Hi,

I have a popup list of values that I might want people to select two or more entries from. Is there a way to allow the user to select multiple entries in the value list, and then have these selections display easily?

Thanks,

Andrew

If you change your field format to Popup menu instead of list you can choose a second (and third and so on) value by pressing the shift key.

To display both values you would have to add the field again a second time to the layout and format it as a regular two line text field.

This is the same operation with Radio buttons. The field will contain the text

"Choice 1

Using checkboxes instead of radio buttons or popup lists, you don't need to hold down the shift key.

I have this same question, and I would love to use check boxes. One problem, is there a way to have a scroll bar on check boxes? If the amount of items (which in my case, is dynamic) goes further then the formated area, it cuts off the checkboxes. Also, with a pop up menu, it goes away when each choice is made which is kind of a bummer because if you have a long list, it forces you to scroll and click over and over. Any thoughts?

You should notice that with pop-ups lists (and check-boxes), you should never actually have to scroll -- just type the first few characters, and the list will jump to the relevant slot. So, data-entry with even a very long list shouldn't be too time-consuming.

But -- whenever you're getting a variable number of values deposited in a field from the same pop-up list, it's worth asking yourself whether you really ought to be creating a related file to track these different connections. For example, if you're entering items on an order form, and you want to show that this order includes bananas, apples, and pears, it's better to have a line items file behind the scenes so that the master PurchaseOrder record is related to records in a LineItems database {PO# / item / qty / unit price / item total}, which show up as portal rows. The apparent extra structure of an additional file never feels intuitive at the beginning, but the increase in power and data-entry and data-display efficiency may be worth it...

If you're unsure, you might share the nature of the value-list and see what folks think...

Hi Andrew,

In addition, a checkbox can be re-sized to fit your space nicely. In Layout mode, select the field formatted as a checkbox. Grab a handle (black square in corner) and drag it. It will change to as many columns wide and the height you wish. Users like selecting from checkboxes. It allows multiple selections and adding 'Other' entries. And, if you draw it larger than required, it will expand in the direction you allow and line up nicely as new entries are added.

Popups are usually too two-dimensional for long lists, in my opinion. Another thing good about checkboxes (if based upon field values) is that they will adjust alphabetically as entries are added. It's a neat, clean columnar list.

You can also get fancy and filter your popups, basing your Value List on a calculation; filtering A-L and M-Z, for instance). Attach each VL to the same field and place them both on the layout.

LaRetta