Logical IF in Template

[Pauline Hough]

Was recently required to set up a template with FILL-IN
fields with a requirement to include a set clause if a
certain field was filled in. Further complication was
that the document had a FILL-In field for client name and
address details which was fine. However on some
occasions there would be multiple client names and
addresses required within the one document. I would like
to set up the multiple FILL-IN fields so that if blank
they do not print.

Thanks for any assistance you can give me.

 

[Mark Tangard]

Hi Pauline,

This sort of thing really goes beyond the simplicity level
that FILLIN fields are suited for. It's doable, but the
truckloads of field codes required would likely exhaust
even the most patient sorts. A far more straightforward
method might be a userform (custom dialog) containing
several text boxes for client names/addresses. and code
that simply excludes from the final document those that
the user left blank.

Depending on your VBA skills this might be as much work
as the FILLIN method, but it would be unquestionably more
rewarding and many times easier to use. (The principal
advantage of a userform as opposed to a parade of sequential
FILLIN popups is that you can see everything you're feeding
Word before you send it. With FILLINs there's no way to
look at the last name you entered (no 'Back' button), and
thus a high probability of errors if your template asks
the user to deal with more than a few of them. You also
have no control over the display characteristics of the
prompts, i.e., you're stuck with that scrunched up little
font, whereas with a userform you have a vast array of
options for what users see.

FILLINs don't require any VBA. If you posted to this VBA
newsgroup in error, well, maybe it was a benevolent twist
of fate. If you already do know some VBA, it sounds
like you'd be well and quickly helped by converting this
project to a userform. See the quick tutorial located at:
http://www.mvps.org/word/FAQs/Userforms/CreateAUserForm.htm
and let us know if you think this would help. From your
task description it sounds like a userform to do what you
need would be fairly simple to build.

 

[Pauline Hough]

Thanks Mark,

I think from your answer it is bit beyond me as I do not
know VBA. I think I was right in suggesting that
they find someone who can write code to set up this
template. It is for a major bank and I wouldn't want to
stuff up.

Thanks anyway for your assistance. It was most
interesting. At some stage in the future I think maybe I
should delve a little into VBA.

Pauline

 

[Mark Tangard]

OK, good. When you get around to having this done, tell
the programmer you want a userform. For people who know
userforms this task would be fairly basic.