Text and Numeric Fields

The most commonly used fields in most forms are also the simplest to configure and fill out: number fields (which only accept characters from 0 to 9) and text fields (which also allow letters and symbols). By modifying their properties, we can refine and adapt these types of fields for much more specific uses.

Text

Text fields are versatile components with various configuration options. In the previously designed form, the text field was used in several instances: “Last Name and First Name,” “Nationality,” “Tax ID,” and “Email.” Let’s see how to adjust some of their characteristics based on the type of data we expect.

For the first two fields, we won’t be able to set too many conditions since it’s impossible to predict what data the user will enter. However, we can estimate that the text will be brief. Go to the Validations section in the properties panel and enter the number 60 in the Max field to set a maximum length of 60 characters.

If the form includes a field for entering a description or message, it would be advisable to set a higher character limit and allow multiple lines of text. To do this, go to Properties > Appearance > Multiline and select the True option.

Regarding the tax ID, we know that in Argentina, this data always follows the same format: two numbers, a hyphen, eight numbers, another hyphen, and a control number. You can define the Mask property to automatically generate this structure. To do this, go to the Appearance section and set the following configuration:

The application interprets the 0s as numeric characters and formats the data as it is entered. You can test its functionality by enabling real-time preview.

Now let’s add a new text field. To do this, insert a new column in the “Contact Information” section and name it “Address” in the Title property. Add a text input field with the values “calle_dom” for Name and “Street” for Label. Then, go to Properties > General > Size to adjust its size to 2 units and set it as required (remember to set the Required property to True). In the Validations section of the properties panel, set the maximum length to 60 characters.

Create two additional required fields with a size of 3 units and a maximum length of 60 characters. For the first one, set the Name and Label values to “ciud_loc” and “City or Locality,” respectively. For the second one, set them to “prov_depto” and “Province or Department.”

Number

As we’ve seen, numeric fields have a default restriction: they only accept characters from 0 to 9, as in the “ID” field. The restriction on the type of character entered also applies to masks since they are part of the data. This is why the structure with hyphens we applied to the tax ID uses a text field. Prefixes, on the other hand, are added externally, allowing the inclusion of letters or symbols. You can use this field to define a code that remains constant or a characteristic, such as a phone number.

Assuming all contacts are made from Argentina, use the Prefix section in the “Phone” field of your form to add the +54 area code by default. In the Placeholder field, you can enter a sample number to guide the user on how to complete it:

In the “Address” column, add a numeric field for the street number between the “Street” and “City or Locality” fields. Reduce its size to 1 unit and set it as required. Then, set the values “num_calle_dom” and “Number” for Name and Label, respectively, and set the maximum value for the field to 9999.

To the right of that field, create another one with the same characteristics for the postal code, but set the value “CP” for both Name and Label. Remember to save your progress periodically to preserve the changes you make.