U.M. (Mac OS)

Creating a database file 2-3
After you have all the basic parts in place, you can begin creating your
database, as described in the next section, “Defining database fields.”
Start with a simple design and use it for a while. You can change it as
needed.
Keep these points in mind as you plan database fields:
1 Use separate fields for first name and last name so you can search or
sort records based on either.
1 Use separate fields for city, state, and postal code. If you combine
them, you can’t sort records based on the individual fields.
1 Make a separate field for titles (to hold values like Dr., Mr., and Ms.).
Defining database fields
When you create a file, you begin by defining the database fields. To
define a new field, give it a name, and then select options that determine
how the field interprets, enters, calculates, stores, and displays data. All
these characteristics make up the field definition. After you define fields,
you can add, change, or delete field definitions as needed.
1. Create a file, or, in Browse or Layout mode, choose Define from the
File menu and then choose Fields.
2. In the Define Fields dialog box, for Field Name, type a unique name
for the field.
Don’t use the following symbols or words: , (comma), +, –, *, /, ^, &,
=, ≠, >, <, ≤, ≥, (, ), ", :, ::, AND, OR, XOR, NOT, or a FileMaker Pro
function name. Don’t begin a field name to be used in a calculation
formula with a period (.) or a number.
3. For Type, select a field type, and then click Create.
See “Assigning a field type” on page 2-5.