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Configuring VA Custom Field Combo Boxes

VA Custom Field Combo Boxes creates combo box (drop-down list) types for custom fields. Use when users must pick from a predefined list. For Text or Numeric fields in the Custom Fields Wizard, a combo box control is available, and every custom combo type can be selected.

Trimble form: VA Custom Field Combo Boxes Form. There is no separate numbered “configure combo boxes” procedure. Create combo types here first so the wizard can list them.

Before you start​

  • No formal prerequisites checklist. Combo types must exist before the wizard can list them.
  • Wizard Control to Use is enabled only when input type is Text or Numeric. The Combobox field appears only when Control to Use is combo box (form/field defs also say “3-Combo box”).

Steps​

  1. Open VA Custom Field Combo Boxes.
  2. Enter Combo Box Type — unique alphanumeric code, max 20 characters. Type plus Description appear in the wizard when control 3-Combo box is selected.
  3. Enter Description — alphanumeric, max 30 characters.
  4. On the Items tab, add rows:
    • Seq — display order in the combo box.
    • Database Value — value stored in the database. Custom reports use it to display, sort, summarize, or restrict data.
    • Display Value — value shown in the combo box (description of the item).
  5. Save.
  6. In the VA Custom Fields Wizard, create or edit a Text or Numeric field, set Control to Use to combo box, then select this Combo Box Type.

Hard rules​

  • Combo box is a control/appearance, not a field type. Assign a Field Type: for a text field you may set appearance to textbox, combo box, URL link, or notes field. Assign a Field Type’s example is text-only; the form and wizard field defs also allow Numeric.
  • Wizard Control to Use option list on that field-def page only lists Web, Notes, and Formatted Notes in one place, while form/combo field defs refer to “3-Combo box” / combo box — treat combo box as available for Text/Numeric per the form page.
  • Naming varies slightly: “VA Custom Field Combo Boxes” vs wizard text “VA Custom Fields Combo Boxes”; wizard intro “VA Custom Field Wizard” vs title “VA Custom Fields Wizard Form.”

Notes​

  • Related: VA Custom Fields Wizard Form; Assign a Field Type; Create Custom Fields. Same sidebar also has VA Custom Form Buttons and VA Custom Form Tabs.
  • Custom-field count can be limited by form/grid space. Secondary forms (opened by double-click or a button) need the field on that form, not the parent.