"Add Help Text" in form

[Guest]

1. I followed instructions from the HELP menu to add help text in a form. I
understand that user will type F1 to display the help text, but I don't know
where and what the "status bar" is if you choose this over F1. I suppose you
can only use either F1 or status bar, but not both.
2. My form has as many as over 30 fields and not all of them need help text.
What can be done to alert and promp the user to press F1 or see status bar
for help in filling a particular field that I created help text?
3. Is help text identical to pop up note or bubble dialogue box? Am I using
the right feature to guide user in completing the form, such as providing
example to what answer is expected in the less obvious questions?
4. Any reference material so I can learn more about this feature? Info in
HELP menu is limited. thanks.

 

[Guest]

Cockatoo:

You are to be commended for adding Help to your product. Good practice.

1. The status bar is displayed at the bottom of the Word window. You can use
Tools > Options > View > Status Bar to turn it on or off, so you might need
to turn it on to see it.

You can use BOTH the status bar and F1 help. The status bar displays your
help text when the user tabs into or otherwise enters the field. If it's
available, it's displayed.

2. You could always have status bar help, but limit this to a very brief
description of the field -- maybe just spelling out the field name in full
English. When a field has additional help, you can add "Press F1 for
details." to the end of the status bar help text. Then they'll know when
there's F1 help available.

3. F1 help is displayed in a separate dialog box, and functions much like a
pop-up note or bubble. No matter how it's displayed, Help should do just
what you're thinking -- provide guidance as to how to complete the field.
Don't make it a training session for operating the interface, stick to the
business case itself.

4. I don't have any ready links for you. It's not a bad approach to study
what you see around you and figure out what makes it work well or poorly.

Bear