Frames

·         We've seen that both option buttons and check boxes work as a group.  Frames provide a way of grouping related controls on a form.  And, in the case of option buttons, frames affect how such buttons operate. 

·         To group controls in a frame, you first draw the frame.  Then, the associated controls must be drawn in the frame.  This allows you to move the frame and controls together.  And, once a control is drawn within a frame, it can be copied and pasted to create a control array within that frame.  To do this, first click on the object you want to copy.  Copy the object.  Then, click on the frame.  Paste the object.  You will be asked if you want to create a control array.  Answer Yes.

·         Drawing the controls outside the frame and dragging them in, copying them into a frame, or drawing the frame around existing controls will not result in a proper grouping.  It is perfectly acceptable to draw frames within other frames.

·         As mentioned, frames affect how option buttons work.  Option buttons within a frame work as a group, independently of option buttons in other frames.  Option buttons on the form, and not in frames, work as another independent group.  That is, the form is itself a frame by default. We'll see this in the next example.

·         It is important to note that an independent group of option buttons is defined by physical location within frames, not according to naming convention.  That is, a control array of option buttons does not work as an independent group just because it is a control array.  It would only work as a group if it were the only group of option buttons within a frame or on the form.  So, remember physical location, and physical location only, dictates independent operation of option button groups.

·         Frame Properties:

Caption                  Title information at top of frame.

Font                       Sets font type, style, size.

 
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