A shape field is a graphic element, a geometric figure, that provides a background for other fields on a form. Users cannot interact with shape fields. Shapes include:

Because shapes are stored on a separate layer on the form, they are always “under” the scalar fields. All shapes consist of perimeter lines, which you can define using the Property Inspector. For example, you can set the line thickness or style of a shape.

Ellipses and rectangles also include a background, which is the area bounded by the perimeter. This background can be filled or unfilled. A shape field is transparent, or unfilled, if its BgPattern property is set to FP_CLEAR; otherwise, the field is filled. When a shape is unfilled, any shapes on the layers beneath it show through. A filled shape is opaque and covers any shapes below it.

For more information about form layers, see How You Can Work with Overlapping Fields (see How You Can Work with Overlapping Fields) and How You Can Work with the Shape Layer (see How You Can Work with the Shape Layer).

To work with any of the shape types, see the appropriate section, following.