Tooltip for statusbar fields

wxPython Users
1

I know, that the statusbar displays a tooltip, if the text is too long.

Is it possible to set a tooltip independently explaining the meaning of the information displayed? This would help a new user to grasp the information.

2

It appears that the statusbar tooltip string can be set independently of the string displayed if it is too long.
The test code:

def update_tooltip(evt):
    text = self.StatusBar.StatusText
    if text:
        self.StatusBar.ToolTip = f"{text!r} means that ..."
        
self.StatusBar.Bind(wx.EVT_ENTER_WINDOW, update_tooltip)
3

Thanks. I get the following error:

wx._core.wxAssertionError: C++ assertion "!HasFlag(0x0020)" failed at /home/wxpy/wxPython-4.2.0/ext/wxWidgets/include/wx/statusbr.h(200) in DoSetToolTip(): Do not set tooltip(s) manually when using wxSTB_SHOW_TIPS!

which somehow makes sense, since I want to have a tooltip displayed, when the string is too long.

What I am looking for is a way to set a tooltip individually for fields, but not the very first. (Sorry, I forgot to mention it in my original post.)

4

Yes, I just ignored the error. As it said, setting self.StatusBar.WindowStyle ^= wx.STB_SHOW_TIPS seems OK.

One possible way would be to check the field index every time:

def update_tooltip(evt):
    for i in range(self.StatusBar.FieldsCount):
        x, y, w, h = self.StatusBar.GetFieldRect(i)
        if evt.x < x+w:
            break
    text = self.StatusBar.GetStatusText(i)
    if text:
        self.StatusBar.ToolTip = f"{text!r} means that ..."

Also, it’s better to bind to EVT_MOTION instead of EVT_ENTER_WINDOW.

5

I see. Thanks.

How would I make the tooltip appear nearer to the field?

6

If you bind EVT_MOTION to the statusbar, the handler will pop up a tooltip at the mouse position while moving inside the statusbar.
But if you want to display tooltips at a fixed point in each field, it is better to use wx.PopupWindow or wx.PopupTransientWindow instead of wx.ToolTip.