When I change the state of a shape to "Disabled" it keeps the same format as if it were in a "Normal" state. How can I make the "disabled" state gray by default so that users know that there's a tab but that it won't be available until they perform some kind of action?
What you'll want to do is edit the appearance of that object. To do this, select the object and click on the "States" tab. Then, click on "Edit States". Select the object that's currently being used for the Disabled state.
At this point, it's a matter of preference. Since I'm not sure exactly what type of object you're using, though, I'm a little limited with the suggestions I can give. However, one thing you can try is right-clicking on the object and selecting "Format Shape". From here you can try modifying the transparency, or color. Personally, I prefer to change the transparency for disabled states, simply because it's a smooth transition and it retains most of the original objects features, but this will not make it gray by default. If the object is a shape or button, you can simply change the color to gray. You can also do this under the "Format" menu when you have the object selected on the slide.
If you're unable to adjust the object using the suggestions above, can you tell me what type of object you're using?
Thanks. What you mention worked with some images. I edited their states, went to Format > Recolor > Color Modes > Grayscale and it worked. I think this is the same gray color that the "hidden" state applies by default, although now users can see the images.
I find that dealing with shapes is different. I have a customized next button (a blue colored rectangle shape with a white arrow inside pointing to the right) that becomes available once the user finishes the corresponding activity. I've done what you suggested Right click > Format shape > Solid fill > gray color and I'm quite satisfied with the result. I just wondered whether this was the 'correct' way to do it or whether a default gray disabled state could be applied to it.
With some objects like buttons, this will be the usual default. However, with objects like shapes and images, it will not be. This is by design, as shapes and images don't usually have default states. I think this is because there are so many variations of images and shapes you can create, some of the changes just may not appear the same way. That and shapes and images aren't really seen as something that would typically be interacted with. While I love using them for this, it's really something that's done by the developer for customization.
As I experimented with this, I found out that I could Right click > Save as picture and turn the shape into a picture. In that way I can apply the grayscale mode. Maybe this can help other users with the same concern. Thanks again.
Awesome, I'm glad you were able to get the look you were going for with the images. Thanks very much for sharing this information, I'm sure others will appreciate it as well.
5 Replies
Hi Manuel,
What you'll want to do is edit the appearance of that object. To do this, select the object and click on the "States" tab. Then, click on "Edit States". Select the object that's currently being used for the Disabled state.
At this point, it's a matter of preference. Since I'm not sure exactly what type of object you're using, though, I'm a little limited with the suggestions I can give. However, one thing you can try is right-clicking on the object and selecting "Format Shape". From here you can try modifying the transparency, or color. Personally, I prefer to change the transparency for disabled states, simply because it's a smooth transition and it retains most of the original objects features, but this will not make it gray by default. If the object is a shape or button, you can simply change the color to gray. You can also do this under the "Format" menu when you have the object selected on the slide.
If you're unable to adjust the object using the suggestions above, can you tell me what type of object you're using?
Thanks!
Thanks. What you mention worked with some images. I edited their states, went to Format > Recolor > Color Modes > Grayscale and it worked. I think this is the same gray color that the "hidden" state applies by default, although now users can see the images.
I find that dealing with shapes is different. I have a customized next button (a blue colored rectangle shape with a white arrow inside pointing to the right) that becomes available once the user finishes the corresponding activity. I've done what you suggested Right click > Format shape > Solid fill > gray color and I'm quite satisfied with the result. I just wondered whether this was the 'correct' way to do it or whether a default gray disabled state could be applied to it.
Hi Manuel,
With some objects like buttons, this will be the usual default. However, with objects like shapes and images, it will not be. This is by design, as shapes and images don't usually have default states. I think this is because there are so many variations of images and shapes you can create, some of the changes just may not appear the same way. That and shapes and images aren't really seen as something that would typically be interacted with. While I love using them for this, it's really something that's done by the developer for customization.
I hope this makes sense
As I experimented with this, I found out that I could Right click > Save as picture and turn the shape into a picture. In that way I can apply the grayscale mode. Maybe this can help other users with the same concern. Thanks again.
Hi Manuel,
Awesome, I'm glad you were able to get the look you were going for with the images. Thanks very much for sharing this information, I'm sure others will appreciate it as well.
I hope you have a great day
Christine
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