Z-Order in MS Access Forms?

[Ahliana]

Is there a way to set the Z-order in Access forms? I believe VB has a Z-order property.

I am working on some complex forms someone has carefully set up, and I am having to modify numerous labels. I want to put things back in the same Z-order (top to bottom), but the only tools I know of are Format, Bring to Front or Send to Back.

Am I missing something? Thanks for your ideas.

Ahliana
Argue for your limitations and, sure enough, they're yours! - Richard Bach

 

[TheAceMan1]

How are ya Ahliana . . . . .

I've been programming since Access 1.0 and you are aware of the only thing I know . . . . . or heard of, [blue]as far as this matter is concerned[/blue].

Curious why the originator went through so much embedding (Z-Order as you call it). [blue]Perhaps if you be a little more specific[/blue], as to what you see being done, we can help you better!

See Ya! . . . . . .

 

[TheAceMan1]

Ahliana . . . . .

Hit submit by mistake . . .

By any chance, [blue]does it look like the form originator was trying to combine several forms into one?[/blue]

See Ya! . . . . . .

 

[Ahliana]

We are using Access 2000, distributed worldwide using the runtime. We may not add ActiveX controls unless it is an overriding priority, since we have to keep our footprint as tiny as possible for very remote locations with limited resources.

The originator was showing/hiding a number of things based on user selection. Since there is a background graphic, the originator placed rectangles behind all the text and over the pieces to be covered, to make it all look consistent.

I am trying to edit just some labels, lengthening them, but don't want to disturb the z-order so that items show when they were designed to. I would *like* to go into a form, have it set the z-order according to how the objects are currently layered, then be able to select labels, see them and modify their length without having to bring them to front. I can select them from the object list drop-down, but if they are behind other items, I can't see what's in them or how long they need to be or what's around them.

I need to be able to see what's around an object so I can set its size to the max that fits. Also, there are sometimes labels that overlap each other, to display at different times. Simply setting the caption property won't help with them, as they fill different size spaces. Therefore I have had to send the rectangles to the back and then hope I get them back to the front in the right order.

In one case, the form shows different steps for the user to follow based on what has happened. The visible property could be toggled, but I am assuming there is some reason they did not use that, using rectangles instead. I am not yet at liberty to change the form dramatically enough to completely rewrite it. Also, the originator has brain cells actually firing correctly (not a dummy), so I am currently assuming there is a reason, will ask when I have the opportunity.

I, too, have been programming since Access 1 - actually just before 2 came out. I was wondering if perhaps something had been added in recent versions of Access that might help. I try to keep up with most of the new features, but Access isn't always my prime focus, so I keep up as I can.

I appreciate any help, and I certainly appreciate your time.

Ahliana
Argue for your limitations and, sure enough, they're yours! - Richard Bach

 

[TheAceMan1]

Ahliana . . . . .

Just like the Oracle in [blue]The Matrix![/blue], I hate giving bad news.

I've used z-order in the past and certainly appreciate what your going thru. But it all my research & studies I've never run across anything even remotely related.

I do have one suggestion . . . after selecting an object from the drop-down list, copy/paste it and set its position right over the origional, and work with the new object on top. When everything's set, transfer the changed properties to the origional. A bit clumsy, but at least you can maitain the z-order.

I wish I had something better to offer . . . .

[blue]You Take Care! . . . . . Ya Hear![/blue]

See Ya! . . . . . .