Change the data type
The values that can be entered into a control are determined by the data type of the field that is bound to the control. If a user types a value with the wrong data type into a control, an inline alert will appear.
You can change the data type of a field by using the control's properties for text boxes, list boxes, date pickers, check boxes, and option buttons. Other controls, such as sections, list controls, and picture controls, either do not have a data type or can store only one kind of data type. For fields that do not have a control bound to them, you can change their data type directly in the data source.
Change the data type of a field using the control's properties
- In design mode, double-click the control whose data type you want to change.
- On the Data tab in the Control Properties dialog box, click the data type you want in the Data type list.
Change the data type of a field directly in the data source
- In design mode, if the Data Source task pane is not visible, click Data Source on the View menu.
- If your form uses more than one data source, click the one you want in the Data source list in the Data Source task pane.
- Double-click the field or group whose data type you want to change
- On the Data tab in the Field or Group Properties dialog box, click the data type you want in the Data type list.
Notes
- If your form is based on a sample form, pre-existing XML Schema, database, or Web service, you can change the data type only for fields that you have added to the data source. You will not be able to change the data type of existing fields.
- The information in this topic may not apply if you are working with a form designed using Microsoft Office InfoPath 2003 without the service pack installed. Learn more