auto jump from field to field

[joemuskrat]

I have 4 fields that each contain 4 characters. When the 4th character is entered in field #1, I want the cursor to automatically jump to field #2. Same with fields #3 and #4. This is similar to entering a product code when installing new software. Can this be done?

[Vaughan]

Not nativly in FMP.

Well, maybe it can with a paused looping script, but I hate this as a solution.

An a;lternative is to allow entry of all the 16 characters into a global field, then parse them out into the 4 groups of 4 with a script.

[joemuskrat]

Probably just as easy to hit the tab key.

[Lougee]

What about setting a validation requirement to restrict the number of characters in each field to 4? It would at least keep anyone from accidentally inputting all 16 characters into one field!

[sbg2]

What about setting a validation requirement to restrict the number of characters in each field to 4? It would at least keep anyone from accidentally inputting all 16 characters into one field!

No, it wouldn't stop a user from accidently entering all 16 characters because validation is not triggered until a user tries to leave the field. When they try to leave the field they get an annoying pop-up message box stating validation failed. Even more annoying, if they choose to Revert the field and start over the cursor jumps to the next Tab Stop rather than going back to the field that failed validation. Even more annoying than that is if a user enters a list of information into a portal and validation fails, now if they choose to Revert they lose all changes made after the first failed validation.

Wouldn't it be better to remove the chance to make a type of mistake rather than notify the user long after they have made the mistake? Hence, once 4 characters are entered into this field jump to the next tab stop. Unfortunately you are not able to do this with FMP due to the fact that events arent triggered until after a users leaves the field. The fact that you cant trigger a script via a calculation/validation is the most annoying part to me, but hey just call me grumpy.