Livecycle

Drop-down list properties in the Value tab

When you create a drop-down list, the Value tab displays several options that you can apply to the object.

Type

Enables run-time calculations and prompts:

•	User Entered – Optional

Users may choose whether to enter data.

•	User Entered – Recommended

If the user does not enter data, a custom message (if written in the Empty Message box) appears.

•	User Entered – Required

If the user does not enter data, a custom message (if written in the Empty Message box) appears.

•	Calculated – Read Only

A data value will be calculated and displayed through an attached script. Users cannot edit the calculated value.

•	Calculated – User Can Override

A data value will be calculated and displayed through an attached script. Users can edit the value if the calculation script has been written to accept the input. If a user does edit the calculated value, the custom message you specify in the Override Message box appears.

•

Read Only

A data value will be merged or calculated and displayed at run time. Users cannot edit the value.

Default

Sets the default selection. If Allow Custom Text Entry is selected on the Field tab, you can type a default selection that is not one of the list items.

Note:

This option is available only when the Type option is set to User Entered – Optional, User Entered - Recommended, User Entered – Required, or Read Only.

Empty Message

Sets a message for prompting users to enter a recommended or required value. See To prompt users to enter data.

Note:

This option is available only when the Type option is set to User Entered – Recommended or User Entered – Required.

  

Validation Pattern

Sets a validation pattern for validating user input. The pattern must match the syntax of the user input and be compatible with the data format selected on the Binding tab. See To validate user input.

Note:

This option is not available when the Type option is set to Protected, Calculated – Read Only, or Read Only.

  

Validation Pattern Message and Error

Sets a custom message to display when a raw value does not match the validation pattern. By default, this situation causes a programming error to be generated at run time. To generate a warning instead, deselect the Error option. See To validate user input.

Note:

Dynamic properties are identified by active labels that have a green underline that you can click to dynamically bind the property to a data source. To turn active labels on and off, use the Show Dynamic Properties command in the Object palette menu. See To dynamically populate a validation pattern message.

  

Validation Script Message and Error

Sets a custom message to display when an attached validation script detects an unacceptable value. By default, this situation causes a programming error to be generated at run time. To generate a warning instead, deselect the Error option. See To validate user input.

Note:

This option is not available when the Type option is set to Calculated – Read Only or Read Only. Validation Script Message is a dynamic property. Dynamic properties are identified by active labels that have a green underline that you can click to dynamically bind the property to a data source. To turn active labels on and off, use the Show Dynamic Properties command in the Object palette menu. See To dynamically populate a validation script message.

  

Override Message

Sets a custom message to inform users that they are changing the value of a calculated field. The message appears when a user changes the calculated value.

Note:

This option is available only when the Type option is set to Calculated – User Can Override.

See also  

Overview of drop-down lists and list boxes

Drop-down list properties in the Value tab