Layered form segments problem

We are in the process of migrating v7 processes to v9. In some of our forms we have many form segments that are layered. Visibiliy of fields on those segments depends on some checkboxes. When I click something on form one form segment is shown (it's controls) and the other one is hidden. When I click something else I toggle form segments visibility. It works perfectly in version 7.

But in version 9 it doesn't That's because of z-index order I think.

Example:
Layer A (z-index: 1300 - checked it in firebug, metastorm designer generated it)
- textbox (z-index 1301)

Layer B - (z-index 1400)

- checkbox (z-index 1401)

So if you look at z-index of Layer B you can see that it 'covers' Layer A with it's contents. When I show Layer A and hide Layer B I still cannot click elements on Layer A.

Did anyone solve it? Or what is the preferred way to achieve for segments layering in V9?

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Comments

Ryan Saul

I have come across the same issue and could not find a feasible solution.

I only have 3 overlapping form segments, so I have now spread them in a manner where all fields on the segment can be accessed. (Not ideal)

Brian Mellert

Instead of segments, I have implemented several of those kinds of things in panels, then show/hide the panels as appropriate depending on checkbox conditions. Makes design easier: need to work on something in the 3rd layer down in the designer, that can be a pain under the best of circumstances. With panels each can have its own design space and "collapse" to display what is appropriate. (Thought this may not work for every condition, it sure makes working in the form designer easier.) It can also make the layout cleaner if there is blank space in some layers that can leave the form looking clunky (we had several) if you dock your panels. Now the blank space is gone.

Since I've used this approach, I haven't designed forms doing quite what you're describing, so I cannot speak to the z-order related item itself.

Nils Wyldbore

Panels are an excellent way of achieving what I believe your want.

However, a word of warning. If you are going to use panels on a form, do so up front. The designer has a number of features that will cause headaches.

If you try and drag controls around the form and into a panel, I've noted that it will randomly lose code and frequently crash the designer.

Also, if you accidently drop a control on the form over a panel, it will be added to that panel and cannot be moved out again.

Finally, there have been occasions where you save the form and come back to it later to find all your controls have disappeared!

I've taken to dropping a panel on the form and moving it way off the desktop space to work on (resizing the form in the designer), moving it back when finished.

Just be prepared for some fun and games...

On the upside, once the form is developed, it works quite well and is much easier to make changes than multiple layered controls.