LabVIEW includes standard dialog boxes for simple functionality. You can also create custom dialog boxes with LabVIEW.

Creating a Standard Dialog Box

LabVIEW includes Express VIs to simplify creating standard dialog boxes. Standard dialog boxes can display basic messages or prompt users for input.

To display a standard dialog box, use the following Express VIs, depending on your objective.
OptionDescription
Display a message Display Message to User Express VI
Prompt for an input Prompt User for Input Express VI

Creating a Custom Dialog Box

If standard dialog boxes do not meet your needs, you can define your own dialog boxes in LabVIEW. LabVIEW includes a template to serve as a starting point for custom dialog boxes.

To create a custom dialog box that looks like a standard dialog box across all platforms, complete the following steps.

  1. Select File » New....
    The New dialog box displays. New lists all available built-in template VIs.
  2. Select VI » From Template » Frameworks » Dialog Using Events in the tree.
    Dialog Using Events assists in building dialog boxes. The template contains front panel and block diagram objects commonly used in dialog boxes.
  3. Click OK to open the custom dialog box to edit.
  4. Use the following guidelines while building the front panel and block diagram of the VI.
  5. Assign key navigation for the front panel controls.
    Assign at least the following keys:
    • Enter for the OK button
      Note Do not assign Enter for the OK button if the front panel has multi-line string controls.
    • Escape for the Cancel button
    • F1 to the Help button
  6. Reduce the front panel window size to show only the objects you want to appear in the dialog box.
  7. Set the front panel window appearance as Dialog and enter a custom title for the dialog box title bar.
    1. Select File » VI Properties » Window Appearance.
    2. Select the Dialog option.
    3. Remove the checkmark from the Same as VI Name checkbox in the Window Title section.
    4. Enter the dialog box name in the field next to the checkbox.
    5. To save the changes and close the VI Properties dialog box, click OK.