Datasheet

Figure 1-8: The form data source list.
Design Mode Icons
InfoPath makes extensive use of icons to give you feedback on objects in the design interface. It is worth
spending a few minutes reviewing them, because it will help you understand the relationships between
the form objects and the underlying XML document.
Data Source Icons
A field represents an XML element or an element attribute. If a field represents an element, it can contain
attributes fields. The data source list also shows groups, which can contain fields and other groups.
Groups typically contain controls like repeating tables and sections.
The table shows the three basic icons and their meanings, together with the decorations that are added
for repeating, locked, and required properties.
Icon Name Meaning
Group An element in the data source that can contain fields and other
groups.
Element field Stores the data entered into controls. This field can contain
attribute fields.
Attribute field Stores the data entered into controls. Other fields cannot be
added to it.
Repeating field May occur more than once. Lists, repeating sections, and repeat-
ing tables can be bound to repeating fields.
Locked field Cannot be moved or deleted.
Required field Cannot be left blank.
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