[APBeta] User Fields

[Paul Rodman]

On Feb 19, 2009, at 01:59 PM, Craig Starnes wrote:

>> Folks,
>>
>> There is some confusion about user-defined fields in V2. They are a
>> bit more complex than in V1, but are also much more general and
>> scalable.
>>
>> Executive summary:
>>
>> You can (only via a script, currently) add an arbitrary USER FIELD
>> (i.e. a named parameter with an attached value) to an item (Object,
>> Observation, Resource, etc). It will appear in that item's list of
>> user-defined parameters. However, in general, it will not appear in
>> any other item's parameter list, nor (in the case of Objects) will it
>> be available as a user-defined column. An item can have as many user
>> fields as you like.
>>
>> You can also add a USER FIELD DEFINITION either via a script, or by
>> right-clicking a user-defined fields list. This definition will be
>> global to all similar items (Objects, Observations, etc). The user-
>> defined field list for the items will show the named parameter, even
>> if no value has been assigned for a particular item. In the case of
>> Objects, you can also define and show a column in the Object list for
>> any user field definition.
>>
>> User fields with an associated user field definition appear in black,
>> "orphan" user fields without a definition appear in blue.
>>
>> Typically, to add manually a new user field, you need to create a new
>> user field definition by right-clicking the user-defined fields list.
>> Once that's done you can edit the associated values.
>>
>> Note that user field definitions for Objects are local to each plan
>> document. All other user field definitions (Observations, Observation
>> attachments, Resources, etc.) are global to the application.
>>
>> You're probably more confused than ever now. Don't worry, you'll get
>> used to it.
>>
>> Paul R
>
>
> Yep...I'm confused  :-)
>
> So...
>
> How do I go about  getting my 4 object user fields from V1 to show  
> up as editable object list columns in V2?

I need to attend to that (i.e. make sure that user field definitions  
are created for newly downloaded/converted plans).

Meantime: right-click the user-defined parameters list and use the  
editor to define the columns. Make sure you give the same title as the  
existing user field. Once you've done that, you'll find that those  
user fields are now available as object list columns.

Paul R.