Combobox with Description info

[Jacob Herzog]

I’m creating a database for my class. Currently I have a combo box that lists the genre of a movie. is it possible to put a label next to it that will Tell me what the description of the genre is when i hover over it or have a button that says description and when clicked pulls up a window with the information from the second column in the genre table the descriptions are anywhere form 200-250 chars and doesn’t look nice in a form.

[ADezii]

1. Hello Jacob, the first hovering Option is not really a good idea since an Item in the Combo Box would first have to be selected, and then you would be able to hover over the Combo Box to retrieve a Description. This would be done via the MouseMove() Event of the Combo Box. You would also need available space for a Label or Text Box to display the Description.
2. The second Option would be a little cumbersome, but I came up with a variation that you may like. The basic concept is as follows:
   1. The Combo Box consists of the Genre and Description Fields with the Description Field hidden.
   2. There is a small Description Command Button which by Default is not Visible, and is positioned directly besides the Combo Box.
   3. Once a Value is selected, the Description Combo Box is now made Visible. Clicking on this Button will give a Description of the selected Genre by retrieving this info from the hidden second Column. The descriptive Text is contained within a Message Box whose Character limitation is 1,024, well within your range.
3. The advantages to this Method as I see it are:
   1. A very small area of Form Real Estate is occupied, just enough for a small Description Command Button.
   2. Again, Form Real Estate is saved in that the Description is contained within a Message Box which is dismissed once the User has read it.
4. Only you can decide if this approach is practical. I have made a small Demo for you to view in an Attachment to this Post.
5. Let us know if you need further assistance.

[NeoPa]

Jacob, have you considered what you are asking? If you have a ComboBox then only the selected item shows. Why have a Label showing data only when the ComboBox is hovered over? It makes little sense.

On the other hand, it is perfectly possible to show the related description for the selected item in the ComboBox, both when the form is opened as well as when the selection ever changes. Does that sound more sensible?

[Jacob Herzog]

I really like how you described that. My meaning was something like you posted. but I guess it didn't come out that way.

Currently im trying to figure out how to get the code to work for my database. I have renamed my combobox to what you have and have the description button setup.
my subform is grabbing information out of tblgenre/movie which only has genre and movietitle
The description is in tblgenre with columns of genre description. how would I change the code to grab the description in tblgenre base on what is in the combobox

I have uploaded my final in so you have an idea of how i set everything up. I'm just finishing my database class and I'm not sure wither to continue with my education in database design but I think I would like to.

I have also include what is needed for my final. If any one is willing to look over and give me some pointers i would be grateful

[ADezii]

how would I change the code to grab the description in tblgenre base on what is in the combobox

You can use the DLookup() Function which is referenced in the Help Files.

[NeoPa]

Jacob, I'm afraid we don't do questions related to coursework assignments here (Please check the FAQ: Posting Guidelines). I will shortly be removing the second attachment. We also don't support more than one question per thread, so whenever you have a new question, please post it in its own thread.

Posting attachments in your question should generally only ever be done on request. Apart from the trust issues, we don't want to be having to download a database for all the threads we are working on. It's your job to explain the situation clearly in the thread. You will often find that a question that isn't explained in the thread itself will be ignored by many of our members and experts. Too much work; Hard to work with when you have to revisit; Generally the question doesn't make proper sense anyway (as no effort put into explaining it properly).

This all sounds like criticism, and a lot of it. The relevant part though, is to guide you to finding a better way to work on this site. It can help you to get better answers in future questions - which is good for you as well as us.