Change "Record" label in Navigation buttons? 1

[VBAjedi]

Is it possible to change the "Record" label text to the left of the default Navigation buttons on a form? I don't really want to create custom nav buttons, just change the text to the left of the stock ones if that's an option.

I've found a number of threads in other places on the web with people asking this question, but no coherent answers to the actual question. So I ask you...

I've got a 3-deep nested form, with all 3 sets of Record Navigation buttons stacked up at the bottom. Just looking for ways to help visually differentiate between them to reduce potential user confusion...




VBAjedi

 

[MajP]

IMO nested subforms is the most user-unfriendly way to show your data. I would consider the use of synchronized subforms (or some other technique).

In other words, three subforms side by side. Where if you change A then B shows the related records, and C shows the related record to what is selected in B. This is way more intuitive, I think.

 

[VBAjedi]

I hadn't considered synchronized subforms, and you're right - they are worth considering! But I would push back a bit and question whether they're always best. For example, when your data contains longer blocks of text (my deepest nested subform contains project memo/note records), I think the user benefits from having nearly the full screen width to view the text block.

Also, with side-by-side forms, it seems to me that there's less of an obvious visual connection that one is dependent on the other, requiring at least a basic retraining of user expectations for the tool.

All that said, does anybody know the answer to my original question of whether it's possible to change the "Record" text on a set of default navigation buttons?

VBAjedi

 

[MajP]

There is no way to change that. Maybe some really complicated API call, but I doubt it.

So why would you not want to make a custom navigation? Sure would be easier than trying to control the application container. Make yourself a small subform once that holds the custom navigation buttons. Use this subform three times on each subform. Have it so the nav subform uses the parent property to control whichever subform it is on. Build once use anywhere.

 

[VBAjedi]

Clever. I'll give that a go! I just don't like reinventing the wheel without first checking to see if the stock tools can be used to do what I want. Learned that lesson (multiple times, actually) by charging into building some custom feature, getting stuck, asking for help, and being told, "why don't you just use the one that's built-in?"! :-D

Have a star for the reusable nav idea and the reminder to always consider synchronized subforms when designing something. Thanks again!

VBAjedi

 

[MajP]

A good programmer does not need to know how to build, but where to go to find it.
If you search the web someone out there has done a custom nav bar that can be used on any form. If you have a copy of the Access Desk Top Developers handbook there is a very good reuseable class module which includes all the features.