Is there an easier way to create "pop-up" windows?

I have to create a lot of pages which include many On Mouse Over or On Click pop-up boxes.


For instance, I am now working on a page where there are ten On Mouse Over conditions, display a graphic for each.


This is how I handle them (I am wondering if there is an easier way)


If all your objects are graphics, just place them in your lesson image folder and drag them from File Explorer into your Lectora page. This eliminates the Right-click/New Object/Image/Browser steps.


Note:

.png is often the best format because it offers lossless compression at jpg sizes with the ability to do 24/32 bit transparencies - although transparencies can greatly increase the size.


.gif is better for 8bit icons or other limited color small graphics


.jpg (at low compression) is good for when a png is too large.



Create a group that individually hides each object (i.e. graphics added above) - call it Hide_all

Group Hide_all

Action name: hide_object1

Action: Hide

Target: object 1


After creating the first action, copy and paste it x times, then edit each with the different object that needs hiding.


Action name: [change action name]

Action: Hide

Target: [change target]


... and so on for each object



Create first transparent button:

On Click (Tab)

Action: Run Action Group

Target: Hide_all


Nested action:

On Mouse Click

Action:Toggle Visibility State

Target: Object to show (or Group of objects to show)


After creating the first button, copy and paste it x times, then edit each appropriately.


----


A mouse hover over action requires the following changes:

On Click (Tab)

Action: none


1st Nested Action:

On: Mouse Enter

Action: Run Action Group

Target: Hide_all


2nd Nested Action:

On: Mouse Enter

Action:Toggle Visibility State

Target: Object to show (or Group of objects to show)



Question:


If I include a 3rd nested action to hide the object (easier to hide group - rather than name each one individually) after x seconds, I have found that the count down is not canceled when the learner selects the next object. This means that eventually the previous countdown(s) 'catch up' to the current object selected and hide it before the learner is ready.


Is there a way to cancel a "delay before action"?



Note: I am not being lazy but time is money as they say.... is there a faster way to do this?


The other intent of writing this is that if this really is the best possible work flow, perhaps this posting will be useful to others. :-)

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