Database Reference
In-Depth Information
Folder
Using this command, you can pick any folder, and FileMaker imports the contents of each
appropriate file in that folder. It creates
one
record for each file it imports and puts the file in-
to the field you specify. In other words, if you have a folder full of letters you've written, you
can import them into a Letters database using this command. The complete text of each letter
would go in a field, with one record per letter. (Remember, though, that FileMaker only sup-
ports pictures, movies, and plain text files when importing. If your letters are in Microsoft
Word format, for example, you're out of luck.)
Choosing File→Import Records→Folder summons the “Folder of Files Import Options” dia-
log box shown in
Figure 21-19
.
Normally, FileMaker finds only files directly inside the folder you pick; it ignores any other
folders contained inside. You have to turn on “Include all enclosed folders” to make
FileMaker look inside those folders, too. With this option turned on, it digs as deep as neces-
sary to find every file.
Once you've picked a folder, you get to decide what kind of files to import. You have only
two choices: “Picture and movie files” and “Text files.” In the first case, FileMaker ignores
every file that isn't a supported picture or movie type. You choose whether the files them-
selves are inserted in the container field or just references to them. If you choose the “Text
files” option instead, it seeks out only plain text files.
Importing a Folder of Pictures or Movies
When you choose the “Pictures and movie files” option and then click Continue, you see the
now-familiar Import Field Mapping dialog box. But the list of source fields looks entirely
unfamiliar—in a good way.
