Insert Filler Text

[Phil_rose]

Hi, if I add filler text to a frame it isn't editable except en masse as a whole item. I can't select a part of the text. Is there a way to convert that to an actual block of editable text?

Thanks!

[NathanC]

Hi @Phil_rose,

After inserting the filler text if you right click > Expand field (Or use Text > Expand > Expand Field) this will convert the filler text into standard, editable text.

[Old Bruce]

Best is to use the Preferences and check the Insert filler text as text in the General section.

[walt.farrell]

1 hour ago, Old Bruce said:

Best is to use the Preferences and check the Insert filler text as text in the General section.

But if you do that, you lose the benefit of Filler Text that it expands and contracts to fit the Text Frame if you resize it, or Link it to another Frame.

So while you're approach may be useful, I prefer and use the approach mentioned by @NathanC.

[Phil_rose]

This is all great advice, as usual. Thanks all.

[Return]

3 hours ago, walt.farrell said:

or Link it to another Frame.

But when inserting extra filler text you still can link it.
Or am I missing something?

[jmwellborn]

7 minutes ago, Return said:

But when inserting extra filler text you still can link it.
Or am I missing something?

No, you are not missing anything.  You can definitely link filler text frames.  I just did it.  I also expanded and contracted a text frame (and expanded and contracted the size of the text within the frame) using @Old Bruce's method.  Also very useful for fast, one-stop shopping when experimenting with Drop Caps, or text wrapping, or Font style and size, etc.  

[Return]

4 minutes ago, jmwellborn said:

No, you are not missing anything.

I know, but sometimes @walt.farrell comes around with an example that doesn't fit the avarage parameters that anybody else had thought of.

[walt.farrell]

34 minutes ago, Return said:

But when inserting extra filler text you still can link it.
Or am I missing something?

Create a Text Frame. Insert true Filler Text. 

Create another Text Frame and link it from the first one. The Filler Text will will expand to fill the second Frame. 

Add and Link a third, and it will expand again.

If you use the setting that @Old Bruce recommended, that automatic expansion will not happen.

The same is true of creating a Text Frame, adding Filler, and then modifying the size of the Frame. True Filler Text will automatically expand/contract to fill the Frame as completely as possible.