User manual
Table Of Contents
- Preface Introducing FileMaker Pro
- Chapter 1 Using databases
- About database fields and records
- Opening files
- Opening multiple windows per file
- Closing windows and files
- Saving files
- About modes
- Viewing records
- Adding and duplicating records
- Deleting records
- Entering data
- Finding records
- Making a find request
- Finding text and characters
- Finding numbers, dates, times, and timestamps
- Finding ranges of information
- Finding data in related fields
- Finding empty or non-empty fields
- Finding duplicate values
- Finding records that match multiple criteria
- Finding records except those matching criteria
- Deleting and reverting requests
- Viewing, repeating, or changing the last find
- Hiding records from a found set and viewing hidden records
- Finding and replacing data
- Sorting records
- Previewing and printing databases
- Automating tasks with scripts
- Backing up database files
- Setting preferences
- Chapter 2 Creating databases
- Chapter 3 Working with related tables and files
- Chapter 4 Sharing and exchanging data
- Chapter 5 Protecting databases with accounts and privilege sets
- Chapter 6 Converting FileMaker databases from previous versions
- Index
34 FileMaker Pro User’s Guide
Automating tasks with scripts
Scripts can do simple tasks like setting print orientation or complex
tasks like preparing a customized mailing to clients. Scripts can
incorporate conditional decisions (if-else statements) and perform
repetitive tasks (loop statements).
You use the ScriptMaker feature in FileMaker Pro to build scripts by
selecting from a list of FileMaker Pro script steps, specifying
options, and arranging the steps in the correct order to perform the
task.
Use scripts to combine and automate tasks like:
1 switching to another layout or mode
1 finding, sorting, and printing records
1 importing data from the same source
Procedures for creating scripts and a reference to all FileMaker Pro
script steps (organized alphabetically or by category) are available in
Help.
Backing up database files
Routine backups are imperative for any document stored on a
computer. It is easier to restore a backed up database than it is to
recreate it. How often you should back up depends on the amount of
data you are adding to your databases, and how difficult it would be
to recreate your files if they become corrupt.
For very important files, it’s a good idea to routinely store backups at
an off-site location.
For an example of a backup script, see Help.
Setting preferences
You can customize the appearance and behavior of FileMaker Pro to
suit the way you work by changing standard settings called
preferences. Preferences affect the behavior of the application and
are not specific to any file.
Settings in the File Options dialog box affect the current file’s default
layout, opening and closing scripts, login information, and spelling.
To set application preferences:
1. Windows: Choose Edit menu > Preferences.
Mac OS: Choose FileMaker Pro menu > Preferences.
2. In the Preferences dialog box, click a tab, then set the options you
want to use.
To set file preferences:
1. Choose File menu > File Options.
2. In the File Options dialog box, click a tab, then set the options you
want to use.
For more information about setting application and file preferences,
see Help.