How to format an image in a pull-down field such as a ratings

[Brainiac406]

Hello

I am working with BookCAT which based on Access. I did not create the database, only using it. There is a rating field to rate the book that uses images of stars from 1-10. The image is so small it is hard to see so I just want to enlarge it.

So this is what I know and have tried:

• The images in the following folder: C:\Users\Public\Public Documents\BookCAT\Rating Images
• The images are 54x12 pixels
• The manual says that the images must be no larger than 50x100 pixels and must be .gifs
• The field for the ratings show that it is long binary data.
• I have tried to edit the images in a graphics program but the images remain the same in the DB.

How can I make these images larger in my forms and reports?

[isladogs]

I have never used BookCAT so can only make suggestions.
1. Try setting the image properties to use Zoom instead of Clip
2. Better still scrap the images. Instead use a star character from the Wingdings or Webdings fonts in a text field e.g. Webdings Chr(152). You can then use whatever point size you want for the font

[Brainiac406]

I only see the images in the pull-down list, I don't see anything about the format of the image. I do like your suggestion about using a font instead of an image but how do I find all the places (forms, reports, tables, etc.) that are calling up that field?

[Micron]

this would suggest there is only one place it is used
https://www.fnprg.com/bookcat/helpfile/index.html
This db product actually permits changes to coding and design?? I'm not going to download it to find out so just wondering how you'd change anything if it doesn't.

[isladogs]

I only see the images in the pull-down list, I don't see anything about the format of the image.

In design view, click on an image control then look at the properties sheet.
The Size Mode property has 3 options: Clip, Stretch & Zoom. Select Zoom

[Brainiac406]

this would suggest there is only one place it is used
https://www.fnprg.com/bookcat/helpfile/index.html
This db product actually permits changes to coding and design?? I'm not going to download it to find out so just wondering how you'd change anything if it doesn't.

Not the code but the entire database is in Access so everything is accessible and you can make all the forms and reports you want. It is an awesome product! Sadly they closed up shop.

[pbaldy]

Post 6 was moderated, I'm pposting to trigger email notifications.

[Brainiac406]

In design view, click on an image control then look at the properties sheet.
The Size Mode property has 3 options: Clip, Stretch & Zoom. Select Zoom

The picture is not in an image field. It is in a combo field for the rating.

[Micron]

Can you post a pic of this drop down when it is displayed? I'm wondering if you're talking about a context menu as that's all I've been able to see on the app website.

[Brainiac406]

Here is the screenshot of the form with the combo box showing all the options (images)

[isladogs]

Hmm....
AFAIK, standard combo boxes cannot include images.
I believe that can only be done using multivalued fields which should be avoided like the plague.

So, I don't believe those are images. I think those are text characters based on a font like Webdings or similar .....
OR its a special control e.g. ActiveX and not a standard combobox
There are some simple ActiveX examples here: Images in a drop down menu | Access World Forums (access-programmers.co.uk) ...but I would avoid ActiveX controls as well

[Micron]

Beginning to think that the right place for this question is the db merchant website help/support.

This suggests to me that they are images

The field for the ratings show that it is long binary data.

and it seems that the size restriction they've placed on the image might be enforced via code regardless of what you do to the image. Also, it is possible that what we see there is not really a combo at all but a subform mimicking a combo - if it is not an ActiveX control. If I understand correctly, you are allowed to alter the design of db objects such as forms? If that is true and there is no vendor support I guess we'd have to see a form design view as well.

Is there a trial version that would allow anyone to modify form design? I didn't see anything on the site about that.

[Brainiac406]

So, I don't believe those are images. I think those are text characters based on a font like Webdings or similar .....

They are definitely images. In the manual, on page 121:

"Rating Image (Binary). Use this field to store a rating image with the rating. The rating image is shown in lists where you select rating in the data entry window, in browse list, in reports and in the explorer.

This image must be a GIF file and maximum size is 50x100 pixels."

In my original post, I mentioned where the images are stored but that is not where the database sees them.
I tried to make a new image, using the existing names, but the db still only sees the original images.

Although the company doesn't exist, you can still download the software as a trial. https://www.fnprg.com/index.html

[isladogs]

OK but as already stated, standard combos cannot contain images,
So it isn't a standard combo box. Perhaps its an ActiveX control.

Anyway, whatever it is, the stars look big enough to me! Have you magnified the form in the screenshot?

[Brainiac406]

Eureka!!! I found the source of the image....through the main form for the book, I right clicked on the personal rating field and clicked to edit the table..see screenshot below and then clicked to edit one of the entries to get the next screenshot where I can add an image. I changed the rating to a die just to test it out and it worked!!