java - How do I create a JTextField that ignores user input but lets components modify text? -

here's i'd proof of concept: want frame text field , button on it. user types text field ignored, if click button, sets text on text field. how this?

i've done research ahead of time , come solution i'll post answer. concern there's easier way this. i'm asking question find out if there's better way.

here's screenshot of reason i'm trying build proof of concept:

i'm trying build this. when user enters text, want ignore saying, capture it, , put own interpretation. example, if user pressed control+y, want this:

i don't want make jtextfield un-editable, because grays out box , hides cursor. want people know should click on text field , type.

if want maintain cursor, can intercept keystrokes described here.

code above link:

mytextfield.addkeylistener(new keyadapter() {     @override     public void keytyped(keyevent e) {         char c = e.getkeychar();         if (!character.isdigit(c)) {             e.consume(); // stop event propagating.         }     } }); 

alternatively, can disable entry , restore background color enough, lose cursor:

textfield.seteditable(false); textfield.setbackground(color.white);