Beginning InfoPath™ 2003

6.6. Formatting Fields

InfoPath does a good job of looking at the data that you are basing your form on and supplying the control that matches that data. However, there are times when InfoPath can't know how you want the data to actually look. An example of this occurs with the OrderID and UnitPrice fields used in the form for this chapter. Also, it would be nice to display the Quantity field in red if it is a negative number. Looking at the Chapter 6 Starting.xsn form, you can see how the fields look, as displayed here in Figure 6-17.

Figure 6.17. Figure 6-17

Notice that there are two locations where the OrderID field is displayed, in the order header area, and in the detail records. The OrderID field could also be removed from the detail level. Depending on how you want to format your form.

There are two methods of formatting that are used to accomplish what is needed:

• Standard Formatting: Used to set the format of the field regardless of the value stored in the field.

• Conditional Formatting: Format the field based on the conditions set in the conditional formatting dialog box. Conditions for formatting are the same as those used for rules.

6.6.1. Using Standard Formatting

To change the formatting of a control, you will once again open the property sheet of the control. Once the property sheet is open, you can choose Format... to open the Format dialog box. InfoPath will provide ...