value list multiple entries

[rex]

I want to enter multiple selections from a pop-up list, but find it will only allow single entries into the field. A pop-up menu is no good as it is not friendly to use, and dangerous when browsing, as it is easy to lose previously inserted data.Same goes for check boxes. The pop-up also needs to allow user entry into the field. The ordinary old pop-up list would be ideal if it could be made to accept multiple entries. Any ideas?

Rex

[Lee Smith]

Have you considered using a separate layout and check boxes?

Lee

[The Shadow]

You can add multiple entries from a popup list, its just not very obvious how to do so.

Once you add an item from the list, click into the field and hit enter to make an empty line, then hit the escape key to bring the popup up again and select your second value. Repeat for more selections.

[Vaughan]

"it is easy to lose previously inserted data.Same goes for check boxes"

I don't understand this. Check boxes are *made* for multiple value entry.

If you mean that it's easy for users to uncheck options already selected... well, that's a user-education issue IMHO. There are ways of building an interface to allow onoy new entries but they are complex. Easier to train the users.

[rex]

To Lee, a separate layout would not work in this instance, Im afraid, but thanks for the thought.

To 'The shadow', this seems to be the answer, exactly what was needed. It seems obvious now that you have told me. Thanks.

To Vaughan, the problem with the check box is the size of the box when selected. The field in the layout needs to be large so that all the info is visible, and, it seems that the size of the check box display is related to the field layout size, making it easy to click in the wrong place, as it takes up a lot of real-estate. Our input girls are volunteers, with some maybe just a basic knowledge, and it is my unremitting policy to make the program fit OUR requirements, and not to compromise to the limitations or foibles of the software. After three years of fine-tuning our programs and solutions to our particular needs, it is at a stage where it is easy and stable to use, and it provides the results we expect, while being user-friendly for new key punchers.

[rex]

To 'The Shadow'... I took your advice but hitting 'escape' does not do anything. This V5.5 . I still can't get multiple entries out of the pop-up list.

Any more ideas?

Rex

[The Shadow]

Hmmm, it works in FM6 and FM7. I don't have a version of 5.5 handy, but that must have been added in FM6.

You could have a popup that the user selects, then hits an "Add" button, so that value would be appended to the actual field.

[rex]

I have defined a text field to hold all the keywords (about 100) that may be used in the database. A particular record may only have 4 or 5 of the selected ones in it.

This field displays alongside the actual keyword field, and our input angels now need to type the selected words into the keyword field. If we could click and copy, or drag and drop, or easily get them into the active field, that would make life simple for them. Any ideas most welcome.

Rex

[Vaughan]

If you put the keywords into a separate table, ypu could display them in a scrolling portal. A button in each portal row could than add the keyword to the field when clicked.

There are a few demos of this around the Forums.