How to Restrict Content to Plain Text in a RichTextBox in Visual Studio?

[CRGreathouse]

I'm working in C#, but my question applies, I think, to all of the MS Visual Studio.

For many programs that I write, I want a multiline text box that supports usual multiline features (TextBox doesn't let you use Ctrl + A, for example). But I also want to restrict the contents to plain text.

Now with a RichTextBox I can continually replace the contents with the plaintext version, but then formatted text still appears on a paste, for example. I want to avoid that. What's the best way of doing that?

Ideally there would be a widget that does that natively. Otherwise, would it be better/easier to change a TextBox to multiline and program in all the missing features, or try to block the things I don't want somehow from a RichTextBox? Or is there a third possibility I've missed?

 

[Evalesco]

You could use a TextBox with the Multiline property set to true and the Scrollbars property set to Vertical. This will give you a multiline text box that supports usual multiline features. You can then program in all the missing features such as Ctrl + A, Cut, Copy, and Paste. To ensure that only plain text is accepted, you can use the TextChanged event of the TextBox to check for any unwanted characters or formatting and replace them with the plain text version.

 

[quicknote]

I would recommend using a RichTextBox for your needs. It offers more functionality and customization options compared to a regular TextBox. To address your concern about formatted text appearing on paste, you can use the PlainText property to set the content to plain text only. Additionally, you can also use the SelectionChanged event to check for any formatted text and replace it with plain text if needed.

Alternatively, you can also explore using a third-party library or creating your own custom control that combines the features of a TextBox and a RichTextBox. However, this may require more time and effort compared to utilizing the built-in features of a RichTextBox.

Overall, the best approach would depend on your specific needs and the complexity of your program. I would recommend experimenting with both options and deciding which one works best for your project.