You can delete the form afterward; the reference usually stays active. : Go to Project > References .
What are you trying to achieve? (e.g., Unicode text display, transparent labels, multi-column dropdowns)
The Microsoft Forms 2.0 Object Library extends VB6’s UI capabilities significantly. From multi-column list boxes to tabbed dialogs and clipboard access, this library is a must-know for any serious VB6 programmer.
Integrating Microsoft Forms 2.0 Object Library in VB6 If you’re still developing in Visual Basic 6.0 (VB6), you’ve likely encountered the limitations of the standard intrinsic controls. They are functional but visually dated and lack modern features like true transparency or advanced data binding.
Standard VB6 controls are strictly ANSI. They display question marks ( ? ) when encountering non-Western characters. FM20.DLL controls natively support Unicode. This allows your legacy apps to display international character sets correctly. Multi-Column ComboBoxes and ListBoxes microsoft forms 20 object library vb6
Controls in this library feature properties not found in standard VB6 controls, such as the SpecialEffect property (flat, sunken, raised, etched, bumped) and enhanced border customisations. How to Add the Library to Your VB6 Project
Using the FM20.DLL controls offers several benefits over the standard VB6 intrinsic controls ( msvbvm60.dll ):
The is a powerful alternative. Originally designed for VBA (Office Macros), this library can be leveraged in VB6 to give your applications a more refined look and access to unique control properties. What is the Microsoft Forms 2.0 Object Library?
The library is officially version 2.0, but developers often search for "Forms 20" (dropping the decimal) or "Microsoft Forms 2.0". The file version of FM20.dll can vary (e.g., 2.0.1.3, 2.0.5.3), but the object model remains consistent. When you see "Microsoft Forms 2.0 Object Library" in your VB6 References dialog, that is the correct entry. You can delete the form afterward; the reference
A compact up-down control for numeric input. Unlike the VB6 UpDown control (which requires a buddy control), this one works independently.
To use these features, you must explicitly reference the library in your development environment: Open your VB6 or VBA project. Go to → References .
You cannot directly drag an MSForms UserForm from the toolbox. Instead, you must instantiate it programmatically:
The is a powerful tool within VB6 that, when used properly, brings a modern, Unicode-enabled interface to older applications. However, because it is designed for MS Office, you must be aware of licensing restrictions. For internal utilities or projects where MS Office is guaranteed to be present on the target machine, it is a viable option to enhance the VB6 user experience. They are functional but visually dated and lack
This comprehensive guide covers how to integrate, utilize, and troubleshoot the Microsoft Forms 2.0 Object Library in your legacy VB6 applications. 1. What is the Microsoft Forms 2.0 Object Library?
Because of the deployment risks associated with FM20.DLL , seasoned VB6 developers generally avoid it for commercial, distributed software. Consider these alternatives:
If you are looking to revitalize a legacy application, the FM20.DLL offers a relatively quick way to achieve a "facelift" without rewriting the core application logic.
: Supports Unicode characters and multi-line text alignment.
FM20.DLL is part of Microsoft Office. Distributing it can break Office installations on the target machine. Instead, rely on the user having Office installed, or use appropriate, legal licensing for distributing Office components. 2. License Issues
