Window Components

Window Operations

Secondary Windows

Controls
    Buttons
    Check Boxes
    List Boxes
    Text Fields
    Text Boxes
    Combo Boxes
    Other Controls...

Menus

Toolbars & Status Bars

Property Sheets

Dialog Boxes

Message Boxes

Palette Windows

Popup Windows

Text Fields:


Windows includes a number of controls that facilitate the display, entry, or editing of a text value. Some of these controls combine a basic text-entry field with other types of controls.

Text fields do not include labels as a part of the control. However, you can add one using a static text field. Including a label helps identify the purpose of a text field and provides a means of indicating when the field is disabled. Use sentence capitalization for multiple word labels. You can also define access keys for the text label to provide keyboard access to the text field. When using a static text label, define keyboard access to move the input focus to the text field with which the label is associated rather than the static text field itself. You can also support keyboard navigation to text fields by using the TAB key (and, optionally, arrow keys).

When using a text field for input of a restricted set of possible values, for example, a field where only numbers are appropriate, validate user input immediately, either by ignoring inappropriate characters or by providing feedback indicating that the value is invalid or both.




Static Text Fields:


You can use static text fields to present read-only text information. Unlike read-only text box controls, the text is not selectable. However, your application can still alter read-only static text to reflect a change in state. For example, you can use static text to display the current directory path or the status information, such as page number, key states, or time and date.

You can also use static text fields to provide labels or descriptive information for other controls. Using static text fields as labels for other controls allows you to provide access-key activation for the control with which it is associated. Make certain that the input focus moves to its associated control and not to the static field. Also remember to include a colon at the end of the text. Not only does this help communicate that the text represents the label for a control, it is also used by screen review utilities.