[RESOLVED] saving control properties/names to text

I am attempting to save the project controls names and properties to a text file so that the end user can save their project and load it into my app at a later time if they want. I have not completed it yet but would like to know if I am going about it the right way.

Please advise, and thanks in advance.

VB Code:

Option Explicit
 
Private Sub Form_Load()
    FormBackColor Me
End Sub
 
Private Sub cmdSaveFile_Click()
    m_intFF = FreeFile
    m_strDirectory = "Projects"
    m_SaveProjectFileName = txtFileName.Text
    m_strSDPROJFileName = m_SaveProjectFileName & ".sdproj"
    m_strFileNameLocation = App.Path & "\" & m_strDirectory & "\" & m_strSDPROJFileName
    
    If Len(Dir$(App.Path & "\" & m_strDirectory & "\", vbDirectory)) > 0 Then
        'do nothing because the Projects directory exists
    Else
        MkDir (m_strDirectory)
    End If
    
    'get all the controls on the form
    For Each m_Ctrl In frmMain.Controls
        'if all the controls are a label and they are visible then
        If m_Ctrl Is Label And m_Ctrl.Visible Then
            'lets see how many labels are on the form
            m_intControlCountLBLTEXT = frmMain.lblText.Count
            'now that we have the amounts, lets get the properties of those controls
            'in the control array
            For m_intIndex = 1 To m_intControlCountLBLTEXT
                With frmMain.lblText(m_intIndex)
                    m_lngBorderStyle = .BorderStyle
                    m_lngTop = .Top
                    m_lngLeft = .Left
                    m_lngHeight = .Height
                    m_lngWidth = .Width
                    m_lngAppearance = .Appearance
                    m_lngBorderStyle = .BorderStyle
                    m_lngBackStyle = .BackStyle
                    m_strCaption = .Caption
                End If
            Next m_intIndex
        'if all the controls are pictureboxes and they are called
        'pbShape(Index) and are visible then
        ElseIf m_Ctrl Is PictureBox And m_Ctrl.Name = "pbShape" Then
            'lets see how many pictureboxes called pbShape are present
            m_intControlCountPB = frmMain.pb.Count
            'now that we have the amounts, lets get the properties of those controls
            'in the control array
            
        'if all the controls are pictureboxes and they are called
        'pb(Index) and are visible then
        ElseIf m_Ctrl Is PictureBox And m_Ctrl.Name = "pb" Then
            'lets see how many pictureboxes called pb are present
            m_intControlCountPBSHAPE = frmMain.pbShape.Count
            'now that we have the amounts, lets get the properties of those controls
            'in the control array
            
        'now lets get the work area
        ElseIf m_Ctrl Is PictureBox And m_Ctrl.Name = "pbWorkArea" Then
            'should only be one
            m_intControlCountWORKAREA = frmMain.pbWorkArea.Count
            'pbWorkArea is not in a control array so get the properties
            With frmMain.pbWorkArea
                m_lngHeight = .Height
                m_lngWidth = .Width
                m_lngAppearance = .Appearance
                m_lngBorderStyle = .BorderStyle
            End With
        End If
    Next m_Ctrl
    
    Open m_strFileNameLocation For Output As #m_intFF
    Print #m_intFF, [PRINT THE RELEVANT INFORMATION HERE]
    Close #m_intFF
End Sub
 
Private Sub cmdCancel_Click()
    Unload Me
End Sub

VB Code:

If m_Ctrl Is Label And m_Ctrl.Visible Then
            'lets see how many labels are on the form
            m_intControlCountLBLTEXT = frmMain.lblText.Count
...
With frmMain.lblText(m_intIndex)

Only controls that are part of an array have .Count and .Index properties. You're not addressing controls that aren't part of an array.

well at the moment you're looping through the controls. Every label you come to you loop through a control array - overwriting a particular set of variables - which probably isn't what you intended to do.

With this code you want to be thinking about how you're going to be loading this information - how are you going to know what properties to assign to which controls etc.

Since all the controls (bar-one) that you want to save are in control arrays - it might make sense to loop through those control arrays one by one. In the example below I've chosen to record the name (and index) of the control at the top and then properties underneath (the reason for this was because of the loading code):

VB Code:

Private Sub cmdSaveFile_Click()
    Dim oCtl As Control
    '
    '
    Open m_strFileNameLocation For Output As #m_intFF
    
        ' lblText Control Array
        For Each oCtl In lblText
            If oCtl.Index Then
                With oCtl
                    Print #m_intFF, "###"
                    Print #m_intFF, .Name & "|" & .Index
                    Print #m_intFF, "BorderStyle", .BorderStyle
                    Print #m_intFF, "Top", .Top
                    '
                    '
                End With
            End If
        Next oCtl
        
        ' pbShape Control Array
        For Each oCtl In pbShape
            If oCtl.Index Then
                With oCtl
                    '
                    '
        '
        '
    Close #m_intFF
End Sub

Now to load those control properties I'm going to use the CallByName function which allows me to Get/Let/Set properties by knowing their names as a string:

VB Code:

Private Sub cmdLoadFile_Click()
    Dim oCtl As Control
    Dim sParts() As String, sLine As String
    Dim bNewCtl As Boolean
    
    Open m_strFileNameLocation For Input As #m_intFF
        Do Until EOF(m_intFF)
            Line Input #m_intFF, sLine
            
            Select Case True
                Case bNewCtl
                    sParts = Split(sLine, "|")
                    If UBound(sParts) Then
                        Set oCtl = Me.Controls(sParts(0))(Val(sParts(1)))
                        Load oCtl
                    Else
                        Set oCtl = Me.Controls(sParts(0))
                    End If
                    bNewCtl = False
                Case sLine = "###"
                    oCtl.Visible = True
                    Set oCtl = Nothing
                    bNewCtl = True
                Case Len(sLine)
                    sParts = Split(sLine, "|")
                    CallByName oCtl, sParts(0), VbLet, sParts(1)
            End Select
        Loop
    Close #m_intFF
End Sub

Now there are many ways to approach this - so you may get other (better) suggestions - the code above is just something to think about - feel free to ask any questions.

Also none of that code has been tested - it should work, but there may be silly errors in it.

The following error points to the highlighted part of the code.

Quote:

---

Run-time error: '438':
Object doesnt support this property or method

---

VB Code:

Option Explicit
 
Private Sub Form_Load()
    FormBackColor Me
End Sub
 
Private Sub cmdSaveFile_Click()
    m_intFF = FreeFile
    m_strDirectory = "Projects"
    m_strSaveProjectFileName = txtFileName.Text
    m_strSDPROJFileName = m_strSaveProjectFileName & ".sdproj"
    m_strFileNameLocation = App.Path & "\" & m_strDirectory & "\" & m_strSDPROJFileName
    
    If Len(Dir$(App.Path & "\" & m_strDirectory & "\", vbDirectory)) > 0 Then
        'do nothing because the Projects directory exists
    Else
        MkDir (m_strDirectory)
    End If
    
    Open m_strFileNameLocation For Output As #m_intFF
        For Each m_Ctrl In frmMain.lblText
            If m_Ctrl.Index Then
                With m_Ctrl
                    Print #m_intFF, "###"
                    Print #m_intFF, .Name & "|" & .Index
                    Print #m_intFF, "BorderStyle", .BorderStyle
                    Print #m_intFF, "Top", .Top
                    Print #m_intFF, "Left", .Left
                    Print #m_intFF, "Height", .Height
                    Print #m_intFF, "Width", .Width
                    Print #m_intFF, "Appearance", .Appearance
                    Print #m_intFF, "BackStyle", .BackStyle
                    Print #m_intFF, "Caption", .Caption
                    Print #m_intFF, "Alignment", .Alignment
                    [hl]Print #m_intFF, "Color", .Font.Color[/hl]
                    Print #m_intFF, "Size", .Font.Size
                    Print #m_intFF, "Style", .Font.Style
                End With
            End If
        Next m_Ctrl
        
        For Each m_Ctrl In frmMain.pbShape
            If m_Ctrl.Index Then
                With m_Ctrl
                    Print #m_intFF, "###"
                    Print #m_intFF, .Name & "|" & .Index
                    Print #m_intFF, "Top", .Top
                    Print #m_intFF, "Left", .Left
                    Print #m_intFF, "Height", .Height
                    Print #m_intFF, "Width", .Width
                    Print #m_intFF, "Appearance", .Appearance
                    Print #m_intFF, "BorderStyle", .BorderStyle
                End With
            End If
    Next m_Ctrl
    
        For Each m_Ctrl In frmMain.pb
            If m_Ctrl.Index Then
                With m_Ctrl
                    Print #m_intFF, "###"
                    Print #m_intFF, .Name & "|" & .Index
                    Print #m_intFF, "Top", .Top
                    Print #m_intFF, "Left", .Left
                    Print #m_intFF, "Height", .Height
                    Print #m_intFF, "Width", .Width
                    Print #m_intFF, "Appearance", .Appearance
                    Print #m_intFF, "BorderStyle", .BorderStyle
                    Print #m_intFF, "Picture", .Picture
                End With
            End If
        Next m_Ctrl
    
    With frmMain.pbWorkArea
        Print #m_intFF, "###"
        Print #m_intFF, .Name
        Print #m_intFF, "Top", .Top
        Print #m_intFF, "Left", .Left
        Print #m_intFF, "Height", .Height
        Print #m_intFF, "Width", .Width
        Print #m_intFF, "Picture", .Picture
    End With
    
    Close #m_intFF
End Sub
 
Private Sub cmdCancel_Click()
    Unload Me
End Sub

when i change .Font.Color to .ForeColor, I then get the same error on the line

VB Code:

Print #m_intFF, "Style", .Font.Style

well Font.Color and Font.Style don't exist.

Use:

VB Code:

Print #m_intFF, "ForeColor", .ForeColor
                    Print #m_intFF, "FontSize", .FontSize
                    Print #m_intFF, "FontName", .FontName 
                    'assuming that's what you meant by style

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by bushmobile

well Font.Color and Font.Style don't exist.

Use:

VB Code:

Print #m_intFF, "ForeColor", .ForeColor
                    Print #m_intFF, "FontSize", .FontSize
                    Print #m_intFF, "FontName", .FontName 
                    'assuming that's what you meant by style

---

font style as in regular, bold, bold italic, italic etc. this is how i am using it and it works, so i tried to get the property for the text to save that too and i get the error, haha.

VB Code:

Private Sub mnuLabelFontStyleBold_Click()
    lblText(m_intControlIndex).Font.Bold = True
End Sub

all the font styles are being implemented in my app (click on font in the properties window, and then i am using the setting in the "font style" box), so need to figure out which one is being used for the caption and then need to save it. so its almost there, but this is the problematic part.

any changes to the Font properties, i.e. .Font.Bold are reflected in direct properties e.g. .FontBold.

Regardless of how you're assigning them, just save the .FontBold, .FontItalic etc. properties.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by bushmobile

any changes to the Font properties, i.e. .Font.Bold are reflected in direct properties e.g. .FontBold.

Regardless of how you're assigning them, just save the .FontBold, .FontItalic etc. properties.

---

but there isnt one for Bold+Italic right?

also, I put a picturebox on my workarea, added an icon to it called icon.ico, i went to save it as a project file and this is what was written.... why is the .Picture numbers instead of the filename... will this make a difference?

Code:

---

###
pb|1
Top            50
Left          50
Height        500
Width          500
Appearance    0
BorderStyle    0
Picture        133235761
###
pbWorkArea
Top            1696
Left          3264
Height        2938
Width          5098
Picture        0

---

no there isn't one for Bold+Italic, .FontBold = True and .FontItalic = True.

I made a slight error in my saving code - it should be this (so that it works with the loading):

VB Code:

Print #m_intFF, .Name & "|" & .Index
                    Print #m_intFF, "BorderStyle" [B]& "|" &[/B] .BorderStyle
                    Print #m_intFF, "Top" [B]& "|" &[/B] .Top
                    ' etc.

Regarding the picture - vb doesn't store the path of the picture, it loads the picture into memory - so you can either attempt to store the picture in binary form - or store the filename somewhere (perhaps in the .Tag property) and load it. E.g.

VB Code:

' Saving
Print #m_intFF, "Picture" & "|" & .Tag
 
' Loading
'
Case Len(sLine)
    sParts = Split(sLine, "|")
    If sLine(0) = "Picture" Then
        If Len(sLine(1)) Then oCtl = LoadPicture("C:\pathtofile\" & sLine(1))
    Else
        CallByName oCtl, sParts(0), VbLet, sParts(1)
    End If
'

so if the picture is put into the .Tag property, then wouldnt the following need to reference the value in .Tag within the LoadPicture()?

VB Code:

If Len(sLine(1)) Then oCtl = LoadPicture("C:\pathtofile\" & sLine(1))

also, loading the picture into memory isnt going to be good when saving because once the end user boots down the computer, the picture is no longer in memory so then the app wouldnt know what image file to load. thats why saving the location of that file would be the best way to go about it, right?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by bushmobile

' Loading
'
Case Len(sLine)
sParts = Split(sLine, "|")
If sLine(0) = "Picture" Then
If Len(sLine(1)) Then oCtl = LoadPicture("C:\pathtofile\" & sLine(1))
Else
CallByName oCtl, sParts(0), VbLet, sParts(1)
End If
'[/Highlight]

---

maybe do something like this?

VB Code:

Case Len(sLine)
    sParts = Split(sLine, "|")
    If sLine(0) = "Picture" Then
        [hl]m_strFileName = .Tag[/hl]
        If Len(sLine(1)) Then oCtl = LoadPicture("[hl]m_strFileName[/hl]" & sLine(1))
    Else
        CallByName oCtl, sParts(0), VbLet, sParts(1)
    End If

VB Code:

Print #m_intFF, "Picture" & "|" & .Tag

when i save the project file, the picture location isnt saved to the file.
this is what the file looks like: (pb(1) should have a picture assigned and doesnt)

Code:

---

###
pb|1
Top|50
Left|50
Height|500
Width|500
Appearance|0
BorderStyle|0
Picture|
###
pbWorkArea
Top|1696
Left|3264
Height|2938
Width|5098
Picture|

---

rather than try to explain what i meant out of context, I've put together an example.

The SaveControls, LoadControls and the second half of the picArr_MouseDown sub are the important ones.

I am getting the following error on the highlighted part:

Quote:

---

Run-time error '52':
Bad file name or number

---

VB Code:

Private Sub cmdOpenFile_Click()
    m_strFileName = txtFileName.Text 'full path to the .sdproj file
    
    [hl]Open m_strFileName For Input As #m_intFF[/hl]
        Do Until EOF(m_intFF)
            Line Input #m_intFF, m_strLine
            
            Select Case True
                Case m_blnNewControl
                    m_strParts = Split(m_strLine, "|")
                        If UBound(m_strParts) Then
                            Set m_Ctrl = frmMain.Controls(m_strParts(0))(Val(m_strParts(1)))
                            Load m_Ctrl
                            m_Ctrl.Container = frmMain.pbWorkArea
                        Else
                            Set m_Ctrl = frmMain.Controls(m_strParts(0))
                        End If
                        
                        m_blnNewControl = False
                    Case m_strLine = "###"
                        If Not m_Ctrl Is Nothing Then m_Ctrl.Visible = True
                        m_Ctrl.Container = frmMain.pbWorkArea
                        Set m_Ctrl = Nothing
                        m_blnNewControl = True
                    Case Len(m_strLine)
                        m_strParts = Split(m_strLine, "|")
                            If m_strParts(0) = "Picure" Then
                                If Len(m_strParts(1)) Then
                                    m_Ctrl.Picture = LoadPicture(App.Path & "\Files\" & m_strParts(1))
                                    FileCopy App.Path & "\Files\" & m_strParts(1), _
                                             App.Path & "\Temp\" & m_strParts(1)
                                    m_Ctrl.Tag = m_strParts(1)
                                End If
                            Else
                                CallByName m_Ctrl, m_strParts(0), VbLet, m_strParts(1)
                            End If
                        End Select
                    Loop
                Close #m_intFF
            If Not m_Ctrl Is Nothing Then m_Ctrl.Visible = True
End Sub

What were the values of m_strFileName and m_intFF when the program stopped?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Al42

What were the values of m_strFileName and m_intFF when the program stopped?

---

m_strFileName shows the complete path to the file and

VB Code:

Do Until EOF(m_intFF)

has a value of zero (m_intFF)
As #m_intFF didnt show any value in the popup thingy :)
m_blnNewControl shows as False and m_strLine shows as ""

you probably just need a

VB Code:

m_intFF = FreeFile
    Open m_strFileName For Input As #m_intFF

you should really keep things that are only going to be used in the Sub local to the sub.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by bushmobile

you probably just need a

VB Code:

m_intFF = FreeFile
    Open m_strFileName For Input As #m_intFF

---

That's what I was thinking - either the number or the name was empty.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Al42

That's what I was thinking - either the number or the name was empty.

---

yeah, forgot to set the variable as a free file. now getting an error 91 (object variable or with block variable not set)

VB Code:

Private Sub cmdOpenFile_Click()
    m_intFF = FreeFile
    
    m_strFileName = txtFileName.Text 'full path to the .sdproj file
    
    Open m_strFileName For Input As #m_intFF
        Do Until EOF(m_intFF)
            Line Input #m_intFF, m_strLine
            
            Select Case True
                Case m_blnNewControl
                    m_strParts = Split(m_strLine, "|")
                        If UBound(m_strParts) Then
                            Set m_Ctrl = frmMain.Controls(m_strParts(0))(Val(m_strParts(1)))
                            Load m_Ctrl
                            m_Ctrl.Container = frmMain.pbWorkArea
                        Else
                            Set m_Ctrl = frmMain.Controls(m_strParts(0))
                        End If
                        
                        m_blnNewControl = False
                    Case m_strLine = "###"
                        If Not m_Ctrl Is Nothing Then m_Ctrl.Visible = True
                        [hl]m_Ctrl.Container = frmMain.pbWorkArea[/hl]
                        Set m_Ctrl = Nothing
                        m_blnNewControl = True
                    Case Len(m_strLine)
                        m_strParts = Split(m_strLine, "|")
                            If m_strParts(0) = "Picure" Then
                                If Len(m_strParts(1)) Then
                                    m_Ctrl.Picture = LoadPicture(App.Path & "\Files\" & m_strParts(1))
                                    FileCopy App.Path & "\Files\" & m_strParts(1), _
                                             App.Path & "\Temp\" & m_strParts(1)
                                    m_Ctrl.Tag = m_strParts(1)
                                End If
                            Else
                                CallByName m_Ctrl, m_strParts(0), VbLet, m_strParts(1)
                            End If
                        End Select
                    Loop
                Close #m_intFF
            If Not m_Ctrl Is Nothing Then m_Ctrl.Visible = True
            
            With frmMain
                .lblText(.lblText.UBound).Visible = True
                .pb(.pb.UBound).Visible = True
                .pbShape(.pbShape.UBound).Visible = True
            End With
End Sub

but im thinking now that the highlighted part isnt needed right?

when i comment out the highlighted part in the post above, im getting an "invalid procedure call or argument" error on the following

VB Code:

If UBound(m_strParts) Then
                            Set m_Ctrl = frmMain.Controls(m_strParts(0))(Val(m_strParts(1)))
                            Load m_Ctrl
                            [hl]m_Ctrl.Container = frmMain.pbWorkArea[/hl]
                        Else

forgot to "set" the container, and when i did, i then go the error 91 problem again

getting a subscript out of range error on the current code which is:

VB Code:

Private Sub cmdOpenFile_Click()
    m_intFF = FreeFile
    
    m_strFileName = txtFileName.Text 'full path to the .sdproj file
    
    Open m_strFileName For Input As #m_intFF
        Do Until EOF(m_intFF)
            Line Input #m_intFF, m_strLine
            
            Select Case True
                Case m_blnNewControl
                    m_strParts = Split(m_strLine, "|")
                        If UBound(m_strParts) Then
                            Set m_Ctrl = frmMain.Controls(m_strParts(0))(Val(m_strParts(1)))
                            Load m_Ctrl
                            Set m_Ctrl.Container = frmMain.pbWorkArea
                        Else
                            Set m_Ctrl = frmMain.Controls(m_strParts(0))
                        End If
                        
                        m_blnNewControl = False
                    Case m_strLine = "###"
                        If Not m_Ctrl Is Nothing Then m_Ctrl.Visible = True
                        'Set m_Ctrl.Container = frmMain.pbWorkArea
                        Set m_Ctrl = Nothing
                        m_blnNewControl = True
                    Case Len(m_strLine)
                        m_strParts = Split(m_strLine, "|")
                            If m_strParts(0) = "Picure" Then
                                If Len(m_strParts(1)) Then
                                    m_Ctrl.Picture = LoadPicture(App.Path & "\Files\" & m_strParts(1))
                                    FileCopy App.Path & "\Files\" & m_strParts(1), _
                                             App.Path & "\Temp\" & m_strParts(1)
                                    m_Ctrl.Tag = m_strParts(1)
                                End If
                            Else
                                [hl]CallByName m_Ctrl, m_strParts(0), VbLet, m_strParts(1)[/hl]
                            End If
                        End Select
                    Loop
                Close #m_intFF
            If Not m_Ctrl Is Nothing Then m_Ctrl.Visible = True
            
            With frmMain
                .lblText(.lblText.UBound).Visible = True
                .pb(.pb.UBound).Visible = True
                .pbShape(.pbShape.UBound).Visible = True
            End With
End Sub

yes wrong place

yes use set

step through your code and check what's happening, what's the value of m_strLine for instance.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by bushmobile

yes wrong place

yes use set

step through your code and check what's happening, what's the value of m_strLine for instance.

---

m_strLine shows the address that a user can save to a different file and then include in the caption of a label for a text element. m_strLine shows everything after the first line of the address. thats definately the cause. When you save the file, this is what it looks like (for some reason)

also, there should be a picture assigned to the workarea but its not showing up in the project file. but the part that its not including, is highlighted.

Code:

---

###
lblText|1
BorderStyle|0
Top|50
Left|50
Height|2630
Width|2705
Appearance|0
BackStyle|0
Caption|123 Avenue
City, State Zip
USA

Alignment|2
Color|255
Size|9.75
FontBold|True
FontItalic|False
Strikethrough|False
Underline|False
FontName|MS Sans Serif
###
pbWorkArea
Top|1696
Left|3264
Height|2938
Width|5098
Picture|

---

The address is inputted by the end user into a multiline textbox, its then saved to a file called UserAddress.dat. then when a user right clicks on the label and the popup menu comes up, the user can then insert that address into the selected label caption.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by bushmobile

what's the value of m_strLine for instance.

---

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by BrailleSchool

m_strLine shows the address that a user can save ...

---

The value of m_strLine? Also LBound(m_strParts) and UBound(m_strParts)?

VB Code:

Case m_strLine = "###"

How can that ever happen if

VB Code:

m_strParts = Split(m_strLine, "|")

can happen?

ok, to solve the subscript out of range:

VB Code:

' Save code:
Print #m_intFF, "Caption" & "|" & Replace(.Caption, vbCr, vbNullString)
 
' Load code:
' Try this:
    CallByName m_Ctrl, m_strParts(0), VbLet, Replace(m_strParts(1), vbLf, vbCrLf)
 
' if that didn't work then do this:
Else
    If m_strParts(0) = "Caption" Then m_strParts(1) = Replace(m_strParts(1), vbLf, vbCrLf)
    CallByName m_Ctrl, m_strParts(0), VbLet, m_strParts(1)
End If

"subscript out of range"

VB Code:

[hl]If m_strParts(1) = "Caption" Then[/hl]
                                    m_strParts(1) = Replace(m_strParts(1), vbLf, vbCrLf)
                                    CallByName m_Ctrl, m_strParts(0), VbLet, m_strParts(1)

Quote:

---

object doesnt support property or method

---

VB Code:

Private Sub cmdOpenFile_Click()
    m_intFF = FreeFile
    m_strFileName = txtFileName.Text 'full path to the .sdproj file
    
    Open m_strFileName For Input As #m_intFF
        Do Until EOF(m_intFF)
            Line Input #m_intFF, m_strLine
            
            Select Case True
                Case m_blnNewControl
                    m_strParts = Split(m_strLine, "|")
                        If UBound(m_strParts) Then
                            Set m_Ctrl = frmMain.Controls(m_strParts(0))(Val(m_strParts(1)))
                            Load m_Ctrl
                            Set m_Ctrl.Container = frmMain.pbWorkArea
                        Else
                            Set m_Ctrl = frmMain.Controls(m_strParts(0))
                        End If
                        
                        m_blnNewControl = False
                    Case m_strLine = "###"
                        If Not m_Ctrl Is Nothing Then m_Ctrl.Visible = True
                        'Set m_Ctrl.Container = frmMain.pbWorkArea
                        Set m_Ctrl = Nothing
                        m_blnNewControl = True
                    Case Len(m_strLine)
                        m_strParts = Split(m_strLine, "|")
                            If m_strParts(0) = "Picure" Then
                                If Len(m_strParts(1)) Then
                                    m_Ctrl.Picture = LoadPicture(App.Path & "\Files\" & m_strParts(1))
                                    FileCopy App.Path & "\Files\" & m_strParts(1), _
                                             App.Path & "\Temp\" & m_strParts(1)
                                    m_Ctrl.Tag = m_strParts(1)
                                End If
                            Else
                                If m_strParts(1) = "Caption" Then m_strParts(1) = Replace(m_strParts(1), vbLf, vbCrLf)
                                    [hl]CallByName m_Ctrl, m_strParts(0), VbLet, m_strParts(1)[/hl]
                            End If
                        End Select
                    Loop
                Close #m_intFF
            If Not m_Ctrl Is Nothing Then m_Ctrl.Visible = True
            
            With frmMain
                .lblText(.lblText.UBound).Visible = True
                .pb(.pb.UBound).Visible = True
                .pbShape(.pbShape.UBound).Visible = True
            End With
End Sub

the error messages mean nothing without the values.

1st error:
well I said

VB Code:

If m_strParts[B](0)[/B] = "Caption" Then

but it would have errored anyway. Can't say anything without values - presumably it's because of the multiline thing again but I don't know. The replacing of vbCr with vbNullstring should have solved that problem. According to my test

Test code:

VB Code:

Private Sub Form_Load()
    Dim s As String
     
    s = "This is" & vbCrLf & "a test"
    
    Open "C:\CRTest.txt" For Output As #1
        Print #1, Replace(s, vbCr, vbNullString)
        Print #1, "Next Line";
    Close #1
    
    s = vbNullString
    
    Open "C:\CRTest.txt" For Input As #1
        Do Until EOF(1)
            Line Input #1, s
            Debug.Print Replace(s, vbLf, vbCrLf)
        Loop
    Close #1
End Sub

2nd error
Need values

VB Code:

CallByName m_Ctrl, m_strParts(0), VbLet, m_strParts(1)

values:
m_Ctrl = ""
m_strParts(0) = BorderStyle
vbLet = 4
m_strParts(1) = 0

when i saved the new project file, the txt file shows how it was saved.

i don't see why you would get that error (i assume we're talking about the 'object doesnt support property or method' one).

what do you get if you type

Code:

---

?m_Ctrl.Name

---

in the immediate window when the error occurs

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by bushmobile

i don't see why you would get that error (i assume we're talking about the 'object doesnt support property or method' one).

what do you get if you type

Code:

---

?m_Ctrl.Name

---

in the immediate window when the error occurs

---

yes, and the value returned in the immediate window is lblText

i can't think of any reason why it shouldn't work - all the values seem to be correct :confused:

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by bushmobile

i can't think of any reason why it shouldn't work - all the values seem to be correct :confused:

---

i have no clue either... all this stuff is pretty new to me so you know more than i do, of course :)

i have created a video for ya, and now the debug is showing something totally different, weird.
http://www.brailleschool.com/vbf/prj.html

upload that file that you opened in the vid

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by bushmobile

upload that file that you opened in the vid

---

which file? the file called False? i dont know even know how that was created. its probably an old file.

the False file is attached and so is the most currently created .sdproj file. (file created for a test project in my app - ashley.sdproj)

i think it's definitely time for bed, should have seen from the vid.

the error you get occurs on the line

Code:

---

Color|255

---

a label doesn't have a "Color" property - hence the error

when i changed the following (highlighted in first section of code) to ForeColor instead of Color, I then get "object doesnt support this method or property" when i go to load the project file. get the error on the CallByName line (highlighted in second section of code)

Save File

VB Code:

Option Explicit
 
Private Sub Form_Load()
    FormBackColor Me
End Sub
 
Private Sub cmdSaveFile_Click()
    m_intFF = FreeFile
    m_strDirectory = "Projects"
    m_strSaveProjectFileName = txtFileName.Text
    m_strSDPROJFileName = m_strSaveProjectFileName & ".sdproj"
    m_strFileNameLocation = App.Path & "\" & m_strDirectory & "\" & m_strSDPROJFileName
    
    If Len(Dir$(App.Path & "\" & m_strDirectory & "\", vbDirectory)) > 0 Then
        'do nothing because the Projects directory exists
    Else
        MkDir (m_strDirectory)
    End If
    
    If m_strSaveProjectFileName = vbNullString Then
        MsgBox "You must input a filename!", vbExclamation, "Error Encountered."
        Exit Sub
    ElseIf LCase(Right$(txtFileName.Text, 7)) = ".sdproj" Then
        MsgBox "Input your file name, excluding the file extension.", vbInformation, "Error Encountered."
        Exit Sub
    End If
    
    If FileExists(m_strFileNameLocation) Then
        MsgBox "You must choose a different file name" & vbNewLine & "because the file name already exists.", vbInformation, "File Exists."
        Exit Sub
    Else
        Open m_strFileNameLocation For Output As #m_intFF
            For Each m_Ctrl In frmMain.lblText
                If m_Ctrl.Index Then
                    With m_Ctrl
                        Print #m_intFF, "###"
                        Print #m_intFF, .Name & "|" & .Index
                        Print #m_intFF, "BorderStyle" & "|" & .BorderStyle
                        Print #m_intFF, "Top" & "|" & .Top
                        Print #m_intFF, "Left" & "|" & .Left
                        Print #m_intFF, "Height" & "|" & .Height
                        Print #m_intFF, "Width" & "|" & .Width
                        Print #m_intFF, "Appearance" & "|" & .Appearance
                        Print #m_intFF, "BackStyle" & "|" & .BackStyle
                        Print #m_intFF, "Caption" & "|" & Replace(.Caption, vbCr, vbNullString)
                        Print #m_intFF, "Alignment" & "|" & .Alignment
                        [hl]Print #m_intFF, "ForeColor" & "|" & .ForeColor[/hl]
                        Print #m_intFF, "FontSize" & "|" & .FontSize
                        Print #m_intFF, "FontBold" & "|" & .FontBold
                        Print #m_intFF, "FontItalic" & "|" & .FontItalic
                        Print #m_intFF, "Strikethrough" & "|" & .Font.Strikethrough
                        Print #m_intFF, "Underline" & "|" & .FontUnderline
                        Print #m_intFF, "FontName" & "|" & .FontName
                    End With
                End If
            Next m_Ctrl
            
            For Each m_Ctrl In frmMain.pbShape
                If m_Ctrl.Index Then
                    With m_Ctrl
                        Print #m_intFF, "###"
                        Print #m_intFF, .Name & "|" & .Index
                        Print #m_intFF, "Top" & "|" & .Top
                        Print #m_intFF, "Left" & "|" & .Left
                        Print #m_intFF, "Height" & "|" & .Height
                        Print #m_intFF, "Width" & "|" & .Width
                        Print #m_intFF, "Appearance" & "|" & .Appearance
                        Print #m_intFF, "BorderStyle" & "|" & .BorderStyle
                    End With
                End If
            Next m_Ctrl
        
            For Each m_Ctrl In frmMain.pb
                If m_Ctrl.Index Then
                    With m_Ctrl
                        Print #m_intFF, "###"
                        Print #m_intFF, .Name & "|" & .Index
                        Print #m_intFF, "Top" & "|" & .Top
                        Print #m_intFF, "Left" & "|" & .Left
                        Print #m_intFF, "Height" & "|" & .Height
                        Print #m_intFF, "Width" & "|" & .Width
                        Print #m_intFF, "Appearance" & "|" & .Appearance
                        Print #m_intFF, "BorderStyle" & "|" & .BorderStyle
                        Print #m_intFF, "Picture" & "|" & .Tag
                            If Len(.Tag) Then FileCopy App.Path & "\Temp\" & .Tag, _
                                                       App.Path & "\Files\" & .Tag
                    End With
                End If
            Next m_Ctrl
        
        With frmMain.pbWorkArea
            Print #m_intFF, "###"
            Print #m_intFF, .Name
            Print #m_intFF, "Top" & "|" & .Top
            Print #m_intFF, "Left" & "|" & .Left
            Print #m_intFF, "Height" & "|" & .Height
            Print #m_intFF, "Width" & "|" & .Width
            Print #m_intFF, "Picture" & "|" & .Tag
                If Len(.Tag) Then FileCopy App.Path & "\Temp\" & .Tag, _
                                           App.Path & "\Files\" & .Tag
        End With
        
        Close #m_intFF
    End If
    Unload Me
End Sub
 
Private Sub cmdCancel_Click()
    Unload Me
End Sub
 
Private Sub txtFileName_LostFocus()
    txtFileName.Text = LCase(txtFileName.Text)
End Sub

OPEN FILE

VB Code:

Option Explicit
 
Private Sub Form_Load()
    FormBackColor Me
End Sub
 
Private Sub cmdOpenFile_Click()
    m_intFF = FreeFile
    m_strFileName = txtFileName.Text 'full path to the .sdproj file
    
    Open m_strFileName For Input As #m_intFF
        Do Until EOF(m_intFF)
            Line Input #m_intFF, m_strLine
            
            Select Case True
                Case m_blnNewControl
                    m_strParts = Split(m_strLine, "|")
                        If UBound(m_strParts) Then
                            Set m_Ctrl = frmMain.Controls(m_strParts(0))(Val(m_strParts(1)))
                            Load m_Ctrl
                            Set m_Ctrl.Container = frmMain.pbWorkArea
                        Else
                            Set m_Ctrl = frmMain.Controls(m_strParts(0))
                        End If
                        
                        m_blnNewControl = False
                    Case m_strLine = "###"
                        If Not m_Ctrl Is Nothing Then m_Ctrl.Visible = True
                        Set m_Ctrl = Nothing
                        m_blnNewControl = True
                    Case Len(m_strLine)
                        m_strParts = Split(m_strLine, "|")
                            If m_strParts(0) = "Picure" Then
                                If Len(m_strParts(1)) Then
                                    m_Ctrl.Picture = LoadPicture(App.Path & "\Files\" & m_strParts(1))
                                    FileCopy App.Path & "\Files\" & m_strParts(1), _
                                             App.Path & "\Temp\" & m_strParts(1)
                                    m_Ctrl.Tag = m_strParts(1)
                                End If
                            Else
                                If m_strParts(1) = "Caption" Then m_strParts(1) = Replace(m_strParts(1), vbLf, vbCrLf)
                                    [hl]CallByName m_Ctrl, m_strParts(0), VbLet, m_strParts(1)[/hl]
                            End If
                        End Select
                    Loop
                Close #m_intFF
            If Not m_Ctrl Is Nothing Then m_Ctrl.Visible = True
            
            With frmMain
                .lblText(.lblText.UBound).Visible = True
                .pb(.pb.UBound).Visible = True
                .pbShape(.pbShape.UBound).Visible = True
            End With
End Sub
 
Private Sub cmdCancel_Click()
    Unload Me
End Sub
 
Private Sub cmdSearchFile_Click()
    With CD
        .CancelError = True
        .DialogTitle = "Project File Search"
        .ShowOpen
        
        m_strSDPROJFileName = .FileName
    End With
 
    txtFileName.Text = m_strSDPROJFileName
    
    If txtFileName.Text <> vbNullString Then
        cmdOpenFile.Enabled = True
    Else
        cmdOpenFile.Enabled = False
    End If
End Sub

The project file contents save the same way as a couple of posts back. The values for the error line are:

Code:

---

CallByName m_Ctrl, m_strParts(0), VbLet, m_strParts(1)
m_Ctrl =""
m_strParts(0) = BorderStyle
VbLet = 4
m_strParts(1) = 1

---

i narrowed the error down to the following, and when i comment it out, i then get a type mismatch on the picture part of the file

VB Code:

'Print #m_intFF, "Strikethrough" & "|" & .Font.Strikethrough

so now have to figure out where i am missing it when i am saving the picture. the pictures that can be used are found using a common dialog control. maybe i should then save that file to the Files directory?

ok, that makes more sense.

VB Code:

' Mismatch error:
If m_strParts(0) = "[B]Picture[/B]" Then
 
' Strikethrough error:
Print #m_intFF, "FontStrikethru" & "|" & .FontStrikethru
 
' Also this should be:
If m_strParts[B](0) [/B]= "Caption" Then
 
' but as i said, just doing:
CallByName m_Ctrl, m_strParts(0), VbLet, Replace(m_strParts(1), vbLf, vbCrLf)
' *should* work

ok, getting there slowly. the pbWorkArea picture isnt being saved so isnt showing up in the project file or when the project file is being loaded. There is also a blank line after 1234 Avenue and then the city. but if you add regular text, that seems to save. youll see what i mean in the vid.

when you right click on the pbWorkArea, you have an option to add a background picture, you then search the computer for that picture using a common dialog control. This picture isnt being saved anywhere or moved anywhere either. another movie to show you what i mean....
http://www.brailleschool.com/vbf/prj.html

:confused: if your code is as it is in post #43 then I can't see a reason why it's not there. Stick a break point in the cmdSaveFile_Click sub and just check what's happening - i think that's about all the advice I can offer.

ill work on this and hopefully get it sorted. just seems as tho the tag property isnt getting a value. will post back

but even if it didn't have a value it should still print "Picture|"

in the forms where i get the path to the images, i am trying to copy that particular file to the Files directory, then i can get that filename and put it in the .Tag property (hopefully)

but im getting a bad file name or number error

VB Code:

Private Sub cmdLoadPicture_Click()
    m_strImageFileName = CD.FileName
    With frmMain.pb(m_intControlIndex)
        .Picture = LoadPicture(m_strImageFileName)
        .BorderStyle = 0
    End With
 
    CreateFilesDirectory
    
    FileCopy CD.FileName, App.Path & "\Files\"
    Unload Me
End Sub

you have to specify the name of the file too:

VB Code:

FileCopy CD.FileName, App.Path & "\Files\" & CD.FileTitle

you might want to copy the file to a Temp location (as I did in my example proj) and then copy it to the File folder when they save the layout - it prevents overwriting (they may not save the proj)

ill do that :)
tried this to test my theory and got file name not found

VB Code:

Private Sub cmdLoadPicture_Click()
    m_strImageFileName = CD.FileName
    
    With frmMain.pb(m_intControlIndex)
        .Picture = LoadPicture(m_strImageFileName)
        .BorderStyle = 0
        CreateFilesDirectory
    
        FileCopy .Picture, App.Path & "\Files\"
    End With
    
    Unload Me
End Sub

error: path not found

VB Code:

Private Sub cmdLoadPicture_Click()
    m_strImageFileName = CD.FileName
    
    With frmMain.pbWorkArea
        .Picture = LoadPicture(m_strImageFileName)
        .BorderStyle = 0
        
        CreateTempFilesDirectory
    
        FileCopy m_strImageFileName, App.Path & "\Temp Files\" & CD.FileTitle
    End With
    
    Unload Me
End Sub

gonna debug now

update: the temp files directory doesnt exist... found that its being created (folder) in the same folder im getting the image from, when it should be added to the app.path. this is what im using to create the temp file folder if it doesnt exist... it should work!!!

VB Code:

Public Sub CreateTempFilesDirectory()
    m_strDirectory = "Temp Files"
    
    If Len(Dir$(App.Path & "\" & m_strDirectory & "\", vbDirectory)) > 0 Then
        'do nothing because the Files directory exists
    Else
        MkDir (m_strDirectory)
    End If
End Sub

do a debug.print:

VB Code:

Debug.Print m_strImageFileName, App.Path & "\Temp Files\" & CD.FileTitle
FileCopy m_strImageFileName, App.Path & "\Temp Files\" & CD.FileTitle

and does App.Path & "\Temp Files\" definitely exist?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by bushmobile

do a debug.print:

VB Code:

Debug.Print m_strImageFileName, App.Path & "\Temp Files\" & CD.FileTitle
FileCopy m_strImageFileName, App.Path & "\Temp Files\" & CD.FileTitle

and does App.Path & "\Temp Files\" definitely exist?

---

updated post #54 (above)
just debugged the folder creation part and the app.path shows the right path, m_strDirectory shows the right directory name, but its not creating the directory in the right place.... hmm

solved the problem by changing the public sub to show

VB Code:

MkDir (App.Path & "\" & m_strDirectory & "\")

getting there slowly. picture now has a value but has a value of Picture|369431684 instead of the filename lol. i am sure ill figure this out :)

least my debug skills are coming into effect and hopefully improving.

:thumb:

1) all directories are created in the right place
2) the image is copied to the Temp Files directory
3) files directory is empty
4) .Tag doesnt show any value for an assigned image in the project file.

This is what the save project file code looks like:

VB Code:

Option Explicit
 
Private Sub Form_Load()
    FormBackColor Me
End Sub
 
Private Sub cmdSaveFile_Click()
    m_intFF = FreeFile
    m_strProjectsDirectory = "Projects"
    m_strSaveProjectFileName = txtFileName.Text
    m_strSDPROJFileName = m_strSaveProjectFileName & ".sdproj"
    m_strFileNameLocation = App.Path & "\" & m_strProjectsDirectory & "\" & m_strSDPROJFileName
    
    If Len(Dir$(App.Path & "\" & m_strProjectsDirectory & "\", vbDirectory)) > 0 Then
        'do nothing because the Projects directory exists
    Else
        MkDir (m_strProjectsDirectory)
    End If
    
    If m_strSaveProjectFileName = vbNullString Then
        MsgBox "You must input a filename!", vbExclamation, "Error Encountered."
        Exit Sub
    ElseIf LCase(Right$(txtFileName.Text, 7)) = ".sdproj" Then
        MsgBox "Input your file name, excluding the file extension.", vbInformation, "Error Encountered."
        Exit Sub
    End If
    
    If FileExists(m_strFileNameLocation) Then
        MsgBox "You must choose a different file name" & vbNewLine & "because the file name already exists.", vbInformation, "File Exists."
        Exit Sub
    Else
        Open m_strFileNameLocation For Output As #m_intFF
            For Each m_Ctrl In frmMain.lblText
                If m_Ctrl.Index Then
                    With m_Ctrl
                        Print #m_intFF, "###"
                        Print #m_intFF, .Name & "|" & .Index
                        Print #m_intFF, "BorderStyle" & "|" & .BorderStyle
                        Print #m_intFF, "Top" & "|" & .Top
                        Print #m_intFF, "Left" & "|" & .Left
                        Print #m_intFF, "Height" & "|" & .Height
                        Print #m_intFF, "Width" & "|" & .Width
                        Print #m_intFF, "Appearance" & "|" & .Appearance
                        Print #m_intFF, "BackStyle" & "|" & .BackStyle
                        Print #m_intFF, "Caption" & "|" & Replace(.Caption, vbCr, vbNullString)
                        Print #m_intFF, "Alignment" & "|" & .Alignment
                        Print #m_intFF, "ForeColor" & "|" & .ForeColor
                        Print #m_intFF, "FontSize" & "|" & .FontSize
                        Print #m_intFF, "FontBold" & "|" & .FontBold
                        Print #m_intFF, "FontItalic" & "|" & .FontItalic
                        Print #m_intFF, "FontStrikethru" & "|" & .FontStrikethru
                        Print #m_intFF, "FontUnderline" & "|" & .FontUnderline
                        Print #m_intFF, "FontName" & "|" & .FontName
                    End With
                End If
            Next m_Ctrl
            
            For Each m_Ctrl In frmMain.pbShape
                If m_Ctrl.Index Then
                    With m_Ctrl
                        Print #m_intFF, "###"
                        Print #m_intFF, .Name & "|" & .Index
                        Print #m_intFF, "Top" & "|" & .Top
                        Print #m_intFF, "Left" & "|" & .Left
                        Print #m_intFF, "Height" & "|" & .Height
                        Print #m_intFF, "Width" & "|" & .Width
                        Print #m_intFF, "Appearance" & "|" & .Appearance
                        Print #m_intFF, "BorderStyle" & "|" & .BorderStyle
                    End With
                End If
            Next m_Ctrl
        
            For Each m_Ctrl In frmMain.pb
                If m_Ctrl.Index Then
                    With m_Ctrl
                        Print #m_intFF, "###"
                        Print #m_intFF, .Name & "|" & .Index
                        Print #m_intFF, "Top" & "|" & .Top
                        Print #m_intFF, "Left" & "|" & .Left
                        Print #m_intFF, "Height" & "|" & .Height
                        Print #m_intFF, "Width" & "|" & .Width
                        Print #m_intFF, "Appearance" & "|" & .Appearance
                        Print #m_intFF, "BorderStyle" & "|" & .BorderStyle
                        Print #m_intFF, "Picture" & "|" & .Tag
                            If Len(.Tag) Then FileCopy App.Path & "\Temp Files\" & .Tag, _
                                                       App.Path & "\Files\" & .Tag
                    End With
                End If
            Next m_Ctrl
        
        With frmMain.pbWorkArea
            Print #m_intFF, "###"
            Print #m_intFF, .Name
            Print #m_intFF, "Top" & "|" & .Top
            Print #m_intFF, "Left" & "|" & .Left
            Print #m_intFF, "Height" & "|" & .Height
            Print #m_intFF, "Width" & "|" & .Width
            Print #m_intFF, "Picture" & "|" & .Tag
                If Len(.Tag) Then FileCopy App.Path & "\Temp Files\" & .Tag, _
                                           App.Path & "\Files\" & .Tag
        End With
        
        Close #m_intFF
    End If
    Unload Me
End Sub
 
Private Sub cmdCancel_Click()
    Unload Me
End Sub
 
Private Sub txtFileName_LostFocus()
    txtFileName.Text = LCase(txtFileName.Text)
End Sub