User manual

Table Of Contents
Chapter 1 | Introducing FileMaker Pro 10
FileMaker Pro overview
Here is an overview of the capabilities of FileMaker Pro.
Creating simple or complex database solutions
With FileMaker Pro you can create simple database solutions (database files) consisting of just
one database table, such as for customer information, or you can create a complex database with
relationships and multiple database tables. For example, you can create a complex database that
relates two tables based on a single common value, such as a serial number or an ID number.
You can organize your databases as a single table in a single file, as multiple tables in a single file,
or as multiple tables in multiple files.
FileMaker Pro provides Starter Solutions designed for business, education, and personal
purposes. The templates can be quickly customized to suit your needs.
For more information, see chapter 3, “Creating databases.”
Using layouts to display, enter, and print data
FileMaker Pro layouts determine how information is organized for viewing, printing, reporting,
finding, and entering data. Layouts do not store your data—they just display it.
Database files can have many different layouts, which display data in a variety of ways. Within one
database file you can design separate layouts for entering data, reporting summaries, printing
mailing labels, displaying data graphically in charts, working with a database in a web browser or
on a touch device, and so on. You can change a layout’s design without affecting the data or other
layouts in the file. When you change the data in a field, the changes are reflected in the same field
on all the layouts in the database.
A database consisting of one table
A database consisting of multiple tables, with a
portal to display records from a related table
Portal