When a page is open in the browser you share with DataMind Oda, you can point Oda at a part of it, such as a table, a chart or a form field. The element you pick joins your message, described in words and as a picture.
While picking is on, a bar above the page shows the controls:
Stop picking in the browser toolbar turns the mode off.
When you send the message, each chip expands for Oda into a description of the element: its role, its text, its attributes, where it sits in the page, and the page's address. A line in the message reads Its image is attached to this message as "Search button.. The cropped picture of the element joins your message as an ordinary image attachment, like any other file you add; see Chat with Oda.
The picture file is named after the element. Characters that a file name cannot hold are removed and the name is kept to 60 characters or fewer, so a name like a/ becomes a b c d., and a name with nothing usable left becomes element..
Only the elements you picked travel with the message; the rest of the page is not sent. You do not need to type anything for a pick: sending the message carries it to Oda.
Picking does not allow Oda on the site; it only sends what you clicked. For what Oda may do on a page, see The browser in Oda.
Each pick also keeps a reference to the element on the page. The reference expires when the page navigates, for example when you follow a link; the description and picture already in your message stay as they are.
Picking starts only while the page has loaded and can be read, and when nothing blocks it. If it cannot start, the browser shows one of these messages:
| Oda shows | What it means | What to do |
|---|---|---|
The Oda browser is not enabled for your DataMind account. | Your account does not have the browser permission. | Ask your administrator to turn it on. |
Your organization does not allow Oda on this site. | Your company's browser rules do not allow Oda on this site. | Ask your administrator if Oda is needed there. |
Your organization's browser policy could not be read, so elements cannot be picked right now. | Your company's browser rules could not be read, so picking is paused. | Try again later. |
Elements cannot be picked on this page. | The page cannot be read for picking. | Reload the page, or pick from another page. |
Browser permissions and company browser rules are set by your DataMind OS administrator; see Manage DataMind Oda for your company.
A description of the element: its role, its text, its attributes, where it sits in the page, and the page's address. A cropped picture of the element is attached to the message as a JPEG file. The rest of the page is not sent.
Yes. Each click adds one chip, in the order you picked; hold Shift to keep picking. Send the message when you are done.
Hold Alt and click: the click goes to the page instead of adding an element. Use it to open a menu, for example.
Press Esc, or click Stop picking in the browser toolbar. Pressing Ctrl+Shift+S again turns picking off too.
A pick that cannot be placed at that moment waits for the message box and is added as soon as it is ready. If no chip appears at all, the pick was refused: the browser shows the reason, and When picking is not available lists the messages.
The description and picture stay in your message. The pick's reference to the element expires with the navigation, so pick the element again on the new page if you need Oda to work with it.
No. A pick sends only the element you clicked; it does not allow Oda on the site. For what Oda may do on a page, see The browser in Oda.
Picking starts only while the page has loaded and can be read, and when nothing blocks it for your account or your company. If it does not start, the browser shows why; see When picking is not available.