctrl L’ (on your 

keyboard) to place behind the table. 

• To put in more chairs, select the chair 

already placed at the table then hold 

down the ‘Ctrl’ key and drag off five 

copies. 

• Reposition these so that they are around 

the table (Fig.15). 

Add More Table and Chair Groups 

• Select all the tables and chairs already on the page. Click on 

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Fig.12 

Fig.13 

Fig.14 

Fig.15

the page then, holding the left mouse button down, drag the 

mouse pointer over the items. 

• Then click on the ‘Group objects’ button on the 

‘Additional’ toolbar. 

• Hold down the ‘Ctrl’ key and drag off 

four additional sets (Fig.16). 

Fig.16 

Create a Scale Drawing of a 

Classroom 

By working to scale students can produce a realistic model of 

their own classroom. (See the ‘Drawing a Classroom to Scale’ 

example in the ‘Resource Bank’.) 

Working to Scale 

The default scale in Tool Factory Math Draw is set to one 

square width being equal to ten millimeters. The unit of 

measurement can be changed to 

centimeters, meters or kilometers. The 

number of units each square represents 

can also be adjusted. 

• Click on the ‘Grid background’ button 

to open the ‘Grid background’ 


• Change the ‘Square width’ to 20 mm. 

Fig.17 


• Put a check in ‘Scale drawing’ box. 

• Change the amount ‘Each square represents’ to 1 meter. The 

scale will now be 1 square = 1 meter. 

Design a Classroom 

• Follow the instructions in the previous section to create a 

floor area and a group of tables and chairs. 

• Click on the ‘Layers’ button and unlock the “floor” layer. 

• Close the ‘Layers’ window. 

• Using the grid as a guideline, adjust the floor size of the 

classroom so that it is to scale. For example 9 grid squares 

by 7 grid squares for a floor 9 meters by 7 meters. 

Check the Floor 

Measurements 

• Select the ‘Calliper’ tool 

from the ‘Draw’ toolbar. 

• Position the crosshairs onto 

the page where you wish to 

Fig.18 

start measuring the line from. 

• Click on the page and drag out the calliper line. Click again to 

finish the line. (Fig.18). 

• Click on the ‘Layers’ button , lock the floor area then 

close the layers window. 

Adjust the Size of the Table to Match the Scale 

• Click on the ‘Ruler’ button on the ‘Draw’ toolbar. 

• Click on a blank part of the page and holding down the left 

hand mouse button drag out the ruler, releasing the mouse 

12 


utton to end (Fig.19). The ruler will already 

be graduated to scale. 

• Move the ruler over the center of the table 

(Fig.20). 

• Resize the table so that it is to scale. (For 

example, 1.1 meters). 

• Delete the ruler from the page. 

• Select and copy the scaled 

table/chair group as many 

times as necessary (Fig.21). 

Additional Classroom 

Furniture 

Additional classroom furniture can be 

selected from the ‘Resource Bank’ and 

scaled to size using either the ruler or calliper tool. 

For more precise measurements the 

number of decimal places shown can be 

changed from the zero default. 

• Click on ‘Draw’ (on the menu bar) 

followed by ‘Draw options’ to open the 

Draw options window (Fig.22). 

• Change the number of ‘Decimal places 

for lengths’ from 0 to 1. 

Note- You can change the scale to feet 

and yands by selecting ‘Imperial’ units 

(Fig. 22) 

Fig.21 

Fig.22 

Fig.19 

Fig.20 


14 

Tool Factory Math Draw Special 

Features 

Draw Resource Bank 

Resources designed specifically 

for use within Tool Factory Math 

Draw can be found in the 

‘Resource Bank’. Click on the 

‘Resource Bank’ button to access 

the ‘Draw’ folder. The clipart 

images cover many curriculum 

contexts. There are two 

Fig.23 

selections of isometric clip art 

contained in the ‘Garden’ and the ‘School’>’Classroom’ 

sections (Fig.23). 

Layers 

The layers feature within Tool Factory Math Draw allows 

objects to be set, locked and hidden as if they were on 

separate pages. 

Within the ‘Layers’ window you can add, delete, name, reorder, 

hide and lock layers. Open this window by clicking on the 

‘Layers’ button . 

• To add a layer click on the ‘Add’ button . 

• To delete a layer, select the layer then click on the ‘Delete’ 

button . 

• To name a layer, select the layer then click on the ‘Layer 


properties’ button and fill in the box. 

• To reorder a layer, select the layer then click on 

either the up or the down arrow . 

• To lock a layer, so that it cannot be added to, 

click in the box next to the word ‘Locked’ so 

that it is checked (Fig.24). 

• To hide a layer, so that the whole drawing can 

be revealed stage by stage, click in the box 

next to ‘Hidden’ so that it is checked (Fig.25). 

Grids 

Within the ‘Grid background’ window 

you can customize the grid showing on 

the page and access ‘Scale drawing’ 

mode. Clicking on the ‘Grid background’ 

button opens the ‘Grid 

background’ window (Fig.26). 

Fig.24 

Fig.25 

Within this window you can: 

Fig.26 

• Change the size of the background grid 

by specifying the width of each square within it, or the 

number of squares per page width. 

• Switch the grid off completely. 

• Change the color of the grid, and whether it is dotted or 

isometric. 

• Choose to show the grid on top of any objects placed on the 

page. 

• Choose to include the grid when printing the page. 


The ‘Scale drawing’ setting reflects the scale used for the 

‘Ruler’, ‘Calliper’ and ‘Measure mode’ features, allowing you to 

accurately draw diagrams and maps to specific scales. 

Special Fills 

When a graphic on a page is selected the ‘Special fills’ feature 

allows it to be filled in a variety of ways. Clicking on the 

‘Special fills’ button opens the ‘Special fills’ window 

(Fig.27). 

Within this window you can: 

• Choose the color of the fill or specify 

‘no color’. 

• Make the chosen color transparent 

Fig.27 

using the slider. 

• Apply three different types of gradient fills and adjust the 

transparency. 

• Apply a textured fill and tile it for a more detailed effect. 

16 

Tool Factory Math Draw Special Tools 

Angle Measuring Tool 

The ‘Angle measuring’ tool allows you to draw out acute or 

obtuse angles and gives the size of the angles. The angle 

being measured is marked with an arc or in the case of right 

angles a square. You can use this, the protractor, or the 

measure mode feature to measure any angle. 

This tool can also be used to measure an angle in a shape 


already drawn on the screen. 

• Use the ‘Polygon’ tool to draw 

a shape (for example, a pentagon). 

• Click on the ‘Angle measuring tool’ 

button on the ‘Draw’ toolbar. 

Fig.28 

The mouse pointer will change to 

crosshairs. 

• Position the crosshairs on one of the 

arms of an angle to be measured 

and click on the screen. 

• Move the crosshairs to the vertex 

and click again. 

Fig.29 

• Then move the cursor to a position on 

the other arm of the angle and click again. The measurement 

will now be displayed (Fig.28). 

• To resize the angle select it, then click and drag one of the 

white boxes located at the center and the ends of the angle 

inwards or outwards (Fig.29). 

• To reposition the angle elsewhere on the page select it and 

move the mouse pointer over the angle so that it changes to 

a hand, then click and drag the angle into its new position. 

Protractor 

The ‘Protractor’ is a full 360 degree 

protractor that can be scaled and 

rotated to measure angles in a 

traditional way. You can use this, the 

angle measuring tool, or the measure 

mode feature to measure any angle. 

Fig.30 


• Use the ‘Polygon’ tool to draw a shape. 

• Click on the ‘Protractor’ button on the Draw toolbar to 

bring the protractor onto the screen. 

• Move the protractor by clicking on it, then hold down the left 

mouse button as you drag it into place over a corner of the 

drawn shape (Fig.30). 

• Click on the green rotation handle to rotate the protractor so 

that the angle can be measured. 

Calliper Tool 

The calliper tool can be used to measure the lengths of sides 

of objects on the screen. You can use this or the ruler to help 

you draw to scale. 


• Click on the ‘Calliper’ button 

. The mouse pointer will 

change to crosshairs. 

• Click on the page at one end of 

the drawn shape then move 

the crosshairs across the page 

to drag out the measuring line. 

Fig.31 

• Click again to finish the line at the 

other end of the drawn shape (Fig.31). 

This tool works according to the grid background settings. If 

the scale is changed the unit the calliper measures in will also 

be changed. To change the scale click on grid icon . 

Ruler 

The ‘Ruler’ can be used like the ‘Calliper tool’ to 

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Fig.32

measure distances and lengths of objects. 


• Click on the ‘Ruler’ button . The mouse pointer will 

change to crosshairs. 

• Click on the page and move the crosshairs across the screen 

to drag out a ruler to the size you require. 

• The units of measurement displayed on the ruler (Fig.32) will 

reflect those set in the scale 

drawing function. The default 

is mm. 

Once the ruler has been 

placed on the page it can be 

easily repositioned to measure 

Fig.33 

any lines you have drawn. 

• Click on the inside edge of the ruler to select it, the mouse 

pointer will change to a hand, keeping the left mouse button 

held down drag the ruler into its new position. 

• Place the ‘zero’ of the ruler at the starting point of the line to 

be measured. 

• Using the green rotation handle rotate the ruler so that it lines 

up with the line to be measured – it will rotate around the 

‘zero’ position (Fig.33). 

Object Properties 

The object properties function provides full details of any 

selected object on a page. The unit of measurement is set in 

the ‘Grid background’ window, providing consistency 

when working to scale. It is accessed by clicking on the ‘Object 


properties’ button on the ‘Draw’ toolbar. 

This function (Fig.34) calculates: 

- the overall height of the selected object; 

- the overall width of the object; 

- the object’s area; 

- the object’s perimeter; 

- how much free space there is within 

the selected object; 

- and how much space overlaps with 

other objects on the page. 

Fig.34 

If several objects are selected simultaneously the object 

properties function calculates the total area of all selected 

objects (Fig.35). 

Measure Mode 

Fig.35 

When measure 

mode is activated the measurements of any graphics on the 

page are displayed. You can choose to display details of the 

lengths, the angles or both. 


• Measure mode is switched off by default. To add the 

‘Measure mode’ button to the ‘Draw’ toolbar click ‘Draw’ on 

the menu bar followed by ‘Draw options’, then click in the 

box next to ‘Show measure mode button’ (Fig.36). The same 

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procedure can be carried out to remove it, 

if you do not wish it to be shown. 

• Select which measurements you wish to 

display (lengths, angles or both) by clicking 

in the appropriate checkboxes within the 

‘Draw options’ window. 

• ‘Measure mode’ measures very accurately 

and the number of decimal places for the 

measurements displayed can be set for 

Fig.36 

both angles and lengths. 

• Draw calculates by rounding up the measurements, the more 

decimal places selected the more accurate the 

measurements will be. For example, when the number of 

decimal places is set to zero the angles within a triangle 

might not add up to 180 degrees. 

• To activate or deactivate ‘Measure mode’ click on the 

‘Measure mode’ button on the ‘Draw toolbar’. Once 

activated the chosen selection will apply to every graphic on 

the page (Fig.37). The icon must be turned on to appear on 

the toolbar (Fig.36). 

• Due to the dynamic nature of ‘Measure mode’ when graphics 

are resized the measurements displayed will automatically 

update. This provides students with the opportunity to 

investigate the 

properties of different 

shapes and see what 

effects resizing the 

lengths have on the 

angles, and vice versa. 

Fig.37 


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Resource Bank 

There are a wide range of resources that 

can be accessed through the ‘Resource 

Bank’ . It is divided up into four tabs: 

Bank – Contains clip art, digital photos, 

videos, sounds, word banks, curriculum 

examples and templates. 

Acquire – Import images directly from a 

digital camera or microscope. 

Internet – Provides a quick link to the 

Internet in the same way as clicking on 

‘Internet Explorer’. 

My Bank – In addition to the Tool Factory 

Resources you can also access you own 

Fig.38 

resources, such as those saved within ‘My 

Documents’. To locate an item either navigate through the 

folders or use the keyword search. 

Keyword Search 

• Click in the ‘Search’ box and type the name of the item you 

are looking for, for example “house”. 

• Click on the ‘Search’ button. All items containing your search 

word will be displayed within the ‘Resource Bank’ window. 

The search looks for all words that contain the given word, for 

example if you search for “cat”, “cathedral” will be included 

within the list of items 


2 

oreword 















page layout. 






count on it! 

Tool Factory Database




be proud of. 









application! 


www.toolfactory.com, call sales on (802) 375-6549 or email 



4 

Contents 


• What Is a Multi-User Database? 


• Create a New Data File 

• Fields 

- Create Fields 

- Edit Fields 

• Open an Existing Database File 

• Records 

- Create a Record 

- View Records 

- Edit Records 

• Graphing Data 

- Create a Chart 

- Experiment with Chart Types 

- Edit the Chart 

• Using Queries 

- Create a New Query 

- Edit Existing Queries 

- Activate or Deactivate an Existing Query 

• Page Effects 

- Add Page Effects 

- View a Database with Its Associated Page Effects 


• For More Help 

Tool Factory Database 

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Introduction 

Tool Factory Database provides students with a quick and 

easy way to create, graphically represent and interpret 

database files. Designed to meet the needs of students, it can 

be used across the curriculum to support and develop 

students’ learning and educational achievement. 

Graphical representations of the database are easy to produce 

and several graphs or charts can be placed on the same page, 

allowing students to compare results in a range of chart types 

(bar graph, pie graph, bar line graph, and pictogram). In 

addition, as Tool Factory Database has multi-user capability, a 

whole class can enter data at the same time into networked 

computers and watch on screen as charts and graphs are 

dynamically updated. 

Databases created in Tool Factory Database can be accessed 

by users to input and interpret data from any computer with 

access to the network. This means that if your network can be 

accessed remotely users can work collaboratively on the same 

database from anywhere in the world (as long as they have 

Tool Factory Database installed). 

Tool Factory Database can still be used without networking 

and multi-user capability if desired. 


6 

What Is a Multi-User Database? 

A multi-user database is, as its name suggests, a database 

that can be accessed and used by a number of users at the 

same time. The database is stored as a data file, separate 

from the Tool Factory page used while interrogating the data, 

several users can connect to the same database and perform 

different activities on it at the same time. 

Students (on separate networked 

computers) can connect to the same 

database and look at the same data 

in different ways. The number and 

type of fields displayed on each 

student’s screen can be 

differentiated to match the purpose 

of the lesson and/or the individual 

student’s needs. For example, using 

the database template All About Me 

(located in the Resource Bank) one 

student could have all the fields 

displayed on their screen (Fig.1), 

and another could have just the 

“name” field and the fields that 

contain drop-down lists displayed 

(Fig.2). 


Fig.1 

Fig.2

Tool Factory Database automatically saves every change 

made to the data file (by any user) and dynamically updates all 

open documents, including charts, on every users screen. 

Tool Factory Database can be accessed as a multi-user 

database from any computer with a network connection and 

the software installed. 


• Go to the Start button on your 

desktop and in All Programs 

select Tool Facory Database. 

Alternatively double click on 

the shortcut on your desktop. 

A Tool Factory page will be 

displayed, with the General and 

Fig.3 

Database toolbars already open (Fig.3). 

• To open other toolbars click on the 

Toolbar control button , then click in 

the appropriate box (Fig.4). 

• The Database toolbar (Fig.5) will contains 

the Connect, Add field, Field list, Form 

view, Table view, Worksheet view, Query’, 

Query list and Chart buttons. 

Fig.4 

• Close the Toolbar 

Control window. 

• Additional 

Fig.5 

toolbars can be 

opened or closed at any time from within the Toolbar control 

window. Click on the Toolbar control button to access this 

window.) 

Remember that you are working within Tool Factory Word 

Processor so all the usual functionality of Tool Factory Word 

Processor in terms of effects and links are available to you. 

8 



Create a New Data File 

• Click on the Connect button (on the Database toolbar). 

The Connect to data file window will open (Fig.6). 

• Click on Create. 

• The Navigation window will open 

(Fig.7). 

Fields 

Fig.6 

Create Fields 

• Click on the Add field button (on the 

Database toolbar). The New field window will 

open (Fig.8). 

Fig.7 

• Enter the name for the field. For example, “Height 

(in)”. 

• Click on the drop-down menu arrow to select a field type 

(Fig.8 ). For example, if the field name is “Height (in)“, the 

field type is Number. 

Field Types: 

- Text: any type of data can be entered into this field type, 

except images. 

- Number: only numbers, including those 

with minus signs or decimal points can be 

entered into this field type. (Commas and 

spaces between digits cannot be used.) 

Fig.8 

- Picture: allows images to be entered. 


10 

- Color: automatically opens a color selection window during 

data entry for students to select a color from. 

- Date (DD/MM/YYYY): the date can be entered with the 

month in text format (including abbreviated forms) however 

data entered in this field will always be displayed in the 

default date format DD/MM/YYYY. (If a date is entered 

without a year the current year will be added). 

- Currency (0.00): numbers entered in this field type will 

automatically have a decimal point followed by two zeros 

added to the amount, unless already entered. 

• Click on Add (Fig.8 on page 9) unless you wish to create a 

list field (see page 11). The field will now be displayed on the 

page and the New field window will be ready for the next 

field to be added. 

• To limit the possible data entries for a field you can provide a 

list of options. For example, if the field in a database is “Age” 

you may want to restrict the data options to a series of 

numbers that would be appropriate for your group, such as 

ten to sixteen. 

(Note: The option Clear is automatically added to all lists 

created in Tool Factory Database which, when selected, 

allows you to leave the field blank.) 

(a) Create a List for Text, Number, Date and Currency Fields 

- Click in the Use list box (Fig.8 on page 9). The New List 

window will extend (Fig.9 on page 11). 


- In the box above the word Add type in the first option. For 

example “16”. 

- Click on Add. The data will now appear in the box to the 

right of the word Add (Fig.10). 

- Continue adding the data options then click on Display’ 

(Fig.10) to finish. The field will now be displayed on the page 

and the New field window will be ready for the next field to 

be added. 

(b) Create a List for a Picture Field 

- Having entered the Name of the new field 

and selected the Type as Picture, click in the 

Use list box. The New List window will extend 

(Fig.9). 

- Click on the Picture button at the bottom of 

the window (Fig.9). The Resource Bank will 

open. 

- Navigate within the Resource Bank to locate 

the image(s) to include (Fig.11 on page 12). 

- Click on an image to add it to the list. A 

thumbnail image will then be displayed within 

the New List window (Fig.12 on page 12). 

- Continue adding images, as above, then 

close the Resource Bank window. 

- Click on Display (Fig.12 on page 12) to add 

the field to the database. The field will now be 

displayed on the page and the New field 

window will be ready for the next field to be 

added. 

Fig.9 

Fig.10 


• Repeat the previous steps to add further fields 

to the data file. 

• Once all the fields for your data file have been 

created close the New field window by clicking 

on the cross in the top right corner. Data can 

now be added to the database. 

Edit Fields 

Within the Field properties window you can 

make changes to a fields properties. The field 

name can be changed and data can be added 

to or deleted from the drop-down data lists. 

• Click on the Field list button (on the 

Database toolbar) to open the Field list 


• Click on the name of the field you wish to 

edit. 

• Change the field name:(Note: Changing the name of a field 

will invalidate any queries that use this field.) 

- Click on Properties. The Field properties window will open 

(Fig.14 on page 13). 

- Delete the original name, and then 

type in the new name for the field in 

the Name box. 

- Click Update. The field name will be 

updated on all records. 

12 


Fig.11 

Fig.12 

Fig.13

• Edit the drop-down list: 

- Click on Properties. The Field properties window will open 

(Fig.14) 

- Add another entry to the list in the same 

way you added entries when creating the 

drop down lists. (See the previous section 

Create Fields). The drop-down field list will 

be updated automatically on all records. 

- Delete an entry from the list by selecting it, 

then click Delete (Fig.14). It will 

automatically be deleted from the drop-down Fig.14 

field list on all records. 



Follow these steps if you want to open an existing datafile. For 

example, the data file for an example in the Resource Bank. 

• Click on the Connect button . The Open or Create 

Database window will open (Fig.15). 

• Click on Browse. A window will open 

which will allow you to navigate through 

folders to locate the data file you wish 

to open. 

• Once you have located the data file 

select it with a double click, or click on it 

once then click Open. The file selection window 

will close and the Navigation window will open 

(Fig.16). 

• The database fields will not be displayed until 

they have been selected. Click on the Field list 

Fig.15 

button to open the Field list window (Fig.17). 

Fig.16 

• Either, click on Display All to place all the fields on the 

page. Or, click in the boxes next to the selected fields you 

wish to display (Fig.17). Fields will be 

displayed on the page as they are 

selected. 

• Close the Field list window. 

14 

Open an Existing Data File 


Fig.17

Create a Record 

Records 

Once the fields have been created, records can be compiled 

either by individual students (working on stand alone 

computers) or by a group of students (working on networked 

computers). As fields are created the database will 

automatically update on all networked computers. 

Note: Data is automatically saved to the data file as each field 

is completed (i.e. when the caret is moved out of the field). 

• To enter data into records you need to be in Form view. 

When you are in Form view the Form view button will 

appear gray. 

• Open the Navigation window (Fig.16) if it is not already open. 

(Click on Database on the menu bar, then Show navigation 

window). 

• Click on the Add button in the Navigation window 

(Fig.16) to begin inputting data into the first record. 

• Create the record by inputting data into each field. 

(a) Input Data into Text, Number, Date and Currency Fields 

To enter data into a record, including text, numerical, date or 

currency format: 

- Click inside the field box and enter the requested data. For 

example, in the field box labelled “Name” enter “Jack” 

(Fig.18 on Page 16). 

(b) Input Data into a Color Field 


16 

- Click inside the field box. A 

color selection window will 

Fig.18 

open (Fig.19). 

- Click on the required color then close the color selection 

window. 

(c) Input Data into a Picture Field 

- Click on the Resource Bank button 

Fig.19 

(on the General toolbar). The Resource 

Bank will open. 

- Navigate within the Resource Bank to locate the image to 

include (Fig.20). 

- Click on the image then, keeping the left mouse button held 

down, drag it into the picture field releasing the 

mouse when in place (Fig.21). 

- Alternatively, drag and drop an image already 

placed on the page into the picture field. 

Fig.21 

(d) Input Data into a Field with a Drop-Down List 

- Click inside the field box. A list will appear on the right end 

of the field. 

- Click on an entry in the drop-down list box to select it 

(Fig.22). The drop-down list box will automatically close. 


Fig.20

• Once all the fields have been 

completed click on the Add(+) 

button in the Navigation 

Fig.22 

window (Fig.23). The next record 

will open on the page. Input data into this record as before. 

View Records 

• View records individually in Form view. 

- Switch to Form view if you are not already in 

this view, by clicking on the Form view button 

on the Database toolbar. 

- Move between records by clicking on the blue 

Fig.23 

arrows in the Navigation window (Fig.24). (If it is 

not already open click on Database on the menu bar then 

Show navigation window.) 

- Use the arrows with a line next to them (Fig.24) 

to view the first and last record in the database 

respectively. 

- Use the scroll bar at the bottom of the 

Fig.24 

Navigation window (Fig.24) to move quickly 

between records. 

• View all the records in the database together in Table View. 

- Click on the Table view button (on the Database 

toolbar). All the records will now be displayed on one page 

(Fig.24). 

- Use the scroll bars (on the right hand side and/or bottom of 

the screen) to view data lower down or further across the 

page. 


Edit Records 

Changes to completed records 

can be made in Form view or 

Table view. 

• To edit data in a field without a 

drop-down list: click to place 

Fig.24 

the caret in the field box, delete 

the unwanted text then enter the new text. 

• To edit data in a field with a drop-down list: click in the field 

box and click on the data from the drop-down list you want to 

replace the original selection with. 

• To replace a picture. Select a new picture from the Resource 

Bank (as explained in the Create Records section) then drag 

and drop it on top of the original picture. 

18 

Graphing Data 

(Worksheet View) 

Students can graph data for just one field or several fields on 

the same page, choosing from a range of graph types each 

time. Graphs can be created from a completed data file or 

before any data has been added. As data is added to the 

database the graphs will be automatically updated. 

This automatic update function is particularly exciting to watch 

when the data file is being accessed by a whole class, or 

group of students, on networked computers. For example, 


display the empty chart(s) on a screen that the whole class 

can see. Leave this screen on Worksheet view and ask the 

students to work in Form view. Get the whole class to enter 

data for a specific field, e.g. their favorite color. Watch how the 

graph on the main screen changes as the “votes” come in! 

(Note: Make sure the graph is not selected as this will stop the 

automatic updates.) 

Create a Chart 

• Click on the Worksheet view button (on the Database 

toolbar) to change the screen view. A blank 

Tool Factory page will open, along with the 

Chart Window (Fig.25) . 

• Click on the page to position the caret where 

you want the top left hand corner of the 

Fig.25 

graph to go. 

• Click on the drop-down menu arrow (Fig.25) to display the list 

of fields then click on the name of the field you want to chart. 

• Select a chart type (bar chart, pie chart, bar line graph, block 

graph or pictogram) by clicking on the appropriate button 

(Fig.26). 

Fig.26 

(Note: A pictogram can only 

be used when the selected field contains a list of pictures. 

Unless this is the case, the button will be grayed out.) 

• Click OK. The chart will be placed on the page (Fig.27) and 

the Chart Window will close automatically. 


• Repeat the above steps to 

create charts for other fields. 

Experiment with Chart 

Types 

Students can experiment with 

different chart types to see which 

Fig.27 

best represents their data. 

• Select the chart to change with a click. A red selection box 

will appear around the chart outline. 

• Click on the Worksheet View button to open the 

Worksheet View. 

• Select a different chart type by clicking 

on it. The chart on the page will 

automatically change to match the one 

selected in the Chart window (Fig.28). 

• Close the chart window once you have 

selected the chart that best represents 

the data. 

Fig.28 

Edit the Chart 

Charts created in Tool Factory Database can be easily edited, 

allowing you to make changes to its position, size, color and 

text. (Note: Selecting the chart stops the automatic updates so 

that changes can be made to the chart.) 

• Resize or Reposition the Chart 

- Select the chart with a single click. A selection box will 

appear around the chart outline (Fig.29). 

20 


- To reposition it elsewhere on the page move the mouse 

pointer over the chart so that it changes to a hand. Click on 

the chart and drag it (keeping the left mouse 

button held down) to a new position on the 

page. 

- To resize the chart, move the mouse 

pointer over the one of the corners until it 

changes to the sizing arrow. Click and drag Fig.29 

(keeping the left mouse button held down) the sizing arrow 

inwards or outwards until the chart reaches the desired 

dimensions. 

• Edit Chart Text 

The text in chart titles, axis headings and keys can be edited in 

the same way as text within other Tool Factory Workshop 

software. Words can be replaced and 

the font style, color and size adjusted. 

- Click once with the mouse pointer to 

place the caret within the existing text. 

Delete unwanted words then type in 

your new text. 

Fig.30 

- To change the font style, color and 

size select the text with a double click, then click on the 

Effects button (on the General toolbar) to open the Text 

effects window (Fig.30). To change the font color, click on 

Color within the Text effects window. (See the Tool Factory 

Workshop Getting Started Guide for further information on 

text effects.) 

- Close the Effects window when you have finished adding 


22 

text effects. 

• Change the Chart Background Color and Outline 

- Select the chart with a single click. 

A selection box will appear around 

the chart outline. 

- Click on the Effects button to 

open the Graphics effects window 

(Fig.31). 

- In Fill color choose a new 

Fig.31 

background color for the selected chart (Fig.32). 

- To change the color of the outline click on 

Line color and select a new color. 

Using Queries 

Tool Factory Database allows students to 

Fig.32 

investigate the database using queries. A 

query allows students to view data that matches certain 

conditions, for example, students over 61 inches in height. 

When a query is active only records that match those 

conditions will be displayed – this will be the case in all screen 

views. 

Students can search for data that matches several conditions 

by combining conditions in a single query or by running two 

queries simultaneously. For example, they could search for 

students that bike to school and are taller than 62 inches. 

Queries run from networked computers will only be displayed 


on the computer the query was initiated on. This provides an 

opportunity for differentiated learning as each student can run 

different queries using the same data file. 

Create a New Query 

• Change the screen view to Table 

view or Form view if you are 

currently working in Worksheet 

view. 

• Click on the Interrogate button 

(on the Database toolbar) 

to open the Interrogate Window 

Fig.33 

(Fig.33). 

• Click on the New Query button 

to create a new query. Then 

create a new query line for your 

Fig.34 

query by clicking on the New 

Query Line button 

Select a field to run the query on from 

the Field drop-down menu (Fig.34). 

For example “Height”. 

Fig.35 

• Select a condition for the query from the Condition drop-down 

menu (Fig.35). For example “equals” 

or “contains” (‘’) to include records 

which have two or more words in a 

Fig.36 

field. 

• Either select a value for the query from the Value drop-down 

menu (for numerical fields or fields with a list of possible data 

entries), or enter a value for your query directly into the 

Value box (Fig.36). 


• Click OK’. 

• To add another condition to the 

query select And from the 

AND/OR’ drop-down menu when 

creating your first query (Fig.36) 

then repeat the above steps for a 

new query line. Click OK’ to add 

Fig.37 

this condition to the query. (Fig.37). 

• To expand the condition to include an either/or possibility 

click on Or from the AND/OR’ drop-down menu when 

creating your first query (Fig.36) then repeat the above steps 

for the next query. Click OK’ to 

add this condition to the query. 

• Click in the box next to Query 

Name, delete any existing text 

and enter a name for your 

query (Fig.38). Unnamed 

queries will be displayed as 

Fig.38 

Query 1’, Query 2’ etc. 

• When the query is complete, click on the checkbox under 

Active to activite your query (Fig.38). Only records which 

match the conditions of the query will be displayed. 

• Close the New query’ window. 

Edit Existing Queries 

Once a query has been created it can be edited, for example 

to add another condition to the query. 

• Click on the Interrogate button (on the Database 

24 


toolbar) to open the Interrogate window (Fig.39). 

• Select the query to edit by clicking on its name, then click 

Edit. The Edit query window will 

open (Fig.38). 

• To add another condition to the 

query click on the drop-down 

Fig.39 

menus, as before, then click OK. 

• To make changes to the original query click on the field 

name. The field name will be highlighted in blue and the 

query details replicated in the boxes below. Edit the query 

and click OK once all your changes have been made. The 

query will be automatically updated once you check the box 

under Active for that query. 

• Close the Edit query window. 

Activate or Deactivate Existing Queries 

• Click on the Interrogate button 

A window will open showing all the 

queries created for the database. 

Active queries will be checked 

Fig.40 

(Fig.40). 

• Deactivate a query by clicking on the check box to remove 

the check. 

• Activate a query by clicking in the box next to it so that it is 

checked. 


Add Page Effects 

26 

Page Effects 

As Tool Factory Database uses Tool Factory Word Processor 

pages, objects (text and images) can be added around the 

individual records (Form view) and charts (Worksheet view). 

See the curriculum examples in the Resource Bank. 

Details on how to add page effects are included in the Tool 

Factory Word Processor Getting Started Guide (Page 22). 

To keep the page effects save the Tool Factory document as 

you would any other. (The database itself will be saved 

separately as a data file.) 

View a Database with Its Associated Page Effects 

If page effects have been added to a database they will only 

be displayed when you access the database by opening the 

saved Tool Factory file associated with it. Page effects will not 

be displayed when you open the data file by connecting to it 

(see the section Open an Existing Database File on Page 14). 


Resource Bank 

There are a wide range of resources that can be accessed 

through the Resource Bank . It is divided up into four 

sections: 

Bank – Contains clipart, digital photos, videos, sounds, word 

banks, curriculum examples and templates. 

Acquire – Import images directly from a digital camera or 

microscope. 

Internet – Provides a quick link to the Internet in the same 

way as clicking on Internet Explorer. 

My Bank – In addition to the Tool Factory Resources you can 

also access you own resources (such as those saved within 

My Documents). To locate an item either navigate through the 

folders or use the keyword search. 

Keyword Search 

• Click in the Search box and type the name of the item you 

are looking for, e.g. “house”. 

• Click on the Search button. All items containing your search 

word will be displayed within the Resource Bank window. 

Note:. The search looks for all words that contain the given 

word, e.g. if you search for “cat”, “cathedral” will be included 

within the list of items. 


28 

For More Help 

This guide and all other ‘Getting Started Guides’ are available 

from the ‘Help’ menu. 

Over 50 cross-curricular examples are included in the Tool 

Factory Workshop ‘Resource Bank’. A series of short ‘Getting 

Started’ video demonstrations can also be found on our 

website. Visit the ‘Tutorials’ section at www.toolfactory.com and 

select ‘Tool Factory Word Processor’ from the drop down 

menu. For further examples and ideas on how to use these 

software tools effectively in the classroom visit our website at 

www.toolfactory.com. 

Sharing Ideas 

We would love to see examples of how your school has used 

our software tools to create resources of your own. If you have 

any examples you would like to share with us, please add 

them to our ‘Curriculum’ area and click ‘Add Your Own Lesson 

Plan’. 

Tutorials, Lesson Plans, and Training Materials 

Free tutorials, lesson plans, and training presentations can be 

found at at www.toolfactory.com. Visit the training area and 

download step-by-step tutorials for every feature and function 

in this program. There are printable worksheets and even 

complete training presentations for every application. It’s all 

free! 


Credits 

© Copyright Softease Limited 1994, 2005, 2008. 

Certain clip art files provided are copyright Sherston 

Software Ltd. For further information on these resources, 

please visit www.sherston.com. 

Certain Digital Video samples included are taken from the 

Digital Video Clips collections published by Sherston. These 

files are copyright Sherston Software Ltd and Croft Douglas 

Education Ltd. For further information on these resources, 

please visit www.sherston.com and www.croftdouglas.co.uk 

Certain images provided are copyright Nova Development and 

its licensors. Images ©1997, 1998, 2004 Nova Development 

and its licensors; ©1996 Cliptoart; ©1995 Expressions 

Computer Software; ©1997-98 Seattle Support Group; ©1999 

Software Syndicate Inc.; © Management Graphics, Ltd.; © 

1996-99 Hemera Technologies, Inc. All rights reserved. 

Oxford Reading Tree Clip Art Story Characters, © Sherston 

Software Limited and Oxford University Press 1997. 

Development Team 

Development Manager: Steve Taylor 

Product Development: Richard Cunningham, Rob Davies, 

Jane Doran, Mark Harrison, Mark Ingram, Craig Robson, Ian 

White, Matthew Wilcoxson 

Graphic Design: Paul Gowdridge 

Educational Consultants: Doug Dickinson, Fiona Panni 

Project Manager: Heather Purdom 

www.toolfactory.com 

29

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