? Auto scripts when choosing a pop-up list value ?

[kelturner]

Hi everyone,

I would like to create a script that would automatically take the user to a new layout when they select a certain value from a pop-up list.

For example if they choose "Summary Data" from a pop-up list, FM would open the "SumData" Layout for further data entry. From what I've been reading here in the forum it seems that I may need a plug-in to do this. Does anyone have any other solutions?

Thanks in advance,

Kel

[JPaul]

Hello Kel,

if your list is short (10 - 20 items) you can accomplish your job by using a pop-up menu instead of a value list: pop up menu is 'scriptable' while a pure value list is not.

If you don't fall under this case, you need a plug in: take a look to the 'EVENTS' plug in at www.wmotion.com.

Regards

[kelturner]

JPaul,

Thanks for responding, I have a further question regarding your solution. How exactly do I attach a script to the pop-up menu? Is this in Define Fields, or do I need to add a button that the user has to press to run the script? I was trying to avoid the latter solution. Thanks for you help,

Kel

[JPaul]

You have to follow these steps:

• define a field containing your list (as pop up menu) and buttonize it by attaching to it the script you need to be executed.

• obviously this trick does work only by clicking on this field and not tabbing in it.

If you need an automated execution of the script (without clicking) you need the plug in i've mentioned in my preceding post.

There are other ways to accomplish this job but are more sophisticated and very tedious and complicated, such as launching (at the 'form load time') a script that drive the navigation between the fields on the layout !!

Do you are ready for this ?!

I think the pop up menu and / or the pkug in are the better (and simply) ways.

Greetings for Holy Lands.

[kelturner]

JPaul,

Thanks, I opted for the pop-up menu option which didn't work out exactly because it would require the user to first select an option from the pop-up menu, then re-click on the field to activate the script.

What I did instead was to create a transperent button under the next data entry field on the layout. This too created a slight problem when you clicked on the field because it would run the script and not give you the pop-up options for data entry. So I made the transperent button cover the field only partially, that way the user will usually activate the script first when they click in the field, then try clicking again to get the pop-up menu to come up. It is sort of an archaic solution, but it works for me!

Thanks again, kel

[JPaul]

quote:

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Originally posted by kel:

JPaul,

Thanks, I opted for the pop-up menu option which didn't work out exactly because it would require the user to first select an option from the pop-up menu, then re-click on the field to activate the script.

What I did instead was to create a transperent button under the next data entry field on the layout. This too created a slight problem when you clicked on the field because it would run the script and not give you the pop-up options for data entry. So I made the transperent button cover the field only partially, that way the user will usually activate the script first when they click in the field, then try clicking again to get the pop-up menu to come up. It is sort of an archaic solution, but it works for me!

Thanks again, kel

---

Hi Kel,

don't worry: if your solution does work right for you don't care if it archaic or not !!

I think, also, you have misinterpreted the contents of my post: to clarify it send me your e-mail address and i will send you back and example (naturally if you agree).

Best regards

[kelturner]

With a big help from JPaul who sent me a FM file with a scripted pop-up menu field in it, I was able to figure out how to "buttonize" values in a pop-up menu field so that they will take you to different layouts. Check out the steps below to do this yourself!

Step 1. Define the field you want to attach a script to.

Step 2. Create a Values List for the field including the values you want to "buttonize".

Step 3. In Layout mode, using Field Format, make your field a pop-up menu and attach your values list to it.

Step 4. Write your script, here is an example:

Go to Field [“My Pop-Up”]

Pause/Resume Script [“0:00:02”]

If [“My Pop-up”=”A””]

Go to Layout [“Form A”]

Else

If [“My Pop-up”=”B””]

Go to Layout [“Form B”]

End If

End If

Step 5: Attach the script to your field and choose "Resume" current script.

Now when you choose a value from your pop-up menu, FM will automatically take you to your desired layout.

Thanks JPaul!

-kel

[JPaul]

Hi Kel,

a little comment; set Pause/Resume to 0 (instead of 2): it pauses the script for about 1 sec. and give it the ability to process the remaining instructions after the 'setfocus' (go to field) is done.

Best regards.

[mattc]

JPaul,

I use exactly the same method for switching layouts/executing scripts & this works perfectly on a windows platform. However, I have a problem getting the Pause & menu to appear on the Mac - It simply seems to skip throught the script & close.

[JPaul]

Hi Mattc,

i have no knowledge about Mac world, but do you can be more specific about your concern ?

Greetings

[Kurt Knippel]

quote:

---

Originally posted by MattC:

...However, I have a problem getting the Pause & menu to appear on the Mac - It simply seems to skip throught the script & close.

---

I find this very hard to believe as I work with both Macs and Windows machines and have never noticed anything like this.

[rogermax]

Precisely the solution I have been trying to figure out! Thanks!

A wealth of knowledge here for the looking...kudos to all who share their talents and experience in the forums.

[mattc]

Sorry about this!

I've just come back to my project and am still having trouble with this solution.

I find that when using this method on a mac with a pop up MENU that the user has to click the field/button twice to get the menu to appear in order to make a choice. I can get a similar script to work with a pop up LIST but not the menu. I prefer the pop up menu as it blends with the OS X theme - any ideas??

By the way, this script works faultlessly when running on a FM5 client on PC.

I am using FM5.5 in OSX if this makes a difference.

Thanks

Matt