Long Value List "Values"

[TTN]

I've got a value list with very long sentences, even paragraphs. On screen, is there anyway I can make the text wrap when using the checkbox feature? Thanks.

[transpower]

Put a paragraph indicator in the text where you want it to wrap.

[TTN]

Sorry, but I'm such a novice that I don't know what the code is for the paragraph indicator. I've tried [p] [br] <br> ^p. I'm a transplanted teacher thrown into Filemaker. Exciting, but I'm still at baby stages.

[transpower]

Make the value list based on text fields in another file. Use the paragraph symbol in the contents of the field.

[QuinTech]

Transpower, i think this is very bad advice. If a value list option runs to a second line, then it becomes confusing because each line is meant to be a different value/different option.

TTN, depending on what you are trying to do, i think you should either revise your value list or use a portal. Paragraphs in value lists are a bad idea for the reason i explained above. You could either (A) shorten the length of each option by using only keywords or ID tags, or (: if the full text must be preserved, put the options into a portal and create some selection method for that.

Please describe in a little more detail what you are trying to do and maybe we can suggest which method you should use.

Jerry

[TTN]

Thanks. After attempting the related file with the lists, I convinced the powers that be that creating a code with the related paragraph listed below it as plain text on the screen is the best thing we can do.

Again, thank you for your assistance!

Aloha.

[transpower]

OK, good, TTN.

QuinTech: I created a test file for the value lists, using a non-indexed calculation for each field to create text with paragraph symbol separators. But, alas, FM insisted on lumping all the fields together (and sorting the items within them, no less) in the valuelist pop-up for the user file. So...this doesn't make sense to me...because the field boundaries are not being respected...I'll get back to this problem later...OK, I'm back; if the concern is with the display of the chosen item of the value list, then it's simple to change the size of the text box on the layout, automatically causing the item to wrap any way you want.

[QuinTech]

Regardless of how it is implemented, it seems like a bad idea to me. Look at this value list:

This is the first item which

because of wrapping and

paragraph markers runs to

multiple lines

This is the second item

How many items are in the value list? Two, but it looks as if there are 5. Confusing design if you ask me. Even if Filemaker CAN do it, that doesn't mean Filemaker SHOULD do it.

J

[transpower]

But suppose you want to select from a value list of groups of data? I would think that such groups should be set off by pararentheses, braces, or brackets, as in other computer languages.

[MoonShadow]

Value Lists are not designed to be used with long paragraphs of data. Period. Listen to Jerry.

[JerrySalem]

But what about a CHECK box Value list?

Looking at Jerry's example above, you would clearly get 2 boxes with the 5 lines of text. This is acceptible (IMHO)

Jerry (different that the other Jerry)

[QuinTech]

Hi, Jerry. Makes perfect sense to me, since in this case you have a visual indicator (the check box) that you are now proceeding to a different item. I could imagine this type of interface being a little awkward, but it should be clear enough for the user.

J