Field labels diappearing in find mode -help!

[Tokyo-B]

This is a bit tricky and I almost have it but think some help would speed things up a bit, p-l-e-e-z-e...

Situation:

Using a language file to provide field labels in different languages depending on user choice. They display fine in browse mode.

Problem: When I try to do a find then ALL the field labels disappear so know one knows what they are!

Script Sample: (not 100% English FMP terminology since I am using the Japanese version and am translating roughly into what the FMP script maker commands are.)

# Clear Temp fields (global text)

1) Set field: TempName_gt, " "

2) Set field: TempCompany_gt, " "

# Go to Find Layout and enter the field for input of find strings and pause script

3) Change to layout: Find

4) Move to Field: TempName_gt (select/play)

5) Pause Script (wait for user)

6) Freeze window

# On continue script go into find mode and set fields from the temp globals.

7) Change in to Find Mode

8) Set Field: Name_t, TempName_gt

9) Set Field: Company_t, TempCompany_gt

10) Execute Find

Result: The field names which are related fields and merge fields from the language file all display correct. The Temp globals (gt) are all blank but the Name_t (text) fields still show record data. If I change the script to go into find mode earlier then all the field labels disappear (because they are fields...) Also, the actual find itself in this script does not work... States no records could be found.

So, please could someone trouble-shoot for me.

Much appreciated,

Thanks,

Bill

[ernst]

Hi Bill,

Are the field labels global fields? If not, then that is the problem. Calculated fields will go blank in Find mode.

Regards,

Ernst.

[Tokyo-B]

No they are not globals. They are related to another file via a language link, but just regular text fields as in ::CompanyName. I know that this is not the problem though, it is a bit more sinister...

Thanks,

Bill

[ernst]

Sorry Bill,

I should have been more accurate.

Also related 'regular' fields get blanked in 'Find Mode'. Could this be the problem?

Or is it even *more* sinister then that...

Ernst.

[BuddySystems]

Here's what I did to solve this problem: Create Globals for each of your "localized fields" and then do a script that does a "set field" for each of them at startup or when they change / update the localize file. Granted, this can make it so you have tons of globals, - one for each field label - but it will work when you are in Find Mode. For example, if you have a field called FirstName, you'll have a global called "FirstNameTitle" that gets set with the script mentioned above. You then put the field, or a merge text version of the field (my preference) on the screen, and you should be good to go.

[Tokyo-B]

Sent this (similar one anyway) but cannot find it on FM Forums. Glitch(?) maybe...

Anyway, here goes again.

As Shimoda stated, the field labels as globals do show up in find mode BUT, not I have another problem to solve so need ADVANCED help...

Overview:

All the field labels in my solution are themselves fields of one kind or another. Some are regular types and some calculated. All of them get their language (English or Japanese) from a dictionary file. In browse mode everything works fine (so far...) However, in Find Mode I am have problems and need help.

What I am trying to do (see attached):

Many of the field labels are placed On TOP of the field they are describing. This is done as a calculated field that states what the field should contain, and then disappears once the field 'underneath' has data entered into it. Quite simple and effective.

For example:

Field Label [CompanyName_ct] Calculated text. Not enterable and in a very light grey placed on top of,

Field [CompanyName_t] Text and user enters data here.

Why? To save screen space taken up by field labels that are usually above or to the side of the fields they are used. This solutions show the user exactly what goes in the field yet disappears if data is entered while taking up no extra room.

Calculation is:

Field Label = Case(CompanyName_t = "", Contacts|Language Choice::[F0446], "")

Where [F0446] is the word [Company Name] in either English or Japanese depending on the user's choice at login. This works 100% trouble-free in browse mode.

Problem Part 1:

Cannot show the field labels in Find Mode so am using the following script (numbered here for easy reference):

1) Set field: Temp01_gt, CompanyName_ct ##This is a global text field

2) Go to Layout FIND

3) Enter Find Mode

Problem Part 2:

Of course, when this script is activated from another layout, the Field Label [CompanyName_ct] is placed into the global [Temp01_gt] and this has been placed on the layout on top of the Field [CompanyName_t] so looks just like the Field Label [CompanyName_ct] does in browse mode. Perfect, but...

...because this is not a calculation, and because the user is in Find Mode entering the name of the company he/she wishes to find, then as soon as the user clicks out of the field the global re-displays on top of the search string entered by the user making it illegible. Text ontop of text. As stated earlier, in browse mode, since it is calculated it disappears as it should In find mode, it just stays there. I know why but need to know how to fix it.

OK then, any questions, suggestions, caveats or other tricks to get around this in Find Mode? i.e. real-time calculation on globals in find mode or anything else that will work for that matter so that the/a field label on top of the field it describes can be 'hid' as the user enters the search string, yet still displays in find mode.

Thanks in advance for all your help,

Much appreciated,

Bill

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