Shape.textbox

Aspose.Words Product Family
1

I am trying to insert a shape.textbox into a word doc. If it is already there I would like to clear out any text that is already in there and write new text in the textbox. If it is not already there, I would like to create it so I can put the text inside it.
I have been able to create the textbox and fill it with text, but if I access the document again, I end up with multiple instances of the textbox as it is recreated each time.
TellDerek2@GMail.com

This message was posted using Aspose.Live 2 Forum

2

Hi Derek,
You can create or edit an existing textbox in document by using the code similar to below.

Document doc = new Document(dataDir + "Test Document.doc");
bool hasTextBox = false;
Shape textBox = null;
// Try to find existing textbox
NodeCollection nodes = doc.GetChildNodes(NodeType.Shape, true);
foreach(Shape node in nodes)
{
    if (node.ShapeType == ShapeType.TextBox)
    {
        hasTextBox = true;
        textBox = node;
    }
}
// Create a new textbox if no textbox already exists
if (!hasTextBox)
{
    textBox = new Shape(doc, ShapeType.TextBox);
    // Set Textbox size
    textBox.Width = 100;
    textBox.Height = 100;
    // Insert one empty paragraph into the textbox.
    Paragraph par = new Paragraph(doc);
    par.AppendChild(new Run(doc));
    textBox.AppendChild(par);
    // Insert textbox into the document.
    doc.FirstSection.Body.FirstParagraph.AppendChild(textBox);
}
// Change text in textbox
textBox.FirstParagraph.Runs[0].Text = "Text Inserted";
doc.Save(dataDir + "Test Document Out.doc");

If you need any futher help please ask.
Thanks,

3

I can see how that would work. But what if I wanted to remove any duplicate text boxes, then create a new one to write my write my text to.
My concern is that I will end up with too many text boxes on the page.
PS: I’'m using VB.net to write the program.

4

Hi

Thank you for additional information. Maybe, in your case, you can use Shape.Name to identify textboxes. In this case, you will be able to avoid duplications:
https://reference.aspose.com/words/net/aspose.words.drawing/shapebase/name/
Best regards.

5

Hi Derek,
Here is the code above in Visual Basic format for your reference if needed.

Dim doc As New Document(dataDir & "Test Document.doc")
Dim hasTextBox As Boolean = False
Dim textBox As Shape = Nothing
' Try to find existing textbox
Dim nodes As NodeCollection = doc.GetChildNodes(NodeType.Shape, True)

For Each node As Shape In nodes
    If node.ShapeType = ShapeType.TextBox Then
        hasTextBox = True
        textBox = node
    End If
Next node
' Create a new textbox if no textbox already exists
If (Not hasTextBox) Then
    textBox = New Shape(doc, ShapeType.TextBox)

    ' Set Textbox size
    textBox.Width = 100
    textBox.Height = 100
    ' Insert one empty paragraph into the textbox.
    Dim par As New Paragraph(doc)
    par.AppendChild(New Run(doc))
    textBox.AppendChild(par)

    ' Insert textbox into the document.
    doc.FirstSection.Body.FirstParagraph.AppendChild(textBox)

End If
' Change text in textbox
textBox.FirstParagraph.Runs(0).Text = "Text Inserted"
doc.Save(dataDir & "Test Document Out.doc")

Thanks,