User manual

48 FileMaker Pro User’s Guide
When you create a new file, FileMaker Pro automatically creates the
first table and the first layout. The table and the layout are given the
same name as the file.
You create additional tables in the Define Database dialog box.
1. With the database open, choose File menu > Define > Database.
2. In the Define Database dialog box, click the Tables tab.
.
3. In the Table Name box, type a name for the table, then click Create.
The table can be renamed or deleted. Tables you add to a file are
automatically displayed in the relationships graph.
4. Continue to define tables, or click the Fields tab to define fields.
For information about relationships, tables, and the relationships
graph, see
chapter 3, “Working with related tables and files.”
Creating layouts and reports
FileMaker Pro layouts determine how information is organized for
viewing, printing, reporting, finding, and entering data. Layouts
don’t store your data—they just display it. Layouts are sometimes
called reports, especially when printed.
You can create as many layouts as you need for a file (for example,
layouts for entering data, reporting summaries, or printing mailing
labels). You can change a layout’s design without affecting the data
or other layouts for the file. Layouts can include certain fields and
exclude others.When you change the data in a field (in Browse
mode), the changes are reflected in the same field on all the layouts
in the file.
When you create a database file, FileMaker Pro automatically creates
a
Standard form layout for the initial table, and for each newly added
table that contains fields.
You create additional layouts by switching to Layout mode and using
the New Layout/Report assistant, a wizard that guides you through
creating the layout according to options you choose. In addition to
Standard form, there are four other types of layouts and one view
(Table view). Use these different types for various purposes, like
displaying a data entry screen or printing a totaled sales report or
mailing labels. You can customize each layout by using the design
tools that are available in Layout mode.
Type a name
for the table
Fields: use for entering
and displaying data
The page: the
printer, print
or page
setup, and
layout
determine
how
information
looks on the
printed page
Layout pop-
up menu
Mode pop-up menu
Parts: use headers, footers, the
body, and summaries to divide a
layout into special purpose areas
Buttons: use to automate
frequent tasks
Layout text: use for titles, column
headings, field labels, instructions,
and form letters