InfoPath Dev

I have to create about 15 forms, but 80% of the sections of the forms are the exact same. Is there a way I can create a section or a part and just insert that in the other forms? I know it has to be an easier way than creating 15 long forms, when 80% of the forms are the same.

Are you using IP 2007? You can create a template part, then use the same one in multiple forms. More info at Office Online here.....

Hillary can I hide and Show multiple Template parts on one InPath Form based on a selection on the form(dropdown list box). Lets say the choices are Low Threat, Medium Threat, and Critical Threat. I'm using IP 2007. Thanks for the help on my last project, it worked out beautifully.

You can -- template parts are like other controls -- you design it, and then add it using the 'Add custom controls'. You can add conditional formatting to the template part once you've added it to your form -- as far as I know, they always are in sections, so you have your usual choices for section conditional formatting. I really encourage you to try them. We have some for *free* download here, and there are also links on that page to some additional resources.

 

Hilary,

We are unable to download 3rd party software tools on our server. I got a question for you Hilary. I have to design a form that is dynamic; meaning that if I had 4 security levels(Low Threat, Medium Threat, High Threat, Critical Threat) The form would add more fields to the form the higher the security level. The person doing the security checks on building would fill out this form and submit it to a Form library. However the form needs to be dynamic and updatable, so that the form Threat Level can go up or down(showing the fields that are approiate for the Threat Level); depending on the security needed for the building. I'm thinking of using multiple views. How do I make the form save and open up on the last Threat level selected? I'm using a button to toggle through Threat Level views and select the views. Do you think this will work or do you recommend some other method. If it won't work, can you tell me why?

 

I take it you have a field for threat level and it has a value in it related to the current threat level for that form. You can add an open rule that switches views based on the value of that field as well.... Under Tools / Form Options / Open and Save there is a button you can click to add open rules.

I think either switching views or conditionally formatting sections is fine -- sometimes multiple views are a little easier when you are designing the form, 'cause you don't have to scroll down a great long form while you are working....

Hilary,

I wanted to add a drop down list box that had the 4 Threat levels, but I don't think browser enable forms are compatible with drop down list box. I just have a button on each view and named it by that view(Low Threat, Medium Threat, High...........). When I click the low Threat button, it just goes up and elevate and changes views. What other control can I use.

You can find the low down on browser form compatible controls here. I'd probably use radio (option) buttons myself -- shows all the choices, makes it obvious at a glance what the other available choices are...

Hilary,

Can you tell me how to switch views with option buttons. I switched views with Buttons, but this won't work since I have to store the value in the Library. Thanks.

My apologies -- I hadn't realized the 'Switch Views' action wasn't available from field bound controls. You may be stuck with using a button! If you also need to store a value based on which button you select, you could add a field to your data source to hold that value and set that field's value when the button is clicked.