When using BX and the XmForm container widget I have trouble changing the X/Y parameter of child widgets and get asked for specific values. Is there a work around?

When using BX there is an issue that occurs regularly when using the XmForm container widget. As I place child widgets like textLabel or buttons or even another XmForm, I sometimes have trouble changing XY or width/height parameters in the Resource Editor. This forces me manually change the geometry on the screen by selecting and dragging things around to either change position or size. I prefer using the Resource Editor when I need to set very specific parameters values. Can you explain why I am getting this warning and if there is a work around.

Work around:

I have two buttons (or two labels, or two whatevers) that are displaying differently. How can I find the list of resources that are different?

Select both objects in the Browser using the Shift-MB1 combination. In the resource editor, select the icon in the resource editor toolbar (by default, it is the circle on the far right) that displays only resources that are not equal. The list of resources that are different will then appear below.

The BX Resource Editor seems to ignore my entries. Why is this happening?

Whenever you change a value in the Resource Editor, it requires that the change be confirmed by clicking the checkmark to the right of the entry field. It is very common for users to type in a new value and then forget to hit the "checkmark" to the right of most text fields in the Resource Editor. You loose your changes if you forget to click on the checkbox or click on the Enter key to apply your changes.

How can I simultaneously set the same value for a resource on multiple widgets?

Depending on what you are trying to accomplish, there are several approaches here. The first approach is to select each widget in the Browser or in the application window and enter the resource value as you would for a single widget. Each selected widget will be updated with the new value. The second approach uses the Builder Xcessory feature of Styles. Styles are groups of resources that can be applied to widgets or widget hierarchies. You would use the first approach if you were just setting these resources for a specific situation.

Where are the Constraint resources located in the Resource Editor?

Constraint resources are always grouped together at the bottom of the Resource Editor.

When I generate code, all my Dialog boxes are managed and visible. How do I gain control over the display of these Dialog boxes?

By default, any object you create in BX is automatically visible. You can hide objects in your interface by selecting one or more and choosing the Hide option from the Resource Editor Component menu. You would commonly do this to Dialog boxes that would popup under control of the applications that you do not want visible at startup. "Hidden" objects will not appear until your application specifically "manages" them.

ICS MotifZone