Misleading Grouping Claim (2 Viewers)

[Uncle Gizmo]

Critique of Microsoft Access Rectangle Object Documentation - Misleading Grouping Claim​

Hi all,

I’ve noticed an issue in the Microsoft Access documentation for the Rectangle object (Microsoft Learn, dated 09/13/2021) that I believe is misleading and could confuse developers. I’d appreciate your thoughts on this!

The Problematic Text​

The documentation states:

"You can move a rectangle and the controls in it as a single unit by dragging the mouse pointer diagonally across the entire rectangle to select all the controls. The entire selection can then be moved to a new position."

This suggests that a Rectangle control acts as a "container" that groups controls within its boundaries, allowing you to move them by dragging the Rectangle. However, this is not accurate and misrepresents standard Access behaviour.

Why It’s Misleading​

1. No Unique Grouping Functionality: The described behaviour is just standard group selection in Form Design View. You can select any set of controls (inside or outside a Rectangle) by dragging a selection box around them or Shift-clicking them, then move them as a unit. The Rectangle doesn’t create a special grouping link.
2. Implied Container Role: The phrase "controls in it" implies the Rectangle is a container, like a Tab Control or Option Group. However:
   
   • Dragging a Rectangle alone (by clicking its border) doesn’t move controls inside it unless you explicitly select them together, which works the same for any controls, Rectangle or not.
   • In VBA, a control inside a Rectangle has the form as its .Parent, not the Rectangle. For example, I ran this code in Microsoft Access 2021 MSO (Version 2506 Build 16.0.18925.20076) 64-bit:
     
     MsgBox Me.Text6.Parent.Name
     It returned the form’s name (e.g., "Form3"), confirming the Rectangle isn’t a programmatic parent.
3. Sequence Misconception: Some sources suggest drawing the Rectangle first, then placing controls inside it, creates a grouping link. I tested this in Access 2021, and it doesn’t work—controls don’t move with the Rectangle unless explicitly selected, regardless of drawing order.

Testing the Behaviour​

In Access 2021, I did the following in Form Design View:

1. Drew a Rectangle control.
2. Added a Text Box and Label inside its boundaries.
3. Clicked and dragged the Rectangle’s border—only the Rectangle moved, not the controls.
4. Dragged a selection box over the Rectangle and controls, then moved them—they moved together, but this is standard group selection, not a Rectangle-specific feature.

This confirms the Rectangle is just a visual element, not a container for grouping controls.

Why This Matters​

For developers, especially those new to Access, this documentation could lead to confusion by suggesting a Rectangle has special grouping capabilities. In reality, it’s just a visual control, and the described behaviour is standard group selection available for any set of controls.

Call to Action​

Has anyone else noticed this misleading wording in the Rectangle documentation? Have you tried using a Rectangle as a "container" based on this guidance, only to find it’s just group selection? I’m considering submitting feedback via the Microsoft Access Feedback portal to request a revision, perhaps:

"A Rectangle is a visual control for drawing shapes. To move it with nearby controls, select them together using a selection box or Shift-click, as with any group of controls."

What do you think? Any similar issues with Access documentation you’ve encountered? Let’s discuss!

 

[DHookom]

I don’t find it misleading. I don’t think it mentions “container” and it accurately describes “select all the controls”. I’m happy with the help text as you quoted it and have always expected the behavior.

 

[isladogs]

Whilst I understand your point of view, I'm inclined to agree with Duane.
However, if you feel strongly about it, I would suggest a better approach than the Feedback Portal

As I've recently discovered, anyone can suggest edits to a MS Learn page. To do so, click on the ellipsis (...) then click Edit
This will take you to a GitHub page where you can suggest changes to the text.
Whatever you enter won't change the page directly. It will be reviewed and if accepted, the content will be updated.
You will receive feedback from GitHub on whether your suggestions are accepted or rejected.

Hope that helps.

Coincidentally, I'm about to suggest a number of edits to form controls & events . . . but this isn't one of them