Why can't I use the Enter key to press FMP buttons?

[Quartekoen]

My database is set up so that most of the data entry is done with the num pad. I have all the fields set up to move to the next field when the Enter key is pressed, but for some reason, I can't press FMP buttons like that.

I'd like to use it for data entry. The user enters the numeric data, hitting Enter each time. When finished, the last time they hit Enter, it goes to a button. They should then hit enter again to push the button (starting a script), and prepare to enter the next record, but I can't make FMP press the button with the Enter key (the Return Key works just fine). It's not like it goes to the next field (like Tab does) either. It just, well, stops. Any suggestions?

[aldipalo]

Check to see if you have the fields set for Tab Key only. In Layout mode left click and hold the mouse and highlight all your fields. Then right click and click on:

Field/Control->Behavior and see if the Enter key is checked. That may be the problem. Oh, also check to see if the button is set on the Layout->Set Tab Order. If the button is blank the button will be skipped and you will either stop or go on to the next field, depending on how your tab order is set.

HTH

[Quartekoen]

All fields could previously be entered with the Tab, return, or enter keys, and the tab order was set correctly. The problem is not getting to the button, it's actually pushing it. I can reach the button and press Return to push it, but I'd like to be able to press Enter, and it seems I can't. I can't edit the behaviors of buttons unless I select a field with it, and I'm betting that does nothing to the button, just the field.

[aldipalo]

I have tried this on a test file and it works for me. The first click on the enter key takes you to the button. If you click enter again it activates the script. So, if you set the button as the last thing in the tab order it should work. Also, in my test file the button is not the last item in the tab order and it still works. Actually, looking at it again it doesn't go to the next tab at all, just keeps firing the script.

Btw, you could also trigger the script with a free plug-in like eventscript.

hth

[Quartekoen]

Hmm. This is frustrating that it seems to work for other people, but not me. You are talking about the enter key on the num pad, correct? That's the key that doesn't do what I need it to.

[aldipalo]

Ah, you're right. I've found this a problem as well. I don't know why the enter key from the number pad does not work correctly in FM. I've noticed this when using it in layout mode as well. Perhaps someone can tell us if there is a work around?

[Vaughan]

"I don't know why the enter key from the number pad does not work correctly in FM."

It's a funny thing that on PCs, both the Enter and Return keys are usually labelled Enter. On Macintosh keyboards, the key on the numeric keypad is Enter while the one on the alpha pad is Return.

FileMaker treats them as different keys, and does different things when they are pressed. So do some other programs, despite the fact that they might have the same name.

I believe the space bar is used to activate buttons when they are selected.