U.M. (Windows)

Creating a database file 2-3
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 2-4.
4. Define options for the field.
If the field type is Do this
Text, number, date,
time, or container
In the field definitions list, double-click the field name (or select
the field, and then click Options), and then set entry options for
the field. See “Choosing data entry options” on page 2-6.
Calculation In the Specify Calculation dialog box, define a formula for the
field. See “Understanding formulas” on page 2-13.
Summary In the Options for Summary Field dialog box, select summary
options. See “Defining summary fields” on page 2-23.
Global In the Global Field Options dialog box, select global options.
See “Defining global fields” on page 2-9.