thinking out loud cant hurt - Access Developer Forum


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thinking out loud cant hurt

Gregory Clancey

3 years ago

Access's tiny chequeboxes fit nicely onto data input Forms for the collection of new client data. At times we need to document. . .
(1) Married
(2) Not Married
(3) Marital Status Unknown

However, the operator may not always realize that the 3rd open is represented by the control's triple-state black-filled box with no cheque.
Why not an Option Frame with 3 RadioButtons. The may be clearly labeled to avoid any confusion, just as easy to select and, like the tri-state, require no more than a ShortText table field for source. This does crowd a form with limited real-estate, but if a label is needed to clarify the checkBoxes various data states, the frame option seems little more the space-hog.

	Scott Axton @Reply 3 years ago
I agree that the triple state is confusing for users. Personally I only use check boxes for a case where it is either Yes/No, On/Off, True/False. Option groups? Workable solution where there is a 3rd (or more) choice. I prefer a combo box for saving space where needed.

	Gregory Clancey OP @Reply 3 years ago
Useful, salient ideas. Thanks.

	Scott Axton @Reply 3 years ago
Gregory How about something like this?

	Scott Axton @Reply 3 years ago
Forgot to mention. I cut the label the put it back in "not attached" to the Check Box. I gave the label the name IsMarriedLabel. Pretty straight forward from there. This is not totally intuitive but that would be more of a training issue with DataEntry.

Gregory Clancey OP @Reply

3 years ago

Very clever, Scott. This seems the ultimate solution. There's a minimum of code to ever be problematical, and the state of the control seems quite clear. It almost feels that a simple text box that toggles between the three "labels" might work as well. I've noticed in the past that the CheckBox control has a particularly useful property of responding to a mouse clique without having to execute any VBA. There seems no easy way to shield the eyes from having to see Microsoft's ugly little box. Ah, well. It makes great grist for Rich's wit mill!

	Gregory Clancey OP @Reply 3 years ago
Posted here because I couldn't figure out where else to upload an image. Have I switched off a feature. The upper left area (the "square") is missing when I create "FORM DESIGN" ?

	Gregory Clancey OP @Reply 3 years ago

	Kevin Robertson @Reply 3 years ago
You've posted an image of your form showing that area. Where is the image of it missing?

	Kevin Robertson @Reply 3 years ago
Are the rulers showing? Right click on the form and click on Rulers to turn them back on.

	Gregory Clancey OP @Reply 3 years ago

	Gregory Clancey OP @Reply 3 years ago
You're right. I snagged one of Rick's. Here's a sample of what's happening. Now. No. No rulers showing. You might be on to something. How can these be made to show?

	Gregory Clancey OP @Reply 3 years ago
Done! Why don't I just read the entire message from now on. I looked everywhere for the switch, and managed to find how to turn on "always used event procedures." This saves another, eventual dumb question. Thanks!

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