Multi-selection box with several fields - shorten Dropdown_lists?

[datanibbler]

Hi,

I have a multi_selection_box in my app where one can make selections on three hierarchical levels:

- plant (top-level)

- bigger_area (medium-level)

- area (lower level)

Currently, however, the length of the dropdown-lists seems to be determined by the max. nr. of items that can be there.

That has the effect that, when someone selects a plant where there are few areas to choose from, they get a rather long list, with just a few selectable (white) items on top while all the rest is just an opaque grey field.

=> This looks a bit strange.

=> Can I fix that?

Thanks a lot!

Best regards,

DataNibbler

[Gysbert_Wassenaar]

On the Presentation tab of the properties window of the multibox you can find the setting Limit Drop-down to. Enable that and choose the number of values you want to show.

You could also replace the some fields with expressions: aggr(FieldName,FieldName). That way only possible values will be shown.

[datanibbler]

Hi Gysbert,

the first proposal would not help me - how many values are selectable (and should thus be shown) depends on the selection one level above.

Your second proposal seems helpful - but I don't quite understand what the aggr() fct. can do here?

Can you make that a bit clearer?

The effect is quite strange - as there are not only long grey areas in the dropdown-list, but (depending on the case) even "breaks" inbetween - one white (selectable) item, then an opaque grey bit, then another white item etc.

Thanks a lot!

Best regards,

DataNibbler

[Gysbert_Wassenaar · Accepted solution]

See attached example.

The breaks you see are probably the result of the sort order settings. If Sort by State is enabled try another option than is currently selected.

[datanibbler]

Cool!

Thanks!

I'll put that into the template we have for use with any new apps we will build in future. Great trick! Makes the whole thing look better.