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FileMaker Pro basics
F
ILEMAKER PRO HELP 36
Notes
• Shortcut menu commands vary based on what mode you’re in, the item the cursor is over,
and whether an item is selected. For example, when a field is selected in Layout mode, you
have access to commands that pertain to Layout mode.
• You can use the Control Panel (Windows) or System Preferences (OS X) to configure your
mouse, trackpad, or input device. For example, you can set up a secondary button on a
mouse.
Related topics
Working with data in Table View
Checking spelling as you type
Finding records based on criteria in a single field
Sorting records
Converting files from FileMaker Pro 11 and earlier
You must convert files created in FileMaker Pro 11 and earlier to the FileMaker Pro 12 format in
order to use them with FileMaker Pro 13.
When you convert a file, FileMaker Pro creates a Conversion.log file, so you can view the
conversion status and any problems that may have occurred during the conversion process.
When you convert files:
• You can only convert files created in FileMaker Pro version 7.x, 8.x, 9.x, 10.x, or 11.x to the
FileMaker
Pro 12 format. See Conversion overview and Converting FileMaker Pro
databases earlier than version 7.x. After conversion, files will only be compatible with
FileMaker Pro 13 or later supported versions.
• Manual corrections may be necessary. You might need to correct items in the converted file
that did not convert properly. In some cases, you may need to correct items in the original
file and then convert the file again. After you convert any file, you should review the
Conversion.log file for items that may need to be corrected.
• You should test the converted file. The Conversion.log file may not indicate every item in the
file that needs to be corrected. Before you begin using a converted database solution, you
should test it thoroughly to make sure every aspect has converted successfully. For
example, make sure every script works as you expect, and that accounts and privilege sets
provide the required file security.
• Converted files may be larger than the original files. Part of the conversion process
increases the file size of databases. Though the size increase is typically not significant, the
increase varies by file. Make sure you have adequate storage space before converting files.
This section describes the basics of file conversion. It contains:
• an overview of the conversion process
• instructions on how to convert single files or multiple files at once
• information on how to view the Conversion.log file after converting one or more files
• a summary of the top conversion issues you may encounter
For additional information about converting databases, refer to the FileMaker Knowledge Base
available at
http://help.filemaker.com.
If you have FileMaker Pro Advanced, after you have converted files you can consolidate tables from
a multi-file solution into one file. See
Copying or importing table schemas (FileMaker Pro
Advanced).