Viewing the default tabbing order

One of the final tasks to do when creating a form is to set the tabbing order. Before you do this task, make sure you have finished laying out the form design so that all the objects are in their correct position on the form. First, you should examine the default tabbing order, which is created automatically by Designer.

When you design or open a form in Designer, the tabbing order is not visible. To see the tabbing order for the form, select View > Show Tab Order or click Show Order on the Tab Order palette.

Note: If the Tab Order palette is not visible, select Window > Tab Order.

The tabbing order is displayed on the form as a series of consecutive numbers inside colored shapes:

  • Number inside a gray circle Numbers inside a gray circle indicates the default tabbing order for the objects in the content area.

  • Number inside a green circle Numbers inside a green circle indicate the tabbing order for master page objects.

  • Number inside a lavender square Numbers inside a lavender square indicate the tabbing order for the objects inside a fragment.

Examine the default tabbing order carefully to determine whether it suits your particular requirements or whether you need to change it. Even if you modify the tabbing order, you can quickly return to the default tabbing order by selecting the Automatic option in the Tab Order palette.

Note: While viewing the tabbing order, you cannot edit any parts of the form.

To hide the tabbing order and return to normal form-editing mode

Perform one of the following actions:

  • Select View > Hide Tab Order

  • Click Hide Order in the Tab Order palette

  • Open a different palette, such as the Hierarchy palette.

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