Single line of text
A one-line text column with formats for plain text, email, phone, URL and ticker symbol, each with its own action.
What it is
A single line of text column holds short text in one input. The format decides how it behaves. Text is plain. Email is checked as an email address and shows a mail link. Phone is click-enabled to start a call. URL shows a link that opens the address. Ticker Symbol shows a link to a stock quote.
When to use it
Use it for names, codes, titles and other short values, and pick a format when the value is an address you want people to act on. For longer text use Multiple lines of text. For formatted text use the Rich text editor.
Licensing and configuration
No extra licence. Set the Data type to Text and choose the Format in the table designer, plus a Maximum length of up to 4,000 characters. The form shows the matching control by default. Text Area is a fifth format that shows a multi-line box, still limited to 4,000 characters.
Pitfalls
- The format changes the control and the link. It does not prove that an email address exists or a phone number works.
- Do not lower the maximum length on a column that already holds longer values.
- For a URL,
https://is added when the text has no protocol. - The Ticker Symbol format is rarely useful in business apps. Plain text is usually enough.
Try it in the demo
- Open the first accelerator and find the text fields in the controls section.
- Type a value in the email field and use the mail button next to it.
- Do the same for the phone, URL and ticker fields and note each button.
- Enter an email address without an @ and read the message.