Creating and editing custom FormParts

You can create custom FormParts. Once saved, the FormPart is listed in the User FormParts drawer of the Palette and can be added to any form opened in the IBM® Forms Designer.

1. To create a new custom FormPart:
   1. Click File > New IBM Forms FormPart.
   2. Accept the pre-populated default settings, or set the Locale and XFDL version for the FormPart and click Finish.
      The FormPart Properties window opens.
   3. Enter a descriptive title to the Title field.
      If you intend to have several similarly named FormParts, use the Description field to describe the FormPart. The description is displayed when you hover your mouse over the FormPart name in the Palette.
   4. Change the default property settings, or click OK.
      The new FormPart with a watermark titled “Empty FormPart” opens in the canvas.
2. To add items to an empty FormPart:
   1. On the Palette, drag and drop form items to the FormPart. When you drop the first item, a section is drawn around the item. As items are added to the FormPart, the Section expands to encompass them.
   2. Once the FormPart has all items you require, save the FormPart.
      You can save the FormPart to the default location or select a new location, such as a common FormPart repository.
3. To create a new FormPart from existing form items:
   1. On the canvas, select the form items that you want to add to the new FormPart. Use the Ctrl or Shift keys to select multiple items from the form.
   2. Right-click and click Create FormPart from Selection.
      The FormPart Properties window opens.
   3. In the Properties window, enter a descriptive title to the Title field click OK.
4. To add a custom FormPart to your form:
   1. Create a new form or open an existing form.
   2. In the Palette, scroll down to the User FormParts drawer.
      The FormPart Properties window opens.
   3. Drag and drop the FormPart into the form.
      The custom FormPart is visually represented on the canvas by a grey background color and tabbed corners.
   4. If required, adjust the position of the FormPart on the form, if required.
5. To edit a custom FormPart:
   1. On the canvas, select the FormPart.
   2. Right-click and click Edit FormPart.
   3. Edit the FormPart and then save your changes.
   4. Return to the form, you are asked whether to update the form with the modified FormPart.
   5. Click Update to update the FormPart or Cancel to leave the FormPart unchanged.