how do you set an input mask in .NET?

[mbutch]

I can't find an input mask property for a text box object in .NET. I want to limit text box input to only four numbers.

Thanks

 

[chiph]

There is no mask control that ships with .NET.

You'll have to write one or buy one. Maybe download one, but I haven't seen any free ones so far that look any good.

Chip H.

 

[RiverGuy]

If you have VB 6, you might be able to use its COM Masked Edit Control in your .Net app.

 

[Dinobrago]

Yes, I was surprised that this functionality hasn't been provided. It's such a common need.

 

[StevenK]

Is this just a case of limiting the number of characters input in the textbox ? Or are you specifically trying to prevent more than four numeric characters being entered ?
If the first is true can you not just set the 'MaxLength' (integer) property against the desired TextBox component ?
I'm hoping that I've not simply missed the point on this one.
Steve

 

[mbutch]

I want to limit the field to numbers only.

 

[StevenK]

Can you not just check the text as entered into the control as you exit it (validating it as such) ?
Alternatively could you not make use of the 'KeyPress' event and the 'KeyChar' to obtain the keyboard character that was pressed.
Steve

 

[Craig0201]

mbutch,

Check out the control I have written for this is VB.NET FAQs.

Craig

 

[SameerKhan]

It is very simple to create a custom masked text box. All ypu have to do is capture the KeyDown even for your TextBox.

One interesting article I found on Codeproject :

http://www.codeproject.com/cs/miscctrl/maskedcsedit.asp?target=maskedtextbox

 

[Dinobrago]

I tried out the code that SameerKhan pointed out (written by Jibin Pan) and it works quite well. It is easily modified & customized for specific needs and error handling.
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dino