Static Text is used for text elements in the template that do not change. An example of this would be the instructions section of a routing slip.
Static text fields are represented in iReports by this icon:
In this picture of the Report Inspector you can see examples of the different static text elements found in a routing slip:
When you click on a static text element in the Report Inspector (or on the field in the template) the properties of that field can be viewed in the iReport properties menu.
You could use the following button (next to Text)...
...to open the Custom Text editor, making it easier to view and type text your text.
To add a Static Text Field to a template...
1) In the Palette, left click on the Static Text button then drag the field into into position on your template.
2) Click on the Custom Text Editor button and enter the text you wish to have appear in this field. Click on OK when finished.
**Note: You can click on the field in the template and enter your text there, but using the Custom Text Editor button allows you to view everything that you are typing at once.**
3) If necessary, use the field box Handle Bars to resize the box so that all of the text is visible.