List Boxes Without Highlight

[ErikRP]

I have a form which is based on a query. One of the fields is a list box. When I open the form, the field that is a list box is highlighted. The form that I am using looks similar to a spreadsheet and has the same row repeated (different data of course).
The list box in each row is highlighted, and I don't want that field to look any different from the other fields. Is it possible to remove the highlighting from the field. Would it have to be done after the selection in the list box has been made?

I'm thinking that some sort of coding would work, but that is a pretty murky area for me still. Any step by step help would be much appreciated!

 

[David R]

I'm not quite clear on what you mean by 'highlighting' Is the background of the listbox opaque, so you cannot see your form background through it? Is it colored differently than your other fields? Is it by default highlighting a field when you don't want it to?

For #1 & #2, check the Format tab of Properties for your list box. Try making the Back Style = Transparent, or set the Back Color the same as your other fields. Compare the Format values to the same in other fields.
For #3, check under the Data tab, Default Value.

Hope that helps,
David R

 

[ErikRP]

When I say highlighting, I mean what happens when you have a list box and select a value. It is highlighted, i.e. the text and background reverses. Instead of my usual black text on white background I have white text on black background to show that I have selected that value from the list.

In my form, the box is only one row high, and so only the selected box shows when I open the form to show all of the records. But being white text on a solid black box stands out noticeably from the other fields that are just regular text boxes.

What I need to do is be able to select a value in the list box without adding the highlighting.

Hope that clears things up a bit.

Thanks!

 

[David R]

Oh okay. I never use list boxes so I'm not sure if this is something specific to them. Try using a combo box, since they're designed to be used when you are only selecting one line. I'll compare my settings with yours if you need to, but by default mine never 'highlight' unless I'm in that field. You can/should set them LimitToList in Properties for what you're asking, I believe.

You could also try setting your initial tab stop somewhere else, or remove it entirely from the tab order, if it's bothering you to start with one field highlighted.

HTH,
David R

 

[ErikRP]

Thanks DavidR and Pat. The combobox seems to give me what I want. I'm not completely sure why the list box acts differently, but in any case I have what I want.

Thanks again!!