TI-89 Text Formatting Tips

The maximum number of characters in a TI-89 Text instruction is 39.  Text displays best in a Dialog...EndDlog block with messages from 30-38 characters followed by a space.  If your text is 29 characters or less no trailing space is needed.  The standalone Text instruction doesn't display messages longer than 33 charcters properly (the 34th through 39th charcters are scrolled off the right edge).  Also, annoyingly, standalone Text messages are limited to one line each.

Rule of thumb:  Use Text OR Dialog...EndDlog for messages 33 characters or less.  Use ONLY Dialog...EndDlog for anything longer.

Remember to terminate Dialog...EndDlog Text strings from 30 to 38 characters with a space so they look right.  Remember to split anything longer than 38 characters into 2 or more Text instructions within a Dialog...EndDlog block.