Tutorial

26 FileMaker Pro Tutorial
You use Layout mode to customize the appearance of your data.
Although the data is still in the file, you do not see it here. Instead,
you see the names of the fields.
About layouts and tables
Each layout is based on a single table, and shows records from
that table. If your file contains only one table, all layouts in your file
will be based on that table. If your file contains more than one table,
you must choose which table your layout will use at the time you
create the layout, although you can change this later if necessary.
The table you choose as the basis for your layout is important
because it determines which fields and records are available for
use on that layout. Fields and records that are not stored in the current
table can still be used, but must be accessed through relationships.
For more information on relationships, see
lesson 10, “Making
databases relational.”
About customizing layouts
Design layouts in Layout mode. You can include any combination
of fields, text, and graphics on a layout. You can change the font
and color of fields and text. You can also change the formatting
of Number or Date fields.
Changes you make in Layout mode affect only the way data appears.
The data itself remains as it was entered.
Tip Leave the sample file open to refer to as you build these features
in the working file.
Customize a layout
You will change a simple layout in this lesson’s working file to
make it look like the Fee Information layout in the sample file.
1. Open the Tutorial folder on your hard drive.
2. Open the Working Files folder.
3. Open MyFile05.fp7.
4. Choose View menu > Layout Mode.
5. Choose Fee Information from the Layout pop-up menu.
You see a plain layout. You will modify this layout in different ways
in the following sections.
Resize, move, and add a field
Select and resize a field
1. In Layout mode, click the First Name field to select it.
2. Drag the handle at the lower-right corner of the field to the
left until the field is smaller, yet large enough to display the longest
first name you expect in your file.
3. Choose View menu > Browse Mode.
4. Click Save to save changes to this layout, if prompted.
FileMaker Pro can save layout changes automatically, or prompt
you to save changes before leaving Layout mode. To save layout
changes automatically, select the Save layout changes automatically
checkbox in the Save changes to this layout dialog box.
5. In Browse mode, flip through the records.
If the field doesn’t display all names completely, return to Layout
mode and make the field larger.
6. Repeat this process for Last Name.
Click and drag the
handle to resize
Click to select