Remove Recessed Box on String Constant

[dansteed]

Hello -

  I have created a subvi that will present a "hint" whenever the "show hint" button is pressed.  I want this hint (a simple string constant) to simply appear when called, and then disappear when the "hide hint" button is pressed.  To do this, I am using the visible property node for a string control.

  Here's the problem - When I show the hint, I can see the Recessed Box behind the words...  Is there a way to remove the Recessed Box from the String Constant?

  Or - Is there a better / more professional-looking way to do this type of thing?

  I have attached my code to this post.  I have also attached a *.jpg that points to the outline/border that I would like to remove.

  Thanks!

Dan

[RavensFan]

Just so you have the terminology correct.  You don't have a string constant.  You have a string control  String constants only show up on a block diagram.

But if you go to the Control palette, then Classic, pick a string control there.  Then when you color it transparent, the frame disappears.  There is no recessed box still showing up.  And you probably want that to be an indicator rather than a control since it is unlikely you want your user to be able to change the hint.

[dansteed]

Excellent points - Thanks for the corrections.  I have re-posted the code with the changes that you suggested, just in case others wanted to see it.

Is there an easy way to change the format style of what I am trying to do to look something more like the "Show Details" button that you see in Windows?  (see example attached image).  I suppose that I could use a picture of the little downward arrow (as used in my ShowDetails.JPG attachment), overlay that with a transparent circular boolean button that says "show details", and use a subvi that appears and presents the details when called, but I feel like there should be a better alternative - perhaps this type of thing already exists....

Thanks in advance for your suggestions! 

[smercurio_fc]

You can customize buttons so they are circular using the LabVIEW Control Editor. The "Show Details" can simply be the label of the button that you move to the side - you wouldn't need to overlay anything.

You can also find numerous customized controls to get you started here: https://decibel.ni.com/content/groups/ui

To create them system dialog buttons with custom glyhps and hover effects you can look over the tutorial here: http://forums.jki.net/topic/490-creating-system-dialog-buttons-with-custom-icons-and-mouse-hover-eff...

[wd8ivl]

Dan,

I think this will do what you want...

On the front panel, pull down "View" and show the Tools Palette.

Click the Paintbrush on the Tools Palette so that the Green LED at the top is off.

With the paintbrush tool, click the border - The Color Selection panel will open. (If you have the Border selected, the bottom of the Color Selection Panel will say "Space bar toggles color selection")

Hit the space bar to toggle the selection of the two boxes on the lower left of the panel, so that the left one left of the two selected.

Move your mouse to the upper right of the Color Selection Panel, and click the "T" for transparent.

Mike