Activating a window

Getting Started
1

In my program, I open a “daughter window” alongside the main window, to show progress as data is entered. After I open that daughter window, I reactivate the main window to continue collecting data entry. At that point in my program, I pass the focus to a specific text field on the main window. That field appears to have the focus but unless I click on the window somewhere, it doesn’t come to the front and allow data entry.

In Christian’s MonkeyBread routine “ActivateWindowMBS” the same thing happens - he notes that “… some windows may not come to the front unless they are clicked on.” That appears to be my problem. Is there a workaround for this or must I have the user click on the window to get going with data entry again?

In trying things out, I have determined that if I CLOSE the daughter window the main window works as I want - but I want the daughter window to remain in place and receive updates as data entry progresses. The main window contains data I don’t want to lose when the daughter window is triggered.

While this is not an earth-shaking issue, I wondered if there is a way around this limitation. I keep trying different things but so far no luck.

I forgot to mention - MacOS Sonoma 14.6.1, MacStudio M2 Max

2

Have-you checked the documentation for Window, particularly, .Show ?

3

Yes, Emile, I have tried that, but the Window.Show does not activate a specific control which has the focus unless I use a Window.Close to shut down the other window first.

4

If you create a simple sample project and upload to your post (as zip), maybe someone can give you an idea if possible.

5

Try the good ol’ Timer approach. Call MainWindow.Show with a Timer, Period=0 is fine all we’re trying to do is belay the call until the next event loop. That might just get the re-activate to happen after the child window has finished opening.

6

What Type is your “daughter window”?

Because depending on the Type, it may be stealing the focus from the opener (parent) window.

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7

Mea Culpa, I guess. Tim Parnell suggested a Timer approach, and AlbertoD said to create a simple sample project to demonstrate the issue. I found while building a little sample that SOMETIMES the main window would actually activate with the proper control having the focus when control was returned to it. I know computers don’t do things sometimes, so I put in a [DelayMBS] statement and experimented with different times. I was able to get consistent window activation and focus to a specific control with a 0.25 second delay. Problem solved.

Thanks, guys, for making me clear my head and revisit the problem. Crisis is passed!

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