# type Attribute (errorMessage Element)

Identifies the type of error message to return.

## Type

    xsd:NMTOKEN

## Remarks

The type attribute is an optional attribute of the errorMessage element.

Allowed values are "modeless" and "modal". Default value is "modeless".

A dialog box with the long message is returned for "modal" errors. When the dialog box is closed, the field is marked with a dashed red border to indicate that the value is invalid. A user can read the error message by right-clicking the field.

For "modeless" errors, no dialog box is displayed. The field is marked with a dashed red border to indicate that the value is invalid. A user can read the error message by right-clicking the field.

Note If the field is invalid as a result of scripting code or because it was invalid to begin with, but has not been edited, then it will be marked with a red underline.

## Example

The following is an example of the type attribute as it is used in the errorMessage element:

    <xsf:customValidation>
       <xsf:errorCondition
          match="/exp:expenseReport"
          expressionContext="exp:reportDate"
          expression="msxsl:string-compare(., ../exp:startDate) < 0 and ../exp:startDate != """
          showErrorOn=".">
          <xsf:errorMessage
             type="modeless"
             shortMessage="The report date occurs before the end of the expense period.">
             The report date occurs before the end of the expense period. Verify that this is correct.
          </xsf:errorMessage>
       </xsf:errorCondition>
    </xsf:customValidation>

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