custom checkbox help

[JimmyLewis]

Hi,

I am trying to use custom graphic images as checkboxes instead of the filemaker ones and can't quite figure it out. The checkbox graphically works, the only problem is I need it to check off the original filemaker checkbox (it works in a script of mine).

How do I tell a multi-valued checkbox to click on a certain value without disrupting the other ones? The original checkbox is the basis for a find query ending in a report with over 20 values.

Thanks,

Jimmy

[bruceR]

The best thing to do to understand checkbox fields is to make a copy of the field formatted as a standard text field.

Checkbox field are just text fields that hold return delimited values. When you have a checkbox with red and green "checked" the field contents are:

red

green

Then when you check the "blue" checkbox the contents are:

red

green

blue

but actually the checkbox would look the same if the field contained:

blue

green

red

or

BLUE

GREEN

green

red

RED

Note that the data can be in any order.

So your script must add or remove a line in the field that contains the value you want.

[JimmyLewis]

Thanks, this is exactly the problem I am having. Considering that it is not in any order, this presents a unique issue for me. If i were use a "Set Field", it would eliminate any previous selections.

For example, if i created a graphic checkbox for all three colors, blue, red green, I would need each graphic to trigger the checkbox field to add that value. The problem is when i select multiple ones, i.e. green and blue. Based on the concept in my script, the set field record will only enter BLUE, the last color with a set field.

I could totally change the way I am doing this to a much more cumbersome way, i.e. creating individual fields for each value, however I was hoping there was a way for me to do this with a value list.

Any ideas on how I can add a value without deleting the previous value in that field?

[bruceR]

Thanks, this is exactly the problem I am having. Considering that it is not in any order, this presents a unique issue for me. If i were use a "Set Field", it would eliminate any previous selections.

Noooo, set field sets the field to whatever you tell it to.

You will also need to deal with removing items; but here's a hint.

Set field [ Colors; List( Colors; "blue") ]

I still suggest you post an example file.

Edited June 13, 2010 by Guest

[Vaughan]

I am trying to use custom graphic images as checkboxes instead of the filemaker ones

You'll need to make each checkbox a separate button so you can determine which option was clicked on. This will require separate field objects for each option, and a separate value list for each option with only that value's option in it.

IMHO a lot of work for little return on investment -- making it look a bit prettier, no additional functionality, more development work, more difficult to maintain.

FMP 11 uses nicer looking interface elements, it might be worth downloading the trial and taking a look whether all this work is necessary.

[JimmyLewis]

You'll need to make each checkbox a separate button so you can determine which option was clicked on. This will require separate field objects for each option, and a separate value list for each option with only that value's option in it.

See, that is what I thought. the issue with the value list does not matter as the value list is another table, but is there really no other way of doing this? No way to change one value in a checkbox without changing the rest? Thats where the problem lies.

You are right about the interface, but in this case it is necessary. Any ideas?

[comment]

Can you clarify your user-interface requirement? "Custom graphic images as checkboxes" can be interpreted in many ways.

[JimmyLewis]

here is an example file. My problem is that i want to add a button to each graphic checkbox that will actually "toggle" the checkbox, but I do not know how to do that with a checkbox field with multiple values. Check it out, let me know if you have any ideas, i appreciate any help.

fmexample.fp7.zip

[comment]

Well, here's one way to look at it.

fmexample2.zip

[JimmyLewis]

Thank you very much. it works exactly as i want it to, but the functions you use are a bit more advanced than what I am familiar with. I am going to try to understand everything that you did here. I really appreciate the help, this is a nice trick.

Regards,

Jimmy

[Madwolfie]

Hi

That was very helpful, but I am trying to adapt this for my solution, I wish to display a graphic star rating from 1 -5 stars as images. The easiest input solution is to use a script and for the user to click a button 1 -5 times depending on the star rating, each click would display the required graphic for the number of stars.

I have a global container with 5 repetitions with the images in. Just can't get the script to work

Anyone any ideas ??

[efen]

Is the attached any help?

ratings.zip

[comment]

See also:

http://fmforums.com/forum/showtopic.php?tid/184684/post/241133/#241133

[Madwolfie]

Absolutely, brilliantly simple AND it records a value in the number field, great for export. Thanks a million.

Now I have to find a way to get this online, a first for me - anyone know of any tutorials or is anyone willing to offer services (a budget is available to pay for services)

Cheers

[Vaughan]

Now I have to find a way to get this online

It would have been good to mention this earlier.

[Madwolfie]

Ouch - why ?? It is an existing database that is basically just a contacts style, this needs to be able to be viewed on a website - as I said this will be a first for me -)

[Shel785]

Is the attached any help?

I'm new to this. Working in the library template to make a database of music for our church choir. I managed to figure most of it out on my own, but when I showed the Pastor, he wanted a ratings box. I thought the star rating would be perfect, but didn't know how to do. I was thrilled to find this forum and your example! Well, now I've got it and don't know what to do with it. How do I take your ratings box and add it to my existing database? Sorry if this is too simple for words, this is my first time using FM. Thanks for your help!