DB Form: Cursor Movement Problems Using Proportional Fonts (122299)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Works 3.0
  • Microsoft Works 3.0a
  • Microsoft Works 3.0b
This article was previously published under Q122299

SYMPTOMS

In the database form view, using the arrow keys to move between fields may not move you to the next field. Instead, the field name or a label may be selected, or fields may be skipped.

RESOLUTION

This problem was corrected in Works 4.x for Windows 95. In Works 4.x, the right and down arrow keys move the cursor to the next field in the tab order, and the left and up arrow keys to the previous field.

To workaround the problem in Works 3.0, use one of the following methods:
  • Use the TAB key or SHIFT+TAB to correctly move forward or backward through the fields. The TAB key moves you left to right and then top to bottom through the fields. -or-

  • Reposition the fields so that the X and Y positions, which are displayed to the left of the formula bar, are consistent. For example, if the fields are in a vertical column, make sure each field entry (click the field line) has the same X position value.

MORE INFORMATION

Fixed-width fonts, such as Courier New, can be placed more consistently.

Steps to Reproduce Problem

Problem 1: Highlighting Field Names Instead of Fields

  1. Create a new database in form view and set the font to 12-point Times New Roman.
  2. Create five fields from the left margin, as below: 
        a: ........................
    b: ........................
    c: ........................
    d: ........................
    e: ........................
  3. Position the cursor at field A.
  4. Using the DOWN ARROW key takes you to field name B, then to field C, then to field name D, and finally back to field E. Note that the B and D field names will be selected instead of the fields themselves.
Cause 1:

This problem is due to the differing widths of characters when using proportional fonts.

If you look at the field position (click the field line), you will notice that the x-position is not consistent. Notice that because b and d are "wider" characters, the fields start 1/100 of an inch further to the right.

Cause 2:

This same problem can occur if you use a fixed-width font and the field names are different lengths. For instance, in a database form, use a 12- point Courier New font and create the following field names then arrow through them:

Name1:
Name2:
Street Address:
State:

Notice that the cursor selects the Street Address field name instead of the field itself, because the name is so long.

Problem 2: Fields Skipped

  1. Using the same database created above, select all the fields.
  2. Change the font size to 20.
  3. Select field A.
  4. Press the DOWN ARROW key several times:

    Fields B and D will be skipped.

CAUSE

This problem is caused by overlapping field heights. Because the positions (Y-values) for the B and D fields are under the A and C fields, the cursor moves to the next object with an available Y-value.
Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:9/24/2003
Keywords:KB122299
©2003 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.