Default values

A default value displays in a field when a module is opened in New or Search mode. A default value is the most commonly used value in a field and is intended to save time and effort during data entry. It can be overwritten at any time during data entry.

Default values can be specified in one of two ways:

  1. Administrators can create default values and make them available to all members of a group.

    Note: Separate Registry entries are used to define default values for New (Insert) and Search (Query) mode.

  2. Users or groups with the daDefaults permission can select Edit>Default Values in a module's Menu bar to create their own set of default values for that module.

    Note: Instructions on how to set default values using the Edit>Default Values menu option in a Vitalware module can be found in How to make use of default values.

There are six Defaults Registry entries, some of which are generated automatically by the system:

Insert Defaults

Specify a set of values to display by default in a module when the module enters New mode. One or more sets of default values can be specified. This entry is generated automatically when a user with the daDefaults permission sets default values using the Edit>Default Values menu option in a module. It can also be specified manually by an Administrator.

Insert Defaults Skip Columns

Specifies fields that should be excluded from a set of default fields when Edit>Default Values>Set as Defaults is selected in New mode.

Insert Defaults Selected

Specify which set of default values specified in an Insert Defaults Registry entry is currently active for a user / group.

Query Defaults

Specify a set of values to display by default in a module when the module enters Search mode. One or more sets of default values can be specified. This entry is generated automatically when a user with the daDefaults permission sets default values using the Edit>Default Values menu option in a module. It can also be specified manually by an Administrator.

Query Defaults Skip Columns

Specifies fields that should be excluded from a set of default fields when Edit>Default Values>Set as Defaults is selected in Search mode.

Query Defaults Selected

Specify which set of default values specified in a Query Defaults Registry entry is currently active for a user / group.