Field Types

XenDirect utilizes various field types for data entry, each with unique formatting requirements. This guide provides an overview of the different field types, how they function, and important considerations when entering data.

Field Types

Text Box

Allows entry of alpha characters, numeric characters, and/or special characters (e.g., -, #, %, @).
Example: Client First Name, Client Last Name.

Memo/HTML Box

Also called a Text Area field.
Used for long text entries such as descriptions and notes.
Some fields include an HTML editor (WYSIWYG) for formatting.
Example: Course Description.

Microsoft Word Warning

Copying from MS Word into an HTML field may introduce problematic formatting.
Use the [Paste from Word] button in the HTML toolbar to remove unnecessary code.

Spell Check

HTML fields have built-in spell check.
Enable SCAYT in the spell check dropdown for automatic checking.

Drop-Down Lists and Select Lists

Allows users to select predefined values.

Drop-Down List

Click the drop-down arrow.
Select an item from the list.
Use auto-complete by typing the first few characters.

Combo-Boxes / Add-On-The-Fly

Some lists allow users to add new items while in an Add/Edit form.
Requires "Add" permissions.

Multi-Select Lists

Allows users to select multiple items.

Use CTRL + CLICK (or checkboxes) to select multiple values.
CTRL + CLICK again to deselect an item.

Example: Public Assistance at Entry (TANF and TANF Exhausted selected).

Locked vs. User-Defined Lists

Locked Lists: Users cannot add or edit items.
User-Defined Lists: Users can add, edit, or delete items.

Checkboxes and Radio Buttons

Checkbox

Represents Yes/No values.
Click to toggle or use the spacebar when focused.
Example: Workers Comp = Yes, Retired = No.

Radio Button

Selects one of two options (Yes or No).
Click the button or use left/right arrow keys.
Example: Retired = No.

Images

Supports JPG and PNG formats.
Mac users may need to re-save images using a different application (e.g., GIMP).
Uploaded image filenames are modified to be unique.

Important:

Upload images separately from other field edits.
Do not modify other fields while uploading an image.

Phone Number Fields

Requires Area Code and 7-digit number.
Accepts two-digit Area Codes if a dash (-) is included.
Web Registration will automatically add the dash.

Required Fields

Indicated by a red asterisk (*).
Must be filled before saving a record.

Course Code Pop-Up

"Show List" button opens a course selection pop-up.
List can be filtered based on:
- Branch Profile’s Default Session.
- Characters entered before clicking Show List.
Example: Entering A will filter courses starting with A and Instructor Last Names.

Field Formatting

Date Fields

Enter dates manually or use the Calendar button.
Required format: MM/DD/YYYY.

Text Fields

Supports letters, numbers, and special characters (-, #, %, @).
Some number-looking fields are actually text fields (e.g., Client ID).

Memo Box Fields

Supports paragraphs, special characters, and HTML.
Built-in spell check available.
Browser Compatibility: Spell check does not work in Internet Explorer.

Number Fields

Accepts numeric values only.
Some fields auto-format for you.
Integers range from -2,147,483,648 to 2,147,483,648.

Examples:

Field	Example
Phone Number	`555-1234`
Social Security Number	`123-66-5432`
Tuition Fee	`119.00`
Weighted Score	`.50`

Special Characters

May affect sorting and searching.
Avoid using special characters unless necessary.
Do not use special characters as the first character in a field.

Time Fields

Enter hours, minutes, and AM/PM.
Both hours and minutes are required.

Conclusion

Understanding XenDirect’s field types and formatting ensures accurate data entry and efficient use of the system. For further assistance, refer to related articles or contact support.

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