change combobox property using personal format action

[yanip]

Hello,

I have a combobox that is not modifiable so the user can easily navigate through the list by pressing the first caracter.

This combobox contains an element that should set the combobox property as modifiable ("Other please specity").

I have manage to code the event so it change the property of the combobox but it won't actually change he property until it lose the focus. So i am force to set the focus to another field for it to work.

p.s: i tried setting the focus on the other field and then back to the combobox and it won't change the property either.

	var liste = getFunctionList();
	var value_idx = liste.indexOf(event.change);
	if (event.willCommit == false) {
		if (value_idx == -1) {
		
		}
		else if (value_idx == liste.length -1) {
			event.target.editable = true;
			getField("1.1f.Unite").setFocus();
		}
		else if ( value_idx < liste.length -2 )  {
			event.target.editable = false;
			getField("1.1f.Unite").setFocus();			
		}

	}

 Is there an event or a way that would allow me to set the combobox as modifiable when the last item is selected else set it as non modifiable without having to quit the combobox?

Thanks

[yanip]

This is such an easy thing to do with LiveCycle but Acrobat pro seems to be missing many feature like such.

[Thom Parker]

Is the combobox set to "Commit value immediately"?  This property is on the "Options" tab of the field properties.

[yanip]

Hello Thom,

No it wasn't checked, but if I check the option the focus still goes out.
I tried ot add a new statement in the function to give it back the focus if the user select Other please specity but still the focus doesn't return after the commit.

[Thom Parker]

You're trying to do something tricky with the PDF form here. So you have to be careful. It's possible the focus problem is related to the context of the script.  If this is in a calculate or keystroke event, then the value of the field is uncommitted at that time. Focus is a UI property that cannot be valid until after the value is committed. I'm not even sure a field can set it's own focus from a script in itself.

So, I'd suggest changing the context of the action. First, move your code to a post commit action, such as the format script, so you know that everything is happening after the field value has officially changed. Then only set focus to the other field. In the OnFocus event of the other field, immediately set focus back to the combobox. This puts the context of the set focus completely outside of the field, and after the value of the field is settled.

Another technique is to use a timer, but I think the focus bounce back is cleaner. 

Also, be aware that these techniques will only work for the desktop Acrobat/Reader. I doubt they will work on any other PDF viewer or on mobile. 

There is another way to go with this. Make the dropdown editable all the time. 

[yanip]

Thanks for the help Thom, 

Unfortunately if i set the onFocus event of the other field to move the focus back to my combobox that would cause a problem when the user want to fill that other field by clicking it or using the tab to focus on it it would return the focus to the combobix.

I already spent way to much time on this tiny functionnality, i will do as it was before / you suggest and just set it to modificable.

Thanks again for you help 

Yan

[Thom Parker]

It's easy to go down these rat holes trying to go outside the natural AcroForms functionality.  But it's also instructive. 

Just as a note, there are ways to mitigate the focus bounce back on the other field. For example using a document level state variable, so the bounce back only happens the variable is set, or using adding a field just for this purpose, one the user can't see or interact with.

[yanip]

Everything you say is true. 
Sometime the answer is right under your nose 'as using a global / document level variable'. 

Yet i just keep digging and digging because you know there as to be a easy "non hack" way to do it.

Ohh well, i'll keep your suggestion to use document level variable in mind for next time.