FMPRO Session 4 Database
Layouts
How to Design Various Views of
Your Data in FileMaker Pro
When designing a database, there are two things to consider:
- What information you
need stored &
- How to organize it.
The first question is pretty
straightforward but the second may require some thought. So, tonight, we will
review the database design process.
Picture the database
in your mind
Create the Fields
Create the Layouts
Personalize with scripts,
buttons, etc.
- Then, we will focus
on step three and learn how databases present the information that they
contain. How the result appears, whether on screen or printed report, depends
on the layout you use. Designing the structure of a database is an art.
You make selections from palettes of files, fields, and graphic tools to
create a structure.
- We will learn how to
take information that you have previously created and move it into a form.
For example, we are able to create a data entry screen which would make
it easier for people to enter data.
- We will also learn
how to create mailing labels, allowing you to mail out your information
to people. This is a different view of the information which is what layouts
are all about.
- We will also learn
how to create a mail merge letter with word processing features and rulers
which FileMakerPro previously did not have.
- Then we will create
the most common type of a form which is called the columnar list. Now this
list is pretty much like the style of a spreadsheet. We’ll have the data
in rows and be able to view the information in multiple records. This is how
we usually like to view the information in a roster or phone list. We will
learn how you can print those out and set up your page setup for your final
output product.
After tonight, you should understand
- the primary kinds of database views,
- how to use them effectively,
- powerful layout techniques and
- how to build good working habits that will save you a
lot of time and trouble.
Key Concepts & Main Topics
- Database Modes
- The Layout Mode
- Switch between Browse and Layout Mode
- Create a New Layout
- Changing Layouts
- Open a Window with a Second View of the Same File
- Graphic Tools
- Parts of a Layout
- Title Header
- Header
- Leading Grand Summary
- Body
- Sub-Summary
- Trailing Grand Summary
- Footer
- Title Footer
- Types of Layouts & Current Selection of Records
- Blank Layout
- Detail View
- List View
- Using Detail & List Views
- Specific Use
- Current Selection of Records
- Customizing Your Layout
- Move and Resize Objects
- Rearrange the Layout
- Text & Numeric Formats
- Layout Mode Status Area and Tools
- Layout pop-up menu
- Book
- Tools in the tool panel
- Field tool
- Part tool
- Part label
- Style palettes
- Graphic rulers / ruler lines
- T square
- Button
- Layout Mode Keyboard Commands
- Alignment
- Object arrangement
- Field format
- Layout tools
- Select all
- Glossary
