A form opened by a button on a tabbed form in an application extension

Jack S wrote on 3/31/2025, 11:48 AM

@jetdv I'll ask the question but I think I know the answer. I have a form that is opened by a button on a tabbed form.
The form has a button that performs a particular action in the UI. No problem so far. Everything works as it should. The question I have, is it possible to access the UI without having to close the form down? I think that the answer is 'No'. I had hoped that it would be possible to move focus from the form to the UI and then back again, but I don't think this is possible. Are you able to confirm please.
As always, thanks for your valuable help.

Comments

jetdv wrote on 3/31/2025, 11:58 AM

Generally speaking, the answer would be no. I think your easiest solution would be to make whatever is on the "form" you are opening to be an actual part of the application extension window instead. Then the answer is definitely yes.

One thing I've done in the past is to create a "groupbox" set to invisible. Then when the button is pressed that "opens" the other window, instead, make that "groupbox" visible and move it over the current screen. That's one possible option.

Jack S wrote on 4/1/2025, 10:43 AM

Thanks Edward. I think I'll explore the Group Box option as I don't want to introduce several more tabs, each for a minor function (I have 12 tabs already).
Thanks again.

Jack S wrote on 4/17/2025, 4:54 AM

Hi Edward. I tried the Groupbox approach but kept getting into trouble by inadvertently creating a group box within a group box. I talked to my son (a bit of a whiz with Visual Studio) about my problem and he said a better approach would be to use a TabControl within my 'More Tools' tab form. I have now implemented this and it gives me the ability to create multiple tab forms easily.
So, problem solved.

jetdv wrote on 4/17/2025, 9:37 AM

Glad you found an approach that works. I have several group boxes on each tab in Excalibur and simply show the "correct" one based on which tool is selected.