Temp text (instruction or label) in the text box that disappears?

[hinsdale1]

Is it possible to place temp text (instruction or label) in the text box that disappears when user clicks the box in order to enter text?

Any help would be most appreciated!





I am sure this has been asked and answered before, so I apologize, but can't seem to come up with the appropriate search terms to find the solution.

[JoeM]

Is it a bound or unbound test box?
I think you will probably want to use the "OnClick" event procedure, which is VBA code that is automatically invoked when that text box is selected. You can make it delete whatever is in that text box when it is clicked.

[June7]

Not advisable for bound controls unless you build validation code to prevent saving record with the 'temp' text. Also, if the field is number or date type, cannot have text value in the control.

Can use DefaultValue property for displaying initial value.

[hinsdale1]

Thank you for the replies.. you have steered me in the right direction. Still experimenting.. so will likely follow up with a question or two.

[Missinglinq]

I think this kind of thing will accomplish the task:

Private Sub LastName_GotFocus()
 If Nz(Me.LastName, "") = "" Then
  Me.LastName = "Enter Last Name"
 Else
  Me.LastName = Me.LastName
 End If
End Sub

Private Sub LastName_LostFocus()
 If Me.LastName = "Enter Last Name" Then
  Me.LastName = Null
 Else
  Me.LastName = Me.LastName
 End If
End Sub

I've tested this fairly extensively, without causing it to break. If anyone can find a problem with it I'd love to hear from them.

As was previously mentioned, you can only do this with a Field that is defined as Text. But keep in mind, though, that things like ID 'numbers,' telephone 'numbers,' etc., can be defined as Text!

A Field really only has to be defined as a Number Datatype if it is going to be used in mathematical calculations or if it is being used as a Foreign Key to link to a Table whose Primary Key is an Autonumber.

Linq ;0)>

[hinsdale1]

Thanks for all the replies . Sidetracked by other hurdles so haven't quite completed this sub but pretty sure you have me heading in the right direction. Thanks again.