Checking form design

For each form you want to check, create two or three documents and enter a variety of information into the fields. Then use this check list to verify that the form is working as intended.

  • Is there a default form for the database?

    If not, double-click the form that should be the default and choose Design - Form Properties. Click the Defaults tab and select "Default database form."

  • Do all forms appear correctly on the Create menu? Are the appropriate keyboard shortcuts used? Do the forms appear in the correct order?

    If not, check the names and the "Include in Menu" properties for the forms.

  • Do the window titles for forms display appropriately under different conditions?

    If not, edit the window title formula. To display the window title when a form is printed, click the Printing tab in the Form Properties box and add &W to the formula for the header or footer.

  • Check cross-platform compatibility: Are all fonts used in this form available (or approximated) on all platforms? Does all text display legibly? Did you use platform-specific terms where appropriate?

    Make your application layout as generic as possible to suit all platforms.

  • Are related fields -- for example, Name and Address fields -- grouped together on the form?

    If not, move the fields and their related static text to a more suitable position.

  • Do forms that are longer than one page have page numbers?

    If not, click the Printing tab in the Form Properties box and add &P to the formula for the header or footer.

  • Do the forms include Names fields where appropriate for tracking document authors and editors?

    If not, add a Names field to the form.

  • Has a read-access list been defined for the form?

    If one is needed, define a read access list by assigning names to a Read access control list on the Security tab of the Form Properties box.

  • Has a create access list been defined for the form?

    If one is needed, define a create access list by assigning names to a Compose access control list on the Security tab in the Form Properties box.