Configuring Siebel Business Applications > About Applets, Controls and List Columns > Guidelines for Creating an Applet >

Guidelines for Creating a Control or List Column

If you create a control or list column, then use the following guidelines:

• To simplify data entry, use the appropriate type of pop-up, if possible. For example, associate a calendar control with a date field, or a multi-line edit box with a multi-line text field.
• Left-align fields in a form or list.
• Right-align labels in a form.
• To accommodate multiple translations of a given text string, include extra spaces in a display name or caption. For more information, see Using Siebel Tools.
• Associate a control for a form applet that uses the Applet Form 4 Column (Edit/New) web template to a field that is two columns wide, or to a field that is one column wide. To associate a control to a field that is two columns wide, you must set the HTML Width property to 412. If you do not create an HTML Width property, then Siebel CRM displays the control as a one column wide field even if it is associated to a two column wide field in a form applet.

Guidelines for Creating a Check Box

If you create a check box control or check box list column, then use the following guidelines:

• Make sure a check box is the appropriate way to display the data. If the data does not map to a yes or no response, or if the meaning of the unchecked value is not obvious, then it is recommended that you use a list of values instead. For example, instead of using a check box labeled Standard, use a combo box labeled Shipping Method with a list of values that contain Standard and Next Day. For more information, see Creating a List of Values
• Avoid using a negative. For example, instead of Not Required, use Optional.
• In a form applet, right-align the labels and position them to the left of the check box.

Guidelines for Creating a Text Control or List Column

If you create a text control or text list column, then use the following guidelines:

• To display a calendar or calculator for a control, set the Runtime property of the control to TRUE.
• To display a pop-up editor, set the Popup Edit property of the control to TRUE.
• To make a list column unavailable, set the Available property to FALSE.
• To display a text list column in a list by default, set the Show in List property to TRUE.
• To hide a text list column by default, set the Show in List property to FALSE. The user can use the Columns Displayed dialog box to display the text control.
• Because a list column header is a specialized control, it does not render HTML. For example, you cannot add a red asterisk to indicate that a field is required, as you can in a form applet.
• You cannot apply a background color to a list column.