Database Reference
In-Depth Information
Export Formats
When exporting data, you always create a file, but you get to decide what
format
the file
should be in. In the previous example, you exported your data to a comma-separated text file.
This example is one of the many file formats FileMaker can produce when it exports. Most
formats exist simply because computer software has put forth a lot of standards in the last 50
years, and FileMaker wants to be as flexible as possible. Some formats do have unique ad-
vantages, though.
The first question you need to ask is, “Where's the data going?” Your export format choice
almost always depends on what the person you're sending it to needs. Each is explained be-
low:
▪
Tab-separated text
and
comma-separated text
are very common formats for database
data. They put each record on its own line. With tab-separated text, you get a tab between
each field value, while comma-separated text has quotes around field values and commas
between them. Almost every program in the world that can import data supports one of
these formats. If you're not sure, try tab-separated text first—it's the most common.
NOTE
Sometimes the comma-separated text format is called
comma-separated values
in other pro-
grams. They're the same thing. Indeed you may have noticed that you get a .csv file type when
FileMaker exports comma-separated text.
▪
DBF
is a file format most commonly found in older database systems. It imposes signi-
ficant restrictions on the content and length of field names as well as the amount of data
that can be exported from a given field. The specific limitations are detailed in
FileMaker's help system. Usually, the only reason you'd choose DBF is because the sys-
tem that will be receiving your data requires it.
▪ The
Merge
format is just like comma-separated text format, with one difference: The
first line of the file shows individual field names. The advantage is that when you import
this file in another program, you can see what each field is called, making it easier to get
the right data. Unfortunately, most programs don't expect this extra line and treat it as an-
other record. People most often use this format for mail merge in word-processing pro-
grams.
