Database Reference
In-Depth Information
You don't even need to type a new file name. FileMaker knows the file's original
name and is ready to recreate it exactly as it was. Of course, you're free to change the
name if you want.
It doesn't matter whether your container field contains embedded or linked files (as long as a
linked file was never moved or renamed). Either way, your file will be exported. See the box
on
Getting the Most Out of Your Fields
for information on the handy options at the bottom of
the “Export Field to File” dialog box.
Understanding Layouts
Tables help you organize and store your data, but layouts determine how that data appears.
Layouts determine the text formatting of your data and even where each field appears on-
screen. Layouts are so critical to the way your database performs that FileMaker automatic-
ally creates a layout to go with each table you create. When you created the Lease Agree-
ment file at the beginning of this chapter, FileMaker made a layout to hold the fields you cre-
ated.
You already know one way that layouts give your data visual structure. For example, when
you switch from Table view to Form view, the data changes from a spreadsheet-like list to a
record-by-record version of your data. But a more powerful way to change your data's ap-
pearance is to use Layout mode. There you get access to graphics and designing tools that let
you change fonts, add color, paste in your logo, or move your fields around so that your data-
base can match your company's branding. Many of FileMaker's most powerful features are
set up in Layout mode, so it's not just about making your database pretty.
One database file can contain as many layouts as you want. So you can create one layout for
data entry and another for printing. And now that many users have very large computer mon-
itors, it often makes sense to create one List layout for an on-screen report and a separate re-
port layout meant for printing that same information.
