Disable clicking on the main scream when the sub-VI is called

[IanYuan]

Hi all,

When I open the front panel of sub-VI from my main window (by using SubVI Node Setup > Show front panel when called), if I click a button (or something else) on the main window, it will still work after I close the subVI window. Is it possible to completely disable the clicking on the not used window  when the sub-VI is called (two windows opened at the same time)?

Ian

[RavensFan · Accepted solution]

Check the settings of the subVI to make it modal.

[IanYuan]

Thank you so much!

[aputman]

Just be careful when using modal windows.  You can get into a situation where your main and subVI are deadlocked and nothing can be done to exit.  Ctrl+. does not work.  Usually requires Ctrl+Alt+Del and you lose any unsaved work. 

I'm not aware if this has been addressed somehow in newer versions of Labview.

[stevem181]

Another option is to use the Transparency property to hide the calling vi.

Like this:

This might give a cleaner look depending on the situation.

You can also do both (use partial Transparency) to make it clear that the background vi is inactive.

In general, I avoid Modal vis (aputman makes a good point - been there), but sometimes they are the best solution.

steve