I've created a table with some legacy form fields and I locked the document for form filling only. (attached file, password = password)

The way focus change is happening automatically is driving me crazy.
If a user clicks in a form field, it frequently auto-moves focus to the next field which is annoying.

I'm not 100% sure what the reason is, but I think it happens if the user doesn't click EXACTLY in the area where the legacy control is. For example, if my cell width is wider than the width of the legacy control, and the user clicks at the edge of the cell.

I'm not sure, but is that why it's doing this? Is there any way to stop it?

Thanks!


Cindy

Attached Files

ApplicationForm.docx (18.3 KB, 8 views)

I believe it is doing that because you have no background color (or color is set to "white") associated with the legacy controls.

See the attached (unprotected).

Hope this helps...

Attached Files

ApplicationForm.docx (22.1 KB, 9 views)

Thank you but as soon as I put Restrict the form to filling in only, the problem re-appears.

Any other ideas?

If that is the case, it must be a bug within Word 2013. I am using Word 2010 and it works fine (See attached...password = password).

Attached Files

ApplicationForm.docx (22.1 KB, 13 views)

FWIW, I just reviewed a comment at: http://gregmaxey.com/word_tip_pages/...llin_form.html where he comments:

"While the legacy form fields are still available through Word 2013, and several long standing content control shortcomings remain; in my opinion, content controls stand poised to relegate "legacy" form fields to the dust bin of history."

This may be a hint of what is happening with your file....Then again, it may mean nothing.

Thank you but when I open the file you attached, it is not restricted. Maybe I'm using the wrong terms. Here's what I did:

1. Developer tab, click the Restrict Editing button.
Under #2, select "Filling in forms" from the dropdown.
Click "Yes, Start Enforcing Protection" under #3.
2. Enter a password when prompted.
3. Save the file.
4. To be extra careful, close the file and re-open it.
5. Now start clicking in some fields, and notice that many times when you click in a field, the cursor jumps to the next field.

Thanks!

Okay, I am at my home computer now with Word 2013. The file sent from my work (Word 2010) was meant to be protected...I obviously attached the wrong file. Now, however, using the 2013 version, I am attaching a protected version that appears to work (for me anyway). Check it out. (BTW, I used the same steps you outlined above).

(Note: Rather than click thru the fields, I TAB thru the fields. Not that this is any better but, I know it is going to the fillable areas of that tab position).

Attached Files

ApplicationForm.docx (18.6 KB, 11 views)

Thanks.

Maybe my expectations are incorrect or unreasonable?

If you click in a table cell, say Last Name, but click just on the right edge or to the right of the grey box (which for whatever reason I inadvertently do all the time!), the cursor jumps to the next field.

So, maybe it's technically "by design"? As in Word thinks the field is completed and jumps to the next field?

Can I work around this by either:
a. Making the field, ala "grey box" entirely fill up the cell so that no matter where the user clicks in the cell Word doesn't think that they're done; or
b. Somehow tell each field not to ever "auto jump" to the next field?

Cindy

Yes, I think it is by design and, Yes, I think you can fill the whole area so that you do not have that problem of going to the next field. What I don't know is that if you do fill the whole area with spaces, what the end result would be. It could not hurt to try.

Edit:
Having gone back, removing the restrictions and trying to insert spaces to lengthen the form field...I have found (at least in my very minimal trial and error test) that you CANNOT lengthen the field with spaces. There may be some other method but, with my minimal experience in this area, I am not familiar with it. I would have to step back and let one of the more experienced users advise you on other methods. Sorry I can't help further.