if a field is filled then

[dharkin]

can someone give me a heads up on how to create a script for the following scenario

I have a drop down box with choices. If that field becomes populated with one of the selections then a note pops up telling them to contact so and so

I do not want it triggered by a button if possible, it can trigger upon closing

Thanks

[kim_od]

Select the drop down field and specify button (script).

Your script use go to field to the drop down field so that you can select from drop down. Once that is done, append scripts that you would like.

[dharkin]

thanks for the response but maybe i was not clear i do not know how to create if then script in order to make this happen. your help is appreciated

D

[-Queue-]

Look here.

[Fitch]

The method kim mentioned would still rely on a scripted Pause, so you would have to hit the Enter key or press a button. The only way to make a script trigger on exit is with a plugin such as Troi Activator or Waves Events.

http://www.troi.com/software/activatorplugin.html

http://wmotion.com/events.html

The actual script would be something like:

If [not IsEmpty(yourField)]

.. Show message ["contact so and so"]

End If

Another approach that might work for you is a calculated text field, such as:

Case [not IsEmpty(yourField), "contact so and so"]

Put this field on the layout, format it with large, bold, red text and your message will magically appear when the field is populated, no script necessary.

[kim_od]

Actually, there is no need to Enter or Hit a button with the scripted approach that I posted.

[-Queue-]

Agreed, that's the pop-up menu trick. The script automatically progresses from a Pause/Resume once you exit the field.

[dharkin]

The script runs before i can make a selection into the field. even after it runs i cannot make a selection

thanks for the help any solutions to this

[kim_od]

Instead of using 0 second, try 2-3 seconds pause.

[-Queue-]

Make the field a pop-up menu. It will pause indefinitely.

This was explained in the link I posted.

[ernst]

Seems 'D' is using a Mac.

I think the trick does not work on a Mac.

Ernst.

[dharkin]

I am using a mac.

We own filemaker pro

anyway attached is a screen shot of the script

i do not have to attach it to a button right it should just run.

it does not work the message will not pop up when the "special education" is selected

Picture 3.pdf

[-Queue-]

Um, if you don't attach the script to the field (as a button), there's no way it's going to run.

[Fitch]

No, this trick won't work on a Mac, at least not on OS X. Haven't tested on OS 9.

I'd love to be proved wrong -- if you think it will work, upload a sample file.

[-Queue-]

I could have sworn my former partner developed a Mac solution with this technique a few years ago. But I don't have quick access to a Mac anymore. So I can't test the theory. It's a serious x-plat deficiency if it in fact cannot function on Mac, though.

[ernst]

It doesn't work on MacOS 9 either

Suppose I'll have to switch to PC....

[Philland]

I believe that you can accomplish what you are trying to do with a loop in your script. The loop will look back at the drop down menu field and pause your script until a valid response is selected and then continue.

I use this in script that allows short messages to be sent to individual user screens in a "to do list" box, allowing a supervisor to assign tasks to people.

This is the way it is set up:

a clear box is placed over the drop down menu field with a script attached like the following

Allow user abort [Off]

Go to field [select, "MenuField"]

Loop

Pause/Resume Script ["0:00:01"]

Exit Loop If ["not MenuField = "Select Choice" or not Status(CurrentFieldName) = "MenuField""]

End Loop

Here you will set the response in the MenuField to a global field and/or place your subscript or If/Thens for your "contact so&so" message

then. . .

Set Field ["MenuField", "Select Choice"}

...

Phil

[Philland]

Oh and I am running this on a server with OS X, OS 9 and OS 8.6 and one PC connected.

Sorry forgot to add that to the first post.

Phil

[-Queue-]

Nice job, only thing is that you can format the field as a button and no extra transparent button is necessary.