User manual

Preface
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Introducing FileMaker Pro 9
FileMaker Pro overview
Here is an overview of the capabilities of FileMaker Pro.
Creating simple or complex databases
With FileMaker Pro you can create simple databases consisting of just
one database table, such as an address list, or you can create a complex
database with relationships and multiple database tables. For example,
you can create a complex database that relates two tables based on a
single common value, such as a serial number or an ID number.
You can organize your databases as a single table in a single file, as
multiple tables in a single file, or as multiple tables in multiple files.
FileMaker Pro provides database templates designed for business,
education, and personal purposes. The templates can be quickly
customized to suit your needs.
For more information about creating databases, see chapter 2,
“Creating databases.”
Using layouts to display, enter, and print data
FileMaker Pro layouts determine how information is organized for
viewing, printing, reporting, finding, and entering data. Layouts do
not store your data—they just display it.
Database files can have many different layouts, which display data in
a variety of ways. Within one database file, you can design separate
layouts for entering data, reporting summaries, printing mailing
labels, publishing a database on the web, and so on. You can change a
layout’s design without affecting the data or other layouts for the file.
When you change the data in a field, the changes are reflected in the
same field on all the layouts in the database.
In a layout, you choose, arrange, and modify fields and field labels,
create reports, add buttons to initiate scripts, add graphics and text,
and specify printing options.
There are six types of layouts and one view that you can create with
the New Layout/Report assistant. 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 further by
using the design tools that are available in Layout mode.
An address list database
consisting of one table
A database consisting of multiple tables,
with a portal to display records from a
related table
Steve Williams
789 Ninth Avenue
New York, NY 10001
The same data can be arranged differently with multiple layouts
Juanita Alvarez 555-1234
Michelle Cannon 555-1234
Andre Common 555-1234
Marie Durand 555-1234
Jean Durand 555-1234
William Johnson 555-1234
John Lee 555-1234
Patrick Murphy 555-1234
Le Nguyen 555-1234
Kentaro Ogawa 555-1234
Mary Smith 555-1234
John Smith 555-1234
Sophie Tang 555-1234
Steve Williams 555-1234
Betty Wilson 555-1234
Phone List
Dear Sophie,
Thank you for reserving a cruise with us.
We value your business and appreciate the
opportunity to serve you.
If you have any questions about your
reservations, please call us—we want you
to be satisfied with your cruise.
Sincerely,
John Lee