Custom Format Script - Bullet Points in Text Field

[Olivia McNeilis]

Hi everyone,

I'm trying to make answers in a multi-line text field format into bullet points. I've used this script posted elsewhere on the forum that works:

if(event.value != "") {
event.value = event.value.split(/\r|\n/).map(function(a){return "\u2022 " + a}).join("\n");
}

However, I was wondering if there's a way for the user to see the bullet points when they type their answer, as they only appear after they click out of the text field.

Best

[try67]

In order to do that you can't use the Format event, as that doesn't actually change the field's value.

You need to move your code to the Validation event, for example. But then there's a new issue: You will need to change it so that it doesn't add the bullet-points if they already exist at the start of a line, or you'll end up with a new bullet each time you edit the field.

One way to do that is the following:

if(event.value != "") {
	event.value = event.value.split(/\r|\n/).map(function(a){return "\u2022 " + a.replace("\u2022 ", "")}).join("\n");
}

[Olivia McNeilis]

Hi try67,

Thanks for responding and your help 🙂

I've tried adding that as a custom script in the Validation section, but it isn't doing anything. Do I need to use it in conjunction with anything else? I'm using a Mac if that helps.
Best

[try67]

No, nothing else is needed. Did you remove the Format script?

And being on a Mac shouldn't matter.

[Olivia McNeilis]

I've removed all other scripts. Should I add it back in? Thanks again

[try67]

No. Be aware this will only work when you exit the field, though, not while you're typing into it.

[Olivia McNeilis]

Is there a way to make it appear when you're typing into it? or would it be best to paste the unicode in as the default answer to start?

[try67]

To avoid empty lines from having a bullet added to them, use this:

if (event.value != "") {
	event.value = event.value.split(/\r|\n/).map(function(a){if (a!="") return "\u2022 " + a.replace("\u2022 ", "")}).join("\n");
}

Attached is a working example.

[Olivia McNeilis]

Sadly, neither code is working for me... I'm not sure why

[try67]

Does the file I attached work for you?

[Olivia McNeilis]

Yes, that form works. I think I've made it work based on another script you wrote on another post:

I set the keystroke script to:
if (event.change=="\n") event.change+="\u2022\t";

and I created an On Focus trigger:
if (event.target.value=="") event.target.value="\u2022\t";

[Nesa Nurani · Accepted solution]

Use this as 'Custom keystroke script' under 'Format' tab:

if (event.value === "")
 event.change = "\u2022 ";
else
 event.change = event.change.replace(/\n/g, "\n\u2022 ");

[Olivia McNeilis]

I'll try this too. Thanks so much Nesa!