Ways to show the same data in multiple places

You can display the same data in multiple places by using different methods:

  • Set multiple fields to be global fields to display the same data that is entered interactively.

  • Bind multiple fields to one node to display the same data from a data source in the fields.

  • Use a script to display data that is entered into one field in another field.

This table compares global fields, binding multiple fields to one node, and using a script to display the data that is entered into one field in another field.

Comparing...

Global fields

Binding

Script

What happens

Designer shows the same value in all fields that have the same name.

Designer shows the same value in all fields that have the same binding.

Designer displays the data that is entered into one field in another field.

Names of the fields

Names must be identical.

Names can be different.

Names can be different.

Run-time properties (such as the current page, number of pages, and current date/time)

You cannot add run-time properties to the field.

You cannot add run-time properties to the field.

You can add run-time properties to the field.

If you remove...

If you remove the global setting from one field, Designer removes the setting from all other fields with the same name.

If you remove the binding from one field, the other fields keep the binding.

Not applicable

Reference to nodes

Global fields can refer to nodes outside the current record.

Explicit data binding refers to nodes within the current record.

Not applicable

Example of when to use

Use for information that is repeated in the form, such as customer name or address.The user enters the information once and the data automatically fills the other fields that are set to global.

Use when you want a single instance of data from a data source displayed in multiple fields.

Use to copy the data entered from a Contact Name on page 1, and display it in a form letter on page 2.

This diagram shows what happens when you set multiple fields to be global fields. The name and address are filled in on Page 2 after the user enters the name and address on Page 1.

This diagram shows what happens when you bind multiple fields to one node. The name and address are filled in from the data source.

This diagram shows what happens when you use a script to display the data that is entered into one field in another field. The ContactName in the form letter is the same as the name that is entered into the Name field on Page 1.

Bind multiple fields to one node

You can bind multiple fields to one node by doing one of the following actions:

  • Associate a node in the Data View palette with existing form fields by using the drag-and-drop method.

  • Explicitly specify the binding node by using the Binding tab in the Object palette for the existing form fields.

You should only bind a single instance of data to multiple fields. You should not bind repeating data to multiple fields.

  1. In the Data View palette, select the appropriate node and drag it to the field on the page.

  2. In the Binding Properties dialog box, select one of the following options:

    • Update All Related Properties

    • Update The Following Properties Only and select the options you want

    • Don’t Update Any Related Properties

  3. Click OK. Whether you update the object’s properties or not, the form object is now bound to the data source.

  4. Select the same node in step 1 and repeat steps 2 and 3 for the other fields that you want to bind to the same node.

Use a script to show the data that is entered into one field in another field

You can use a script to display the data that is entered into one field in another field. You can run this script on specific field-oriented events that trigger in response to user actions.

For example, an interactive form may prompt a user to enter the department name. This department name may be displayed on subsequent pages of the form (if it is a multipage interactive form). The field for the department name is bound to a data field, and this data field is where the department name is recorded. To display the department name on the other pages, the contents of the input field need to appear on other pages. The other instances do not need to be editable, and they may be part of another field (such as a floating field). In this case, you use a script to copy the department name to the other fields.

  1. Select the first field.

  2. If the Script Editor is not already showing, select Window > Script Editor.

  3. (Optional) Click the Expand button on the palette border until the palette is larger.

  4. In the Show list, select a field-oriented event.

    For example, select Exit from the Show list.

  5. In the Language list, select JavaScript and, in the Run At list, select Client.

  6. In the Script Source field, type the script:

    For example, type the following script:

    ContactName.rawValue = this.rawValue;

    ContactName is the name of the second field from the Binding tab of the Object palette.

  7. Select the second field.

  8. In the Object palette, click the Value tab and, in the Type list, select Calculated - Read Only.

For more information about scripting, see Scripting Basics.

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