Select Box: Easy way to customize the default value

[J_ DeLuna]

A question that seems to come up often is, "How do I customize the default value for a select box to get rid of --none--?"

In my search for this answer I came across many over-engineered solutions. The one I eventually came up with is just way too easy.

1. Create a select box variable

2. DO NOT select a default value or the '--none--' checkbox

3. When you create your first Question Choice do this:

- Text: Please choose an option [or whatever you desire here]

- Value: [hit the space bar one time]

After this first Question Choice, create all of the remaining Question Choices...that's it.

When referencing this variable in other scripts (or workflow), just remember that it's default value is ' '.

Cheers.

[MrBeak4]

This is okay but what happens if a user selects the "Please choose an option"?   Does the form get lost in hyper space or does it error?   If the former would there be a way to ensure users can't select this if selected?

[J_ DeLuna]

Hi, nothing happens, it acts just like the default '-- None --', just allowing you to create a something more unique. I've been using this for a little over two years now, works great.

Thanks

[Jimmy45]

Except for the fact that using ' ' is considered a selection and if you must make that question on the form Mandatory, you have just satisfied the mandatory requirements by selecting ' '. Any logic that says "If Option A is chosen do this" or "If Option B is chosen do this" that will continue to work. However, if the user just selects ' ' and there is no logic there, then yes, this could interfere with logic.