User manual

Chapter 3 | Creating databases 59
Creating and changing fields
To define a new field, you give it a name and select a field type. Then you select options that
determine how the field interprets, enters, calculates, stores, and displays data. These
characteristics make up the field definition.
See “Formatting field data on a layout” on page 89 for information about setting options for field
formats, which control how data appears on a layout.
Creating and changing fields in the Manage Database dialog box
Important Changing the field type can permanently and irretrievably erase data.
1. With the database open, choose File menu > Manage > Database.
2. In the Manage Database dialog box, click the Fields tab.
3. If your file contains more than one table, select the appropriate table from the Table list.
You see tables from the current file and any related external files.
4. For the Field Name box, type a name for the field.
Or, to change a field’s name, select the field in the list, then type a new name in the Field Name box.
See “About naming fields” on page 56.
This field stores only numbers
This field calculates a value based on
another value in the record
(“Discount” is 20% of “Unit Price”)
This field stores multiple values
FB11Product ID
Focaccia Product Name
BreadsCategory
PlainFlavor
$6.95Unit Price
$1.39Discount
Herb
These fields store text
Field names
and definitions
Type a name for
a new field
Select a
field type
Click after you type a field
name and select a field type
Choose the way
fields are listed in
the dialog box
Click to sort by field
name or type