MouseDown behavior

[cursor]

He removed the [mouseOver-styled] cover image (for 'button 1') that I had on the popup layer 'btn1'. Note that as you traverse down the popup menu, the 'button 1' image reverts to the mouseOff state (blue, not orange). While that doesn't solve my problem (I want/need the popup layer to indicate button 1 is currently active), it does explain the behavior reference in my initial post.

Given that explanation, I'll work toward a satisfactory solution (given the framework of my personal requirements). If/when I come up with an alternative, I'll post it. Certainly, if anyone else beats me to it ... I'm always happy to learn. Mercí.

[covoxer]

...that doesn't solve my problem (I want/need the popup layer to indicate button 1 is currently active),...

You have a conflict here. let me explain. The way you had implemented it, it behaves as if the button1 drops down a menu. Note, that this way it is not supposed to have a on click link. Think about it - when you mouse over button1 it turns to mouseover state and drops down the menu. But as you move pointer away from buttin1 on to the menu, the button1 still stays highlited. Thus, this state does not indicate a mouse over behavior but rather selected behavior. So, moving back to the button1 from the menu you wouldn't expect it to accept a click since it doesn't change it's look as it is supposed to in case it has a link and mouseover behavior.

Generally it is not advised to mix both rollover an popups to do the same thing. In your case you actually has a two separate mouseover objects - one on the mouseover layer and another one on the popoup layer. They are expected to do exactly the same action. So to avoid unexpected behavior (the script has to resolve the conflict some how, for example which on to popup first and which link to use if they are different), simply do not create such ambiguous situations.

In XXP4 it was prohibited to use both rollover and popup on the same object. But using practice showed that this is highly desirable. So we had added such possibility.

[cursor]

The Xara.com site exemplifies the type of behavior that I would like to employ.

• As you mouseover the Products button the expected visual effect is provided on the button face, and the dropdown menu is stimulated.
• Moving the cursor off the Products button and onto the dropdown menu items allows for an appropriate mouseover effect while on that submenu.
• At the same time, note that the Products button reflects an active state (that is, it continues to display its mouseover image).
• Clicking on a submenu item will direct the browser to that item's specific web page.
• Moving the cursor back up to the Products button, then clicking, directs the browser to an overview web page that highlights all the products together.

Additionally, I want to add mouseDown effects (as illustrated in my initial attachment, posted above). Can Xara Web Designer accomplish this?

Thanks.

[covoxer]

Well, haven't you accomplished this? Second click on the same position will not occur in real life use because the first click will probably take you somewhere, right?

[cursor]

Yes ... you're right!
I guess I was getting the distinct impression that I was mishandling xWD principles or something (based on the follow up comments/posts). If my initial attachment offers the best solution for my design intent, then it's full throttle ahead!

Thanks for the input, clarifications, and solid explanations.