User manual

Chapter 1
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Using databases 17
When FileMaker Pro saves a file
In FileMaker Pro, the following actions do not cause the file to be
saved:
1 Displaying a different record or layout
1 Sorting records or modifying a sort order
1 Performing find operations such as Find, Show All Records, Omit
Record, or modifying a find request
1 Changing the position and size of windows or hiding/showing the
status area
1 Changing layout object default settings
1 Changing ruler display settings
If you perform any of the above actions without also performing an
action that does cause a save (such as modifying data), the change
won’t be saved when you close the file. FileMaker
Pro considers the
above actions to be minor changes, and they are not saved with the file
unless the file is also modified in a more significant way.
For example, if you open a file, perform a find, then close the file,
FileMaker Pro does not save the found set with the file. However, if
you open a file, add a new record, perform a find, then close the file,
FileMaker Pro will save the found set as well as the new record with
the file.
For more information about saving files, see Help.
About modes
You work with data in FileMaker Pro in Browse, Find, Layout, or
Preview mode. You can choose a mode from the View menu, the Mode
tabs in the status area, or from the mode pop-up menu at the bottom of
the document window.
Use this mode To
Browse mode Work with the data in a file. You can add, view, change, sort,
omit (hide), and delete records. Browse mode is where you’ll
do most of your work, such as data entry.
Find mode Search for particular records that match a set of criteria. You
can then work with this subset of your records, called the
found set. After you find a group of records, FileMaker Pro
returns to Browse mode so you can begin working with them.
Layout mode Determine how information is presented on your screen or in
printed reports, labels, and forms. Design layouts for specific
tasks, like data entry or printing invoices or envelopes. Select
and arrange fields and other objects to modify an existing
layout or create new layouts.
Preview mode See how data in forms or reports will look before you print.
Preview mode is especially useful for viewing layouts with
multiple columns (like mailing labels) and reports
with summaries.
Mode pop-up menu
Mode tabs
Status area