How To Use The Webpart's Property Pane To Edit Data In Read Mode Using OpenDetails()?
Introduction
In SharePoint Online, customizing web parts to meet specific requirements is a common task. When working with modern O365 SPFX web parts, one of the essential features is the property pane. This pane allows users to edit the web part's properties, making it easier to manage and customize the web part's behavior. However, there are situations where you might want to use the property pane to edit data in read mode, rather than the default edit mode. In this article, we will explore how to use the web part's property pane to edit data in read mode using the openDetails()
method.
Understanding the Property Pane
Before diving into the openDetails()
method, it's essential to understand the property pane and its role in customizing web parts. The property pane is a UI component that allows users to edit the web part's properties. It's typically used to configure the web part's behavior, such as setting values for properties, selecting options, or uploading files.
The Property Pane in Read Mode
In read mode, the property pane is used to display the web part's properties in a read-only format. This is useful for situations where you want to display the web part's properties without allowing users to edit them. However, in some cases, you might want to use the property pane to edit data in read mode, rather than the default edit mode.
Using OpenDetails() to Edit Data in Read Mode
The openDetails()
method is a built-in method in SharePoint Online that allows you to open the property pane in edit mode, even when the web part is in read mode. This method is particularly useful when you want to use the property pane to edit data in read mode.
Step 1: Get a Reference to the Property Pane
To use the openDetails()
method, you need to get a reference to the property pane. You can do this by using the PropertyPane
class, which is part of the SharePoint Framework (SPFx) library.
import { PropertyPane } from '@microsoft/sp-property-pane';
// Get a reference to the property pane
const propertyPane: PropertyPane = this.context.propertyPane;
Step 2: Call the OpenDetails() Method
Once you have a reference to the property pane, you can call the openDetails()
method to open the property pane in edit mode.
// Call the openDetails() method
propertyPane.openDetails();
Step 3: Handle the OpenDetails() Method
When the openDetails()
method is called, it will open the property pane in edit mode. You can handle this method by adding an event listener to the property pane.
// Add an event listener to the property pane
propertyPane.on('openDetails', () => {
// Handle the openDetails() method
console.log('Property pane opened in edit mode');
});
Example Use Case
Here's an example use case for using the openDetails()
method to edit data in read mode:
Suppose you have a modern O365 SPFX web part that displays a list of items in a DetailsList. You want to use the property pane to edit the items in the list, but you only want to allow users to edit the items in read mode. You can use the openDetails()
method to open the property pane in edit mode, even when the web part is in read mode.
// Get a reference to the property pane
const propertyPane: PropertyPane = this.context.propertyPane;
// Call the openDetails() method
propertyPane.openDetails();
// Add an event listener to the property pane
propertyPane.on('openDetails', () => {
// Handle the openDetails() method
console.log('Property pane opened in edit mode');
});
Conclusion
In this article, we explored how to use the web part's property pane to edit data in read mode using the openDetails()
method. We covered the basics of the property pane, including how to get a reference to the property pane and how to call the openDetails()
method. We also provided an example use case for using the openDetails()
method to edit data in read mode.
Best Practices
When using the openDetails()
method, keep the following best practices in mind:
- Always get a reference to the property pane before calling the
openDetails()
method. - Use the
openDetails()
method to open the property pane in edit mode, rather than the default edit mode. - Handle the
openDetails()
method by adding an event listener to the property pane. - Use the
openDetails()
method in conjunction with other methods, such asgetPropertyPaneConfiguration()
, to customize the property pane's behavior.
Introduction
In our previous article, we explored how to use the web part's property pane to edit data in read mode using the openDetails()
method. In this article, we will answer some of the most frequently asked questions about using the openDetails()
method.
Q: What is the openDetails()
method?
A: The openDetails()
method is a built-in method in SharePoint Online that allows you to open the property pane in edit mode, even when the web part is in read mode.
Q: How do I get a reference to the property pane?
A: You can get a reference to the property pane by using the PropertyPane
class, which is part of the SharePoint Framework (SPFx) library.
import { PropertyPane } from '@microsoft/sp-property-pane';
// Get a reference to the property pane
const propertyPane: PropertyPane = this.context.propertyPane;
Q: How do I call the openDetails()
method?
A: You can call the openDetails()
method by using the openDetails()
method on the property pane object.
// Call the openDetails() method
propertyPane.openDetails();
Q: What happens when I call the openDetails()
method?
A: When you call the openDetails()
method, it will open the property pane in edit mode. You can handle this method by adding an event listener to the property pane.
// Add an event listener to the property pane
propertyPane.on('openDetails', () => {
// Handle the openDetails() method
console.log('Property pane opened in edit mode');
});
Q: Can I use the openDetails()
method in conjunction with other methods?
A: Yes, you can use the openDetails()
method in conjunction with other methods, such as getPropertyPaneConfiguration()
, to customize the property pane's behavior.
Q: What are some best practices for using the openDetails()
method?
A: Here are some best practices for using the openDetails()
method:
- Always get a reference to the property pane before calling the
openDetails()
method. - Use the
openDetails()
method to open the property pane in edit mode, rather than the default edit mode. - Handle the
openDetails()
method by adding an event listener to the property pane. - Use the
openDetails()
method in conjunction with other methods, such asgetPropertyPaneConfiguration()
, to customize the property pane's behavior.
Q: What are some common use cases for using the openDetails()
method?
A: Here are some common use cases for using the openDetails()
method:
- Editing data in read mode
- Customizing the property pane's behavior
- Handling events on the property pane
Q: Can I use the openDetails()
method in a SharePoint Framework (SPFx) web part?
A: Yes, you can use the openDetails()
method in a SharePoint Framework (SPFx) web part.
Q: Can I use the openDetails()
method in a SharePoint Online environment?
A: Yes, you can use the openDetails()
method in a SharePoint Online environment.
Conclusion
In this article, we answered some of the most frequently asked questions about using the openDetails()
method. We covered topics such as getting a reference to the property pane, calling the openDetails()
method, and handling events on the property pane. We also provided some best practices and common use cases for using the openDetails()
method.
Additional Resources
For more information about using the openDetails()
method, please refer to the following resources:
- SharePoint Framework (SPFx) documentation: https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/sharepoint/dev/spfx/
- SharePoint Online documentation: https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/sharepoint/
- SharePoint Framework (SPFx) community: https://sharepoint.stackexchange.com/