Database Reference
In-Depth Information
▪ You may have a List layout that you use to browse your records, but you often print it as
well. Make the layout do double duty by adding a Title Header or Title Footer. They'll
show only when you print, and you can save valuable screen real estate.
Arranging Parts
The process of building a layout isn't always linear. Most people tend to bounce from task to
task as they mold the layout to match their vision. You might arrange some parts, organize
fields, do some decorating and then revisit the fields. It is, after all, a creative process.
But usually, you first get the parts roughed out. Since you don't know exactly how big things
are going to end up, it isn't critical that you get the parts exactly the right size right away. But
you do want to decide which parts you'll be using, get them in the right places, and take a
guess at how big they need to be.
Note: FileMaker lets you move objects only into parts—you can't put them in the gray area
below the lowermost part. Sometimes, as you're arranging things, your layout can get
cramped, so it's helpful to start with parts that are a little bigger than you really need. You
can shrink them again later when you've finished laying things out.
NOTE
Download the sample database for this chapter from this topic's Missing CD page at
In the example file for this chapter
People.fmp12
, if you view your People layout in Layout
mode right now, then you see FileMaker has given you three parts: a header, body, and foot-
er. If you were to print some records while on this layout, the header would appear on the top
of each page, and the footer on the bottom of each page. Right now, though, the header and
footer are both completely empty.
Since this layout is designed to be seen onscreen in Form view, headers and footers may not
be important to you. But you might consider using a Title Header just in case you decide to
print this layout. That way any graphical embellishments you may have on the top of the lay-
out, like the ones shown in
Figure 3-9
print only at the top of the first page, leaving more
room for record data, and using less ink. Here's how to fix it:
1.
If you haven't already, go to the People layout and then switch to Layout mode
.
You're now ready to work on your layout.
2.
Choose Insert
→
Part
.
