Load a Control Dynamically at Run Time

Category:

Forms and Controls

Type:

Snippets

Difficulty:

Beginning

Author:

Intelligent Solutions Inc.

Version Compatibility: Visual Basic 6

More information:

This example uses the ControlExtender object (added to VB starting with version 6.0) to dynamically load a control at run time, even if the control is not part of a control array. It works with both UserControls and built-in controls. An explanation and example is included in the comments.

Instructions: Copy the declarations and code below and paste directly into your VB project.

Declarations:
' (None)

Code:

Public Function LoadControl(oForm As Object, _
 CtlType As String, CtlName As String) As Object
 
'AUTHOR: FreeVBCode.com (http://www.freevbcode.com)
'PURPOSE: Loads a control dynamically a runtime
'PARAMETERS: oForm = Parent Form, or other object that
             'supports a controls collection
             
             'CtlType: ProgID of program (e.g.
             '"VB.TextBox")
             
             'CtlName: Name of Control
'EXAMPLE:

'In Declarations: Private WithEvents m_oCtl As Object

'In Form Code: Set m_oCtl = LoadControl _
               '(Me, "VB.CommandButton", "command1")
               'If Not m_oCtl Is Nothing Then
                 'm_oCtl.Top = 100
                 'm_oCtl.Left = 100
                 'm_oCtl.Visible = True
                'End If
 
 Dim oCtl As Object
 
    On Error Resume Next
    
    If IsObject(oForm.Controls) Then
        Set oCtl = oForm.Controls.Add(CtlType, CtlName)
        If Not oCtl Is Nothing Then Set LoadControl = oCtl
        
    End If
    
End Function