Set Key Focus to First Element of Array

Updated Feb 9, 2026

Reported In

Software

  • LabVIEW

Issue Details

I want to programmatically set the focus of LabVIEW on the first element of the array so that I can tab through the array inputting values. However, when I use the Key Focus property, it puts the focus on the array as a whole instead of the first element. How do I set the focus on the first element of the array using property nodes?

Solution

Right click the first element in the array, and select Create >> Property Node >> Key Focus. This will create a property node that refers to the first element in that array, setting the key focus with the property node.


This is what it will look like on the block diagram. Notice that the property node refers to String instead of the array control's name of Array.

In the picture, the array contains three elements. When the user places the cursor inside element index 0 and begins typing, the field has keyboard focus. After completing the entry, pressing the Tab key will automatically shift the key focus from index 0 to index 1, allowing the user to continue entering data without using the mouse.