Tutorial

Lesson 1
FileMaker Pro basics
Welcome to the FileMaker
®
Pro tutorial. This tutorial shows you
how you can manage your information in FileMaker Pro.
You will learn how to use FileMaker Pro software to:
1 locate and sort information
1 create and enter records in a simple database
1 create mailing labels
1 create calculations, buttons, and scripts
1 create and run reports
1 create relationships between FileMaker Pro database tables
1 learn how files can be shared with other users on your network or
over the Internet
1 protect information in your database by assigning user accounts
and privilege sets and by backing up your databases
It takes approximately four hours to complete this tutorial, which can
be done in one session or several shorter sessions.
How to use this tutorial
These lessons are based on the membership database of a fictitious
travel firm, The Corporate Travelers Club. Corporate travelers who
are members of this club save their businesses money on travel costs,
and the club’s expenses are offset by an annual membership fee.
FileMaker Pro is used to track the members’ names, addresses, and
membership status, as well as to generate labels and form letters to
contact members.
You must complete these lessons sequentially, as concepts introduced
in early lessons are assumed to be understood in later lessons. The
sample file that you work in progresses through the lessons.
This tutorial assumes that you are familiar with your computer’s
operating system. Opening files, locating folders, and other activities
that require some knowledge of your computer’s OS are a necessary
part of completing this tutorial.
Because using FileMaker Pro is the most effective way to learn the
application, each lesson features a hands-on activity designed to
guide you through menus, screens, and concepts step by step.
The file included with this tutorial is intended to illustrate the
features of FileMaker Pro, and as such, might be unsuitable for use
as a template for further development.
Where to find the sample file
The sample file contains data for the Corporate Travelers Club and
provides a place for you to practice building the database elements
that are described in each lesson. If the sample file was installed,
it is in:
FileMaker Pro 9\English Extras\Tutorial
or
FileMaker Pro 9 Advanced\English Extras\Tutorial
You can also download the sample file by choosing Help menu >
Learning
Center. Tutorial files are located with other electronic
FileMaker
Pro documentation.
If you need to start over, replace your existing sample file with a new
copy.