// msg from JTextfield public void focusGained(FocusEvent e) { if (e.getSource() == textField) { this.fireFocusGained(e.isTemporary()); } else // if the label get's the focus then delegate it to textfield { textField.grabFocus(); // !!! field could be not visible (scrollpane!) // insert mechanism to ensure visibility } textField.setBackground(GUIGlobals.theme.ActiveTextField); }