SftMask/OCX 7.0New Features

SftMask/OCX 7.0 is virtually 100% upward compatible from earlier version of the product. A simple conversion is required to upgrade a project to version 7.0.

Click here to review the online web documentation for all product enhancements, with links to the topics describing each new property, method and event in detail.

• Now includes 64-bit controls in addition to the 32-bit controls. This is most useful for all managed .NET applications compiled for "Any CPU" and for native C++ and MFC applications compiled as 64-bit applications.
• The AllowEmptyWithoutMask property defines whether the contents are optional when no mask is defined (control contents are valid even if empty).
• The control now supports a built-in error image, to indicate data input errors and warnings. The new ImageEmpty, ImageInvalid, ImageRequired, ErrorPosition and ErrorHandling properties can be used to control the appearance and behavior of the error image.
• The MessageRequired property defines a warning message shown when data entry is required and the control contents are empty.
• The IgnoreNumMinMax property defines whether numeric ranges are ignored while typing characters.
• A new label area is available to display brief information, like units (oz, kg, inch, cm, etc.) or a currency symbol. Unlike the control's caption, the label is displayed within the control's input area. The label area is defined using the Label and LabelPosition properties.
• The Calculator.VisibleLines property defines the maximum number of lines of intermediate results visible in the calculator window at any time (controlling the appearance of the new scrollbar).
• The file Softelvdm.OCXHelperV2.dll (required for managed .NET applications) no longer needs to be registered for COM Interop, simplifying distribution and installation of end-user applications - XCOPY deployment of this file is now possible.
• Some internal properties are now no longer visible.
• Additional syntax documentation for C#, VB.NET, C and enhanced language specific topics.
• Installation and usability changes for Visual Studio .NET 2003, 2005, 2008, 2010 - User-definable installation options allow the control to be automatically added to the Toolbox.
• Various corrections to help file syntax.
• Support for Visual Studio 2010.
• Support for Help Viewer 1.1 (Visual Studio 2010 Service Pack 1)
• Enhanced property pages.

To find out more about this product, download our product demo now. The demo includes working controls, so you can start using the controls today and test-drive them thoroughly in your application, before your purchase.

That's the good news. For the "not-so-good" news: If you like it, you will have to purchase the product to use it beyond the free 30 day trial. Of course, that's not all that terrible, considering all the features you'll get to use, along with the royalty-free distribution of the control with your completed end-user application.

And, don't forget, the product includes free support and all major updates for one entire year.

Please see our Product Overview page for included options and supported operating systems.