Creating fields to display lists of choices

You can create fields that present users with a list of choices. The list can be generated by a formula you enter or can be created by users who enter values. Enter lists and formulas for choice fields on the Control tab of the Field Properties box. If available for the interface style, you can select "Allow values not in list" on the Control tab of the Field Properties box to let users add their own words without changing the original list. Also, some of the interface styles have an option to "Allow multi-values" on the Field Info tab which let users select several choices in the field. Choice list fields can be editable or computed; however, most choice list fields are editable. The field types that present lists of choices are:

Field Type

Usage

"Allow values not in this list"

"Allow multi-values"

Dialog list

Dialog list

Users either press ENTER or click the entry helper button to see all the choices at once, press the space bar to display choices one at a time, or type a letter to display the first choice beginning with that letter. Select "Display entry helper button" if you want to display a button next to the field that a user clicks to view all the choices. Dialog lists are not available in layout regions.

Available

Available

Checkbox

Checkboxes

Each choice is displayed with a box users click to select. Checkboxes have border, column, and spacing options. To create a wide checkbox panel, choose a column number between 2 and 8.

Not available

Available

Radio button

Radio buttons

Each choice is displayed with a button; users can click only one. Radio buttons have border, column, and spacingproperties. To create a wide button panel, choose a column number between 2 and 8.

Not available

Not available

Listbox

List boxes

Each choice is displayed with an expanded list box. Users click an entry to select it. List boxes have border, size, and placement options. To resize the list box without dragging it, change the Width and Height measurements. To move the list box in a layout region without dragging it, change the Left and Top measurements.

Not available

Available

Combobox

Combo boxes

Each choice is displayed with a drop-down list box. Users click arrows to view the entries. They can then click the one they want. Combo boxes have border, width, and placement options. To resize the combo box without dragging it, change the Width measurements. To move the combo box in the layout region without dragging it, change the Left and Top measurements.

Available

Not available