Simple Trick - reason to use a transparent button instead of field as button

[KirkR]

Solution: Simple Trick - reason to use a transparent button instead of field as button

Description: If you select a field or group of fields, and assign a button function to those fields, they are no longer available for use in BROWSE or FIND.

A transparent button over the fields, restricts the use of underlying fields for data entry (browse) but DOES allow them to be accessible for a FIND. This FIND is not available, if the fields are the buttons.

keywords: button transparent find data entry

Working Under:

Solution Status: Finished

Pre-requisites:

Author(s) KirkR

Date: 06/25/08

Credits:

Instructions / Other Info:

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[Raybaudi]

Hi

I don't get it ...

Can you post an example where a field ( but not the first in the TAB order ) can be covered by a transparent button and can be accessible ( w/o tabbing ) in Find Mode ?

[JoniS]

Example:

http://fmforums.com/forum/showtopic.php?tid/195609/

Using a transparent button and placing it behind the field allows you to use the button when in browse mode, and still have the field searchable in find mode.

Works great for me!

[KirkR]

A field, or a group of fields can be defined as a button. However, once set up as a button, this group cannot be used when FIND mode is entered. You can get to the same capability by creating a button, no fill, no line, and placing it on top of the fields. This button, and it's associated function, is not available in FIND mode, so the fields are still enterable for FIND functions.

Couple examples of application.....

I use this transparent button often, to Get(CurrentRecordID) and set it into a non-displayed field. Then, conditional formatting can take over, comparing the current fields in the selected record, with the newly set field with the current record ID in it to highlight the selected field records.

I also use this in lists, where clicking on any item in the list will take you to the form view. However, to find a person in the list, you need to be able to enter FIND mode and have access to field entry in this mode.