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| − | == Purpose ==
| + | {{Note|This page is now on [[https://hig.kde.org/components/editing/combobox.html https://hig.kde.org/]]}} |
| − | A ''combo box'' is a combination of a drop-down list and an edit control, thus allowing users to enter a value that isn't in the list. It behaves like a drop-down list and allows the user to choose from a list of existing items but adds the option to type a value directly into the control. Newly typed items are usually added to the list and can be selected next time. Combo boxes are typically applied to provide auto-complete or auto-type functionality in a convenient way to the user.
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| − | The list provides auto-complete feature for the whole string, independently of the "editable" property. Given the items of "bike", "boat", and "car":
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| − | *If one types "b", the list selects "bike".
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| − | *If one (rapidly) types "bo", it selects "boat".
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| − | *If one types "c", it selects "car".
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| − | The input field of the combo box ("editable" is true) marks the completed part of the item as selected, making it easy to change the completion.
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| − | == Guidelines ==
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| − | === Is this the right control ===
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| − | * Use a combo box for single selection of one out of many items of lists that can be extended by the user. Prefer a simple [[KDE_Visual_Design_Group/HIG/DropDown| drop-down list]] in case of read-only interaction.
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| − | * Consider to replace the combo box by a [[KDE_Visual_Design_Group/HIG/ListView| list view]] with a connected [[KDE_Visual_Design_Group/HIG/edits| edit control]].
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| − | === Behavior ===
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| − | * Show a maximum of eight items at once (maxVisibleItems=8).
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| − | * When possible apply changes immediately but do not initiate an action (like print, send, delete) when the user selects an item from the list.
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| − | * Do not add controls to the drop-down (e.g. check boxes for each item).
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| − | * Place options that represent general options (e.g. all, none) at the beginning of the list.
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| − | * Sort list items in a logical order. Make sure sorting fits translation.
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| − | * Make sure the items are easily accessible via keyboard by moving distinctive letters to the beginning of each option. For example, in a list of countries on continents, write "Germany (Europe)" instead of "Europe/Germany".
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| − | * Do not have blank list items; use meta-options, e.g. (None) instead
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| − | === Appearance ===
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| − | * Combo boxes are distinguished visually from drop-down lists (normally by the raised or lowered bevel). Do not override the common processing, e.g. by using a combo box and making it read only in order to simulate a simple drop-down list.
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| − | * If activating a choice affects the appearance or the enabled state of other controls, place them next to the combo box.
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| − | * If certain controls in a configuration dialog are only relevant if a certain item is selected (i.e. they are dependent controls), disable them instead of hiding.
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| − | * Label the combo box with a descriptive caption to the left (cf. [[KDE_Visual_Design_Group/HIG/Alignment| alignment]]).
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| − | * Create a buddy relation so access keys are assigned.
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| − | * Do not use ending punctuation (neither dot nor colon) for caption.
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| − | * Use [[KDE_Visual_Design_Group/HIG/Capitalization|sentence style capitalization]] for items.
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| − | == Implementation ==
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| − | [http://api.kde.org/4.10-api/kdelibs-apidocs/kdeui/html/classKComboBox.html KComboBox]
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