Database Reference
In-Depth Information
Sound
FileMaker considers a
sound
a recorded bit of audio. You can copy and paste recorded
sounds right into the container field. Use sound files to keep audio notes with a project re-
cord, or record your practice speeches and save them for when you're famous. When a con-
tainer field holds a sound, it displays a little speaker icon; double-click it to hear the recorded
sound.
File
A container field can also hold a
file
. Since FileMaker doesn't know what the file is sup-
posed to be, it simply shows you the file's name and icon (
Figure 6-11
). Unfortunately, you
can't do anything with a file like this while it's in FileMaker. You can't edit it. You can't
even open it and view its contents while it's in FileMaker. Rather, the container field simply
holds the file for you. This might sound limiting, but because you can also export the con-
tents of any field, including container fields, FileMaker databases make good document
tracking or retrieval systems.
The most common way to place a file into a container field is to use the Insert→File com-
mand. You can also copy a file from your hard drive and then paste it into a container field.
When you go the Insert→File route, FileMaker makes no effort to figure out what's
in
the
file. Even if you choose a picture, you'll still get just the name and icon. If you want to
see
the picture itself in FileMaker, choose Insert→Picture.
