Instructions in text boxes

  • Thread starter Thread starter Guest
  • Start date Start date
G

Guest

A2003, I would like to have simple instructions displayed in the bound
textbox itself for users. I have seen this feature in many apps. eg: "Enter
Company Name" appears in the CompanyName textbox. When the user clicks in the
box, the instructions then dissappear.

Any ideas?
 
Don,
An easy way would be to make the instructions the default value for the text control.
It would display on a new record, but could be overwritten by the user with a "real"
value.
Be aware that bound numeric and date/time fields will not allow that method.

Better to use the StatusBar for individual field instructions...
Or small external labels that display when the field is entered, and disappear when
exiting the field.
Or, another method is to simulate a status bar some where on the form, say a label
called FieldHelp.
Using the OnEnter event of a control...
Me.FieldHelp.Caption = "Enter Company Name"
OnExit...
Me.FieldHelp.Caption = ""

However, this really should only be used when the contents of a field "really" need
instructions.
Good labeling should handle most situations.
A control like this...
CompanyName: _________
Or
Enter Company Name: ___________
should not need any instructions at all.

--
hth
Al Campagna . Candia Computer Consulting . Candia, NH USA
Microsoft Access MVP
http://home.comcast.net/~cccsolutions

"Find a job that you love, and you'll never work a day in your life."
 
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