Database Reference
In-Depth Information
POWER USERS' CLINIC: GETTING THE MOST OUT OF YOUR FIELDS
The Edit→Export Field Contents command isn't limited to container fields. With very few excep-
tions, you can export the contents of almost any field to a file (if you can't click in the field, you
can't export its contents). To understand why you can't click in some fields, read about field behavi-
or in
Chapter 6
, and about security in
Chapter 18
.
Here are some examples of how to export to your advantage:
▪ Use Edit→Export Field Contents to create a file without having to retype what you've stored in
FileMaker. But if you just whiz by the “Export Field to File” dialog box without looking, you'll
miss a couple of options that'll save you buckets of time. If you want to watch a QuickTime
video at a size larger than the skimpy container field, just select the “Automatically open file”
option as you export the contents of your field. FileMaker creates a duplicate video file for you
and then opens a QuickTime player for your viewing pleasure.
▪ If you choose the “Automatically open file” option when you export a file, FileMaker can open
the right program for whatever you've exported. You'll get a text editor for text, a PDF viewer
for a PDF, or a graphics viewer for graphics. You don't have to scramble around looking for a
program that can handle your file, because FileMaker figures it out for you.
▪ If you want to spread the wealth around—let your colleagues know about a customer who al-
ways makes a big order at the beginning of the new quarter, for instance—then turn on the
“Create email with file as attachment” option when you export your field contents. FileMaker
makes a file and then launches your email program, starts a new email message, and attaches
your newly exported file to it. All you have to do is type a name, subject, and some text and
then send the email on its merry way. FileMaker can send email through Microsoft Exchange
(Windows only), Microsoft Outlook, and Mail (Mac only).
Let FileMaker really impress you by clicking both options at once. You'll get a copy of the file open
for reference and a fresh, shiny email nearly ready for sending. If you've got the screen real estate,
you can look at both of these little jewels while you're checking out the FileMaker record that
spawned them.
NOTE
Layout mode has so many features that this topic devotes two entire chapters to designing layouts
Layout modes, so this first section begins by helping you identify the basic tools and commands
you'll use for layouts.
