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Community Videos, Tips, & Techniques, Articles.

Member contributions of videos, articles, tips, tricks & techniques.

This forum is NOT for asking questions about FileMaker.
For all other support requests please choose ANOTHER forum that best applies to your post.

  1. [color:"red"]"The Works" Multi-File Template Keywords: aqua look, dual-tab bar with status area, audit log / trail, user login, passwords, privileges, print preview control panel, multi-column sort, quick help, generic notes, startup / shutdown scripts, import script examples, relational examples, and more. From the About for this template... Description This, [color:"red"] Works08.zip

    • 28 replies
    • 6.7k views
  2. Ted's suggestion about skipping steps in a script put me in mind of another script-related trick I use. In a file with hundreds or even thousands of scripts, it can be cumbersome to test the script, then go back to ScriptMaker, then scroll down until you find the script in question. ("Was the scroll bar 35% of the way down the screen or 40%?") When I am doing repeated tests and modifications on a script, I will often change the name of the script so that it starts with QWE or some easy-to-type combo. Then, to get back to the script quickly, I just select the first script and type QWE to quick-jump to the script I need, with none of that time-consuming scrolling busin…

    • 0 replies
    • 1.1k views
  3. Started by Ocean West,

    Found these around the net... if any are needing solution for creating installer of their shrink wrap solution or demos. Please add or make comment on your success with these products http://www.thraexsoftware.com/ http://www.mindvision.com/ http://www.esellerate.net/ http://www.zerog.com/ http://www.installfactory.com/ (which has some FileMaker anti-piracy tech)

    • 17 replies
    • 2.5k views
  4. Started by onefish,

    Attached is a fairly simple way to search for people by age using multikey relationships. I needed a way to do this in an application I am working on as my users will not be bright enough to work out the dates themselves. Originally I simply multiplied the age number by 365.24 and subtracted from the date but was not entirely happy with the results. The tricky part was working around leap years and different system settings. The attached calculations should work regardless of the system setings and occurances of Feb 29. If the multikey is required to fall on Feb 29 for a year that has no leap year it is changed to Feb 28. The calculation is designed to find real peop…

    • 6 replies
    • 1.5k views
  5. Started by Ugo DI LUCA,

    On another Forum the other day, a member asked if there was a way to dynamically get a list of related records in a repeating fields, without any script. This idea got me a bit excited, and I tried to find a way through this, just to see how FM7 helped to solve the case. So the goal was to have a 12 repeating field filled with the 12 months sales results for a given selected year. Note that this is part of a set of 3 files I'm building, the 2 others using scripts would be posted later, but you can get the picture with this one. Ah...forgot to say. There's a charting tip here for those interrested. Happy FileMaking RelInRepsCalc.zip

    • 2 replies
    • 1.8k views
  6. Ive posted this as an example before however was fmp7 file, below is the process for those not using fmp7. I dont know wether you can do the same though. There is a way to open embedded container files via a script. 1. Set up a calculation field that obtains the file name oembedded in the container. (Text field = container field) 2.Set up a text field with a calc as follows "REN" & " " & "C:temp.txt" & " " & "C:"& the file name field (see above) Complicated bit. Create a script that Omits Record Show Omitted Only Export Field (the container field) to c:temp.txt Export Record to a text file called c:rename.bat u…

  7. Folks Smart Ranges allows you to generate relationships keys for ranges of dates and numbers without exceeding the 64KB limit, using only native FMP calculations. It's way cool. I've just taken the Smart Ranges keys and used them to generate find requests. This allows more complex finds and searches to be performed (though the demo file is only set up for one find request, it could be extended to more reasonably easily.) It took me two whole days and half the night in-between to nut this one out. If you haven't read the Smart Ranges docs, do so before you open the hood on the demo. SmartRangesFindRequests1.1.zip

    • 2 replies
    • 995 views
  8. Started by BobWeaver,

    The question sometimes comes up: How can the user select which fields appear on a layout without having access to layout mode. This can be easily done using calculated fields with the GetField() function or other similar means. But, the field can only be displayed; not edited. This example shows a scriptless method of doing this using auto-enter formulae in the main fields and proxy (display) fields so that editing the proxy field will update the original field. ProxyFields.fp7.zip

    • 2 replies
    • 1.4k views
  9. Started by Robert Schaub,

    Current version is 6 (note V4 and V5 is not for FileMaker 5.5 or or less) TimeCards System Is an open source file. In this file you will be able to keep track of your employees time records. You can finally disconnect that old timeclock on the wall. This System Comes with TimeCards (Mine with Major Modified FM Template), Employee File (mine), Bugs And Features File (modified from free download). And by permission of John Sindelar of Cleveland Consulting in the background I am using a modified version of their Free Calendar. This is used to keep track of Vacation , Sick and Tardiness. In Employee File there is a key fields you must fill for this …

    • 10 replies
    • 3.3k views
  10. Started by stash,

    This is one simple text parser which I use as a custom function. So, if you have to take one part of the text, set the parameters in Ripper and go on. Let ( [ $Start = Position(Field; Parameter_From; ""; Occurrence1); $End = Position(Field; Parameter_To; ""; Occurrence2) ]; Middle(Field; $Start+Start_Correction; $End-$Start-Length_Correction) )

    • 4 replies
    • 1.6k views
  11. Started by Matthew F,

    Here's my running calculator for quickly tabulating what your splits should be for a race. Its a little clunky since Filemaker requires that time fields be input with an hr:min:sec format. I've tried to use IWP for this but I can't enter most of the data fields and the tab order is funky. Any suggestions?

    • 0 replies
    • 990 views
  12. Hi, A 3 lines script able to : - check/uncheck 4 fields at once - control toggling method - check/uncheck target fields. The Parameters are stored with the buttons obviously, so ungroup them to see the parameters. The method relies on auto-enter fields with "do not recalculate" unchecked. I can't imagine how many scripts or "If/Else" in a script would have been necessary with FM6... Enjoy. DynamicToggling.fp7.zip

  13. Started by Ugo DI LUCA,

    Hi, Someone was complaining that FM7 is 4 times slower than FM6. The script was generating 12,000 records, each filled with numbers from gMin to gMax, and while 1 minute 12 seconds where needed with 6, FM7 needed 4 minutes 30 seconds to complete the same operation with exactly the same loop. This alternate technique will create 72,000 records in less than 1:12:00 so in this case FM7 is 6 times quicker than FM6 Check it out. RandomCreation.fp7.zip

    • 3 replies
    • 2.4k views
  14. Started by sdpetemc,

    Since upgrading to FM 7 I have been frustrated by the Relationship Graph. When I have many overlapping table occurances, it was difficult to find the appropriate edit relationship box. Today I discovered two things... First... Select any T.O. to highlight it, then type ahead to skip to the proper table occurance. Second... Once you have the proper T.O. highlighted, use the left or right arrow to highlight the Edit Relationship box. With that highlighted you can click the pencil tool to display the Edit Relationships dialog box. I don't know if this is the only shortcut, but I was happy to find this one.

    • 0 replies
    • 841 views
  15. Started by stash,

    If some of your fields,supposted to import, contain validation which is set to validate "Always", be sure in your Import script you first did satisfy condition of certain validation and then do the import. If your validation for example contains that Field_A = 5, then in script which calls Import function put: SetField[Field_A; 5] and in script line below, call the import. It's simple thing which once did take me a day to figure out

    • 0 replies
    • 788 views
  16. Here is a Yahztee game that I'm submitting. Feel free to use it however you feel. I'm thinking about (later) adding it as an 'Easter Egg' in a much larger solution I'm building. I have seen this game all over the internet (mainly written in Java), but the only one I've seen for FileMaker was done years ago, and the interface (I thought) could have been better. So, I decided to create my own. I originally had the dice "shake" (animation) whenever a roll was commencing. I didn't like the way it turned out, so I scraped that idea. If you've got a cool idea on how to animate the dice roll, please let me know. Although it does work, if anyone could lo…

    • 3 replies
    • 1.9k views
  17. Started by Veselko,

    Hi everybody, my script can be used in every layout, and every file without changing and adding Value list, just required that every table have a three extra fields ( text, number and date). They are a temporary fields in which values are copied from desired sort column fields. Loop is slow, i hope that I will make it better! Veselko dynamic_sort.zip

    • 0 replies
    • 1k views
  18. Here is a technique to summarize all occurrences of checkbox items throughout a table. It uses a global calculation with the Evaluate function so that it updates when any items are selected or deselected. A simple refresh script is necessary, as is often unfortunately the case when using value list calculations. But it is quite easy, compared to how nearly impossible it was in previous versions. SummaryCount.zip

    • 31 replies
    • 3k views
  19. Started by comment,

    OK, so this is NOT how Matt Petrowsky does it. OTOH, it is very easy to implement, and it doesn't use the clipboard. I did not include the option to save named found sets, but again, that would be easy to add. Your feedback is welcome. UndoFind.fp7.zip

    • 0 replies
    • 915 views
  20. Started by Brian C,

    I HAVE ATTACHED A NEW VERSION - PLEASE DOWNLOAD The attachment now has this solution in both v6 and v7 of filemaker. Last Upload Update: 3/1/2005 4:50PM PST Update made to description to make it easier to understand. ---- This idea can be applied to auditing, validating multikeys, parsing value list data for conversions, etc. Any field that has data with a delimiting character can be evaluated in this manner. For this example I decided to outline how do create an audit process. The advantage of using this approach for auditing purposes is that in the files you want to audit you only need to create 5 scripts, 6 fields (3 calculation 3 global)…

    • 21 replies
    • 2.3k views
  21. Started by QuinTech,

    Bob Weaver had posted a sample file a while ago with a script that determines holidays for a selected year. I was interested in a calc field, so i put one together. (Sorry if this has already been posted, but i couldn't find it.) The sample file determines the following US holidays: New Year's Day (Jan. 1) Martin Luther King's Birthday (3rd Monday in January) Washington's Birthday (3rd Monday in February) Memorial Day (last Monday in May) Independence Day (July 4) Labor Day (1st Monday in September) Columbus Day (2nd Monday in October) Veteran's Day (November 11) Thanksgiving Day (4th Thursday in November) Christmas Day (December 25) The solu…

    • 8 replies
    • 1.8k views
  22. Apologies if this discovery has already been posted by someone; I searched, and believe it has not. Anyway, I've discovered that -- contrary to what is stated in FileMaker 7 Help, as well as my current, beloved FM bible "Special Edition Using FM 7" -- the "Replace Field Contents" script step does not require the specified field to be on the current layout (i.e., the one from which the script step is performed). The current layout must apparently be either based on the base table of the specified field or a related table occurence, to avoid an error, but in neither case does the field need to actually be on the (or any!) layout. In this way the behavior of this script…

    • 3 replies
    • 1.5k views
  23. Started by Ugo DI LUCA,

    Hi, Just playing with some chained relationship with 3 Tables and relations set to "allow creation of related records". From a layout in Parent Table, allows for instant creation of either a child record or a grandchild record. Also show a way to create instantaneously both an additional record in Child and Parent, backward from a GrandChild record. All done from one Layout only, without involving any "NewRecord" script step. As said in the title, these are experiments demonstrating how flexible relationships are in 7. The "Parent-Child-Children" table denomination are just used for illustration. The intent of this sample is *not* for Hierarchy relationship…

  24. Started by Ugo DI LUCA,

    Here's a way to have your portal sort (any column and any sort order) using only one field, one value list and a one liner script, that also take care of the graphical indicators. -No Custom Functions used - FM7 version. You'd use a second step with Refresh Window (Flush cache) for classic portals, but this still is a max of 2 lines of script necessary. The tip can be easily used in any Table by just switching the value list attached to it, or may be used as a part of a dynamic portal where your users would simply choose the fields to place in the portal. Don't feel like posting anymore until XMas, so Merry Christmas to all of you. EasyPortalSortUS.zip

    • 5 replies
    • 1.8k views
  25. Started by Søren Dyhr,

    Fenton has suggested that I re-upload the template I made for this thread: http://www.fmforums.com/threads/showflat.php?Cat=0&Number=142891 Enjoy! --sd Popglobal.zip

  26. Started by Ocean West,

    Here is a sample solution that uses the Accounts & Privileges to aid in time bombing your demos. The concept is relatively simple. The guest access is disabled and the file is set to auto log in as the demo user with the demo password. Once the user registers a new account is created. The user may also turn on password protection, then the demo account is disabled thus prompting for account and password. If they choose to disable password protection the account is deleted and then re added with out a password and the demo account is enabled. The scripts check to see if the solution is registered if it is it will auto login as the registered user allo…

    • 0 replies
    • 1.5k views
  27. Started by goldcougar,

    We needed a solution to pass many parameters to a function, and to quickly retrieve them throughout the script. Our parameters also has spaces in them, so we used the "~" as a delimiter. We have a custom function called: getScriptParameter( parameter ; number) The code for the custom funciton is: If ( number=1;Left (Get(ScriptParameter); Position (Get(ScriptParameter) ; "~"; 0 ; 1 ) -1) ; If ( number=(PatternCount ( parameter ; "~")+1) ; Right ( Get(ScriptParameter) ; Length(Get(ScriptParameter))-Position ( Get(ScriptParameter) ; "~" ; 0 ; PatternCount ( Get(ScriptParameter) ; "~" ) ) ) ; Middle ( Get(ScriptParameter); Position (Get(ScriptParameter) ; "~"; …

    • 7 replies
    • 1.6k views
  28. Started by Ocean West,

    open up Address Book and start editing someone's card. Select the Birthdate field and type "today" then hit Return. Next try "tomorrow", "next week", "last month", "next Tuesday". This code will replicate this functionality in FMP. Create a date field that does a GetAsDate(TextField) Create a field called "TextField" auto enter this calc, then uncheck the auto update. Let([ field = textfield; v_left = LeftWords(field;1); v_right = RightWords(field;1); words = WordCount ( field ); today = GetAsDate(Get(CurrentDate)); tomorrow = today+1; yesterday = today -1; thisday= DayOfWeek(today); NextDayNum= Case( v_r…

    • 2 replies
    • 1.3k views
  29. Started by andygaunt,

    Trigger File Example (FileMaker Pro 7) Do you have databases that are set to open with limited access? Do you get tired of constantly holding down the Shift key (PC) or Option key (Mac) key and entering your username and password each time you want to access it with your admin level privileges? Why not create a trigger file to save you the hassle? This file demonstrates how to open a file or set of files that are designed to open with limited access. As a developer I am sure you are aware of how annoying it can get to remember to hold down the SHIFT (PC) or OPTION (Mac) key when opening a database to then enter your Admin level access details. …

  30. This file shows how to make up for the inability of FileMaker to Set a Field by Name or to go to a specific Field on a Layout. Sorry - Mac only a all of these Scripts use AppleScript. In FileMaker 7, instead of the field SetField.fp5.zip

    • 2 replies
    • 1.2k views
  31. Started by Rory Bowman,

    Attached please find the first version of an open-source electronic medical records database I am currently developing with a client. His was a single-doctor shop and he wanted something to help him track medical records as he grew, but could not afford several thousand dollars for a system he wouldn't understand. GPL Femur (GNU General Public License File Maker Electronic Medical Records) is my first pass at creating such a thing. It is built in FP5 to make it as backward-compatible with older equipment as possible and has four passwords with increasing access: (no password), user, admin, developer. I have a *lot* to learn and won't ask any specific questions, but I…

  32. Here is a sample login system that I discussed here As presented, it isn't really a complete login system. It's just an example of using a one-way hash function to encrypt passwords. The included notes give a bit more information. login System.zip

  33. Started by Søren Dyhr,

    In attempt to make it work on IWP have I been really easy on the scripting, hence the intensive use of repeaters (not my style, usually!!!) ...the template actually works as expected but the rendering of the gantt hogs a lot processor power. So any suggestions to simplifications would be recieved with pleasure! --sd simplify.zip

  34. Started by Peter1,

    In some situations you may find that Importing records is much quicker than using the Replace function. In one of my solutions I needed to Replace 12 number fields with data from 12 calculation fields in the same table ("Customer" table). The process was incredibly slow so I tried a different method which was much quicker. I created a new table called "Temporary". This table has number fields with the same name as the relevant fields in the Customer table as well a field called CustomerID. I imported all the relevant records from Customers (the 12 calculations) as well as the CustomerID into the Temporary table. I then imported these back into the Customer table base…

    • 0 replies
    • 991 views
  35. I love the ability to use script parameters in FMP7 -- simplifies many things. However one thing I wanted to be able to do is to easily get specific parameters, either by number of by name. With Developer's custom functions it was straightforward to write a function that gets a parameter by name: Custom Function "ScriptParamByName(Name)": //ParamPair is a mapping of a parameter to a value in the format "name: Value" Evaluate(" Let([" & Substitute(Get(ScriptParameter);[":";"="]) & "]; "&name&" )" ) ------------------------------------------------- Calling a script with Parameters: Note - it is helpful to list the paramNames i…

    • 2 replies
    • 1.8k views
  36. Started by Ugo DI LUCA,

    Hi, Here's a quick setting I came up with which allow you to build custom Tabbed Interface according to the Account browsing. With this kind of settings, you'd probably reduce the amount of "checkings" and If scripts when opening a Layout. Actually, they would even not be offered any way to access data as the Tab doesn't show. Well, this one is just for the Main Navigation bar, but with some more settings, following this same logic, you can even have it work for Sub-Nav Tabs. I didn't tested it in a Multiuser situation, but as the Tab is built using a global Lookup (you may switch to a related field too if you prefer), it should be specific to each user a…

  37. Started by TerenceM,

    Here is a pair of custom functions that others may find useful. I've been aggrevated by the inability to remove the font/size information from a block of text in FP7. I need to do this with text that has been pasted in from a different application (and thus has an associated font/size), and would like to appear in different fonts/sizes on different layouts. In earlier versions, you could reset the text font/size by using Set Field ( TextField ; TextField ), but this no longer works. You have the option of resetting the font/size to one of your choosing, but if you want the text to appear in the font/size as defined in the current layout, you're out of luck. …

    • 6 replies
    • 1.6k views
  38. 7 helped reducing the amount of workarounds, but John Mark Osborne's visibility trick probably survived the upgrade. Here's an adaptation of his technique to provide hided selection lists ClickAndGo.zip

  39. Started by pteaxwa,

    I was asked to calculate some median values and was surprised that as of Filemaker 6 (version I use - not sure about 7) has no built in function to calculate the median value of a found set. Hopefully this file can be of use to someone who needs to do the same. Also, if something is incorrect in the script, I would appreciate some feedback! median.zip

  40. Started by Robert Schaub,

    Regarding this Post click See sample it's not pretty but it was easy. Revision 2 posted 11/27/04 , Takes care of creating friends on couner records FriendsofVolunteers.zip

  41. Started by Fenton,

    This is a further enhancement of the Find, with a twist. It combines a regular "filter by category choice" with a later "find with category." It is for data which is categorized, and which does not lend itself to an alphabetical filter (such as people's names do); but which may lend itself to an optional Find, once the data has been narrowed down by a preliminary category choice. There's actually some documentation in the file. It is especially built for Instant Web Publishing. It has not been extensively tested, so let me know if something is kinky. FoodsIWP_wFind.zip

    • 7 replies
    • 1.5k views
  42. Started by Ugo DI LUCA,

    Here is a first set of 10 step by step dissection of what repeating fields may be used for with FileMaker 7. I have 3 x 10 others to post once I will have completed other "homework", but these should be enough as a start to keep you interested in this repeating fields survival.

  43. Started by Robert Schaub,

    This is the simplest file to try to solve a long and winded discussion Here TimeTest.zip

  44. Started by TerenceM,

    Here's a simple custom function that allows you to search for strings of wildcards (and only wildcards) in a block of text. It replaces all numbers with "#", and all major punctuation with "/". I wrote it in response to a question for a way to see if a block of text contains a social security number, which you can search for as "/###/##/####/". It may need to be tweaked for specific purposes, but I imagine some other people might find it handy. The basics of the function are also written in a calculation field, for those of you without Developer and can't read the custom function. Enjoy! -Terence PositionWildcards.zip

  45. I was looking online for a solution to the following problem, didn't find an answer, created this myself, and thought others would be interested. I built it in FM7, but it could be done, with more work, in FM6 also. The FM7 feature used is recursive custom functions. Here's the scenerio: You have two entities that have a many-to-many relationship, such as Users and Groups. A user can belong to many groups and a group can have many users. To enable your users to edit these relationships, you are providing a selection portal that shows the groups a user belongs to and the groups available. How to make the groups list show only groups that have not already been added to…

  46. Started by AllenWWII,

    Just wanted to share my database with the forum to get any feed back that the members of the group may have. The database has two logins. Admin and Test. Both logins do not have any passowords. Please fell free to pick it apart. I have inculded with this file the CalSnap (www.briandunning.com) and an AppleScript that I found on the Net and modified for my use. This is my first attempt at using filemaker pro in creating a database from the ground up. It is still a work in progress. As I find out more information about FMP I try and add them to the database. If you have any suggestions about the "operation" of the fileds please let me know. I guess in the end this…

  47. Started by barry_c,

    Hi Forum, Even though I've just been using FMP a short time I've gotten a lot of priceless help here and so rather than just take, take, take, all the time I thought I would post a humble little solution I was able to come up with on my own. I'm sure that there are other, more elegant approaches to the problem and I would be curious to see them... I need to send dated forms to Latin America and so Iwas looking for a way to translate the date into Spanish. (While in the US we use a MM/DD/YYYY format, in Latin America they use DD/MM/YYYY, so I was going to need to manipulate the date info at some point.) So I added a date field (with white text) called "DAT…

      • Like
    • 9 replies
    • 2.6k views
  48. Started by ino,

    About Files Index The Files Index is a simple database designed to organize the tip files available from the FileMaker community. Formally, I little beat modify original file: Calcs Index ( John Mark Osborne/ Database Pros - The Philosophy of FileMaker Pro DevCon 2004 presentation ... this gay is really one of the Best - http://www.PhilosophyOfFileMaker.com, add few fields, scripts, one custom function (for sort portal - based on another guru: Matt Petrowsky, ISO Productions, Inc. http://www.filemakermagazine.com and little beat modify layouts and that FilesIndex.fp7.tar

  49. Started by Salesman0Gil,

    Two Tricks: 1) To get a cool looking Title on a layout, use MS Word, WordArt Feature 2) Make files that contain nothing but Script runners. For instance I have file caled "End of Month", and it has a giant button, I press that, and performs all scripts needed to do the end of month. I kept forgeting in which order they were supposed to be in, befoe I figured this one out. To keep this going. I'm looking for any good Shortcut Keys in Filemaker Any one have a fav? Mine... is pressing CTRL, and then using the scroll mouse, to adjust veiw.

    • 9 replies
    • 2.6k views
  50. Started by ino,

    About Files Index The Files Index is a simple database designed to organize the tip files available from the FileMaker community. Formally, I little beat modify original file: Calcs Index ( John Mark Osborne/ Database Pros - The Philosophy of FileMaker Pro DevCon 2004 presentation ... this gay is really one of the Best - http://www.PhilosophyOfFileMaker.com), add few fields, scripts, one custom function (for sort portal - based on another guru: Matt Petrowsky, ISO Productions, Inc. http://www.filemakermagazine.com) and little beat modify layouts and that

    • 1 reply
    • 919 views
  51. Started by Ugo DI LUCA,

    Hi, This is an update to a former article in this section. Publishing a workable demo for this technique happened to be more tedious and time consuming than I originally thought, so pardon me if it isn't very transparent and fully working. Though the files are fully unlocked for you to dissect. I'm succesfully daily implementing this technique in 2 solutions I've been developing before 7 was launched. Each steps in the SmartFind.fp5 file has a corresponding pdf file that dynamically opens up for some brief guidelines. Two stored finds are now included in this demo, but because of System settings, you'd have to Save the following files as clones …

  52. Started by bruceR,

    This very basic example file shows how to use applescript and Mac OSX shell script commands to write data directly to the file name and folder name of your choice. In this example, all exports go to the desktop but you can designate a folder if you want; and the folder will be created if it does not exist. You can write text, XML, HTML, etc. See example records. Of course you can use standard filemaker techniques to manipulate the content of the exort file, use substitutions on a global field, perform applescripted XML maniupulation, append date to existing files, etc. Bruce Robertson ExportByShell.zip

    • 2 replies
    • 1.2k views
  53. G'day Strewth mate, now, I am not a huge fan of Freehand but, yesterday I found that I could create pretty cool buttons with freehand and by working with vectors and using EDIT>COPY SPECIAL... copy as PICT, I could simply paste my non-rectangular buttons into FM, with transparency - fair dinkum cobber! Now fair crack of the whip mates... I've tried using Photoshop, especially to add drop shadows and stuff like that, but I found myself always having to match BG colours in PS with BG colours in FM, because I couldn't just drop irregular shapes into FM as a 'copy' without an annoying white background. It was a right bugger mates! What I'd really like is so…

    • 9 replies
    • 3.2k views
  54. Started by Chuck,

    This is a technique I came across some time ago that I haven't seen elsewhere, so I thought I would share it. Often I need to know if a field is one of a number of options and perform something if it is. The straight forward way to do this is something like: ( Item = "H100" ) or ( Item = "H110" ) or ( Item = "B100" ) or ( Item = "B110" ) I have one calculation in a solution I'm currently working on that has something like 20 possibilities. I found that I could use the PatternCount function to return the same results as above in a more compact form: PatternCount( "H100 H110 B100 B110", Item ) Assuming that Item can have only one of the…

    • 4 replies
    • 1.6k views
  55. Started by belgiumbruno,

    Hi, Does anyone has a small example-file which shows you how to split the data from the layouts,how you can put data in those sytems and how you can find data in it (=fast finding) Thanks, Bruno

    • 8 replies
    • 1.7k views
  56. Started by OneStop,

    For those of you who, like us, are designers and developers...I thought I would post a handy little chart of the filemaker pro Web palette with it's HTML equivalent beside it. Hope you find it useful. filemaker6palette.pdf

    • 0 replies
    • 946 views
  57. Hey With the last update, time naturally comes back for some design. And with FM7 new "Time" selection, it becomes quite real... More to come (even the "active/not active status") obviously. PS depending on your system, you could set the clock a little less. With ".25", it's just cleaner here. Metal.zip

    • 4 replies
    • 1.2k views
  58. Started by Ugo DI LUCA,

    Hi, Here's one way of implementing a Dynamic sort (including headers) in v7 with only one script and very few added fields. Enjoy. Edited- sampler updated

  59. Started by MoonShadow,

    Requires FileMaker vs. 7 ... Full Access is Account Name and Password of: Admin Restricted attribute access is Account Name and Password of: Restricted How does one control Users wanting to apply different text attributes to field data? Let them waste time selecting colors and fonts, only to strip them by using Auto-Enter (Replace) on every field? Let them run free and threaten them if they change the attributes? Totally remove menu text attribute options (either via Privileges or plugin)? I think there are simpler ways... Turn it over to Management. Let them decide which fields can be stylized; what font sizes, colors etc. may be used on a field-by-f…

  60. Started by The Shadow,

    I've extended one of my custom function examples, and I think I may have stumbled onto something that could actually be useful. ( Custom Functions are a FM Developer 7 feature only, but you can see it work if you have FM7.) It extracts all italic words from a piece of text into a newline-seperated list, which could be used to drive a portal to show similar articles, or a glossary of terms. You can see it in action by downloading the Style-Manipulation example from my website: http://www.spf-15.com/fmExamples/

    • 3 replies
    • 1.5k views
  61. Started by mcstar,

    I have a system that needs to compare the before and after values of a bunch of fields. There is a calc field, cFieldValues, that strings together the important fields and separates each value by a delimiter character and carriage return. When the user clicks the button to enter the edit mode screen, the button script puts cFieldValues into a global gStartValues. When the user saves the record, the button script has an IF statement that compares the current cFieldValues to the global with a simple "=" operator. If there are changes to any field values, other stuff needs to happen. This seemed like a sure thing until I began to see records with more than 255 characte…

    • 4 replies
    • 1.9k views
  62. Started by Ugo DI LUCA,

    Hi, Posted here just as an answer to someone's post on another Forum. Might interrest someone though here too. How to validate that one entry has already been computed in a repeating field, by either a validation calc or a script that build a dynamic value list. HTH ForKjoe_ValidDupeRep.fp5.zip

  63. Started by Fenton,

    This is similar to the original example. But with some drastic alterations so that it works with Instant Web Publishing. LawCasesIWP.zip

    • 0 replies
    • 833 views
  64. Started by Ocean West,

    Looking for graphics for your solution, Why recreate the wheel? This little utility will allow you to look at the icons and graphic images found in every app on your machine. Where you can then export and reuse for your one solution. http://www.mikematas.com/Software/

  65. Started by Fenton,

    This example file is similar to my earlier one, but much simpler. Instead of setting the chose value into a new record in a "join" table, this one just goes to the chosen record. self_Client.zip

    • 0 replies
    • 859 views
  66. Started by ino,

    Originally by Jack Karnes (special thanks) , modify by INO You have more then 1.200 locations all the around world with longitude & latitude positions ! When choose two locations, automatically calc distance in miles & kilometers ! For non-commercial use free ! For commercial use ask for fee ! Happy FileMakering INO DistanceFinder.zip

    • 16 replies
    • 2k views
  67. Started by BruceJ,

    Here an older zip code file I've been using. Not sure where I got it, but it's been very usefull. I think some file syou might be able to buy will have all the fancy zip +4 and such, but this one gets me by.

  68. Started by The Shadow,

    I've always loved using perl's regular expressions for finding matching bits of text. Now, with FM7 and custom functions, I was able to re-create a (somewhat simplified) version of perl's regular expression matcher completely with custom functions. You can download the file (which includes an explanation of the supported syntax) from my website: http://www.spf-15.com/fmExamples/ (see "Perl-style Regular Expressions") To use it, you call the RegexMatch custom function like so: RegexMatch( "[email protected]"; "((w+)@w+.(w+))" ) The result is a property list that pulls out the grouped pieces, or empty to indicate no match was possible. In this case…

  69. Started by bruceR,

    The attached file demonstrates simple integration of unix shell scripting with FileMaker. It takes a list of values, sorts them, finds the unique values, and counts the occurrences of each unique value, and presents the top 5 to you. By itself this is a minor trick but it has interesting implications for reporting and other applications. It requires a Mac running OSX. When you try it, try using PartNumber as the selected field for your query. Note that the file will also summarize values from a second file if you have any other database open. The applescript looks like this: choose from list (get name of every field) set whichfield to item 1 of …

    • 4 replies
    • 1.5k views
  70. [DOUBLE-POST] Someone had posted a question a while back (maybe a month or two?), asking what error 6 means when trying to access a file across a network. I can find no documentation for this error, and it seems to be an FM error rather than a Windows one, so i will pretend to be an error 6 authority. I think i have an answer, but i can't find the original post. So here goes (hope you're still on the forum, bud). I hope the pooh-bahs will forgive me for double-posting, but i'm not sure where this should go. I have a local file that looks for a database on the network called "Opener.usr". Last night, running that file, i got an Error 6. When i open the Ho…

    • 5 replies
    • 1.6k views
  71. Started by SoCalMacDude,

    Does anyone know of a cash register solution, either open source or commercial?

    • 3 replies
    • 1.6k views
  72. This sample demonstrates how to manage your referenced images without need of any plugins! The same concept applies to any file-type management! You can: - insert an image and automatically have it "referenced" in the DB - have as many "larger" images that do NOT need to be stored in the container field - images are viewed by your default image viewing software for this image tyle (depending on your file assosication with particula fiel type eg. "all JPGs are opened with IE") - insert ANY TYPE of file that need "other files" associated with the same record - it DOES NOT require any Relationships NOR multiple Container fields Let me know…

    • 10 replies
    • 2.6k views
  73. Started by Fenton,

    This is an example of how to choose from a long list of clients (or anything) with a "popup" window and a "letter-filtered" portal. It was first made in answer to a post, hence the Law Cases and dates. But it is general method. There's no documentation (as yet), so look carefully at all the parts to do with the pop up window, incl. the test in the other scripts, which, combined with the Loop/pause lock, makes the window essential "modal" (you can't do anything else 'til you make a choice or cancel). LawCases2.zip

  74. Started by Ugo DI LUCA,

    Hi, Just an answer to a thread in another Forum... May be it can be used elsewhere. v5 format file. Save as clone and use the reset button, because of my foreign System. WhoIsOnCall.zip

  75. Started by breicher,

    I'm trying to create cascading drop down menu that work in CDML. I've got them working in FM but can't get the second one to update on the web. I posted in Using FileMaker Online (http://www.fmforums.com/threads/showflat.php?Cat=0&Number=117041&an=0&page=0#117041) and they pointed me here. It sounds like I need to do this with Java. Can anyone help me get there? Here is the page. I want a room list to come up after a building is selected. http://helpdesk.chesaningschools.net/helpdesk.html I'll also attach the database. Thanks, Brad fm.zip

    • 1 reply
    • 1.4k views
  76. Started by Ugo DI LUCA,

    This is a tip I often use to select a client from my database. You could even perform multiple selection using a text field instead of a global, then select a script (I use it for e-mailing when I cannot select the clients through a scripted find) I find it very useful and this could be a good solution for others. From Bob Bowers/Chris Moyer Advanced FM

    • 8 replies
    • 2.2k views
  77. Started by Ugo DI LUCA,

    Hi, Just in case someone needed some kind of quick and friendly date inputs for finds process. This is extracted from a complete scripted "external Finds solution" I've been building. I'd try to convert it to 7 later. Sure Custom Functions could be useful here, as well as other neat new features. Edited version on july 17th UserFriendlyDateFinds.zip

  78. Started by The Shadow,

    This file demonstrates a new technique for generating a cross-tab report. There is a second table in the file called "CrossReport" whose sole purpose is to be a cross-tab summary of the data table. The script regenerates the CrossReport table when run, with the assistance of a multi-predicate join to decide what bucket of the report to total onto. FileMaker Version: Dev 7 Platform: Mac OS X Panther

    • 12 replies
    • 6.5k views
  79. Started by Oldsneekers,

    In FM7 we can have multiple open windows. I use these "Pop Up" windows to display details from a list, find criteria entry and other such "temporary" views or functions. The flash of white when a new window is created is really distracting so... 2 global fields: gWindowName, gWindowPopUpName 1 get script: Get window: gwindowPopUpName If current window does not equal gWindowPopUpName, Make a new window Set window tile: gWindowPopUp This is a sub script at the beginning of each navigation script going to a window pop up. 1 hide script for pop ups: Set WindowTile: FileName&"PopU…

    • 0 replies
    • 1.4k views
  80. Started by Ocean West,

    This sample shows how you can grey out the next / previous button when there is no next or previous record. This also shows the use of a custom function to help clean up your scripts & calculations enjoy Version: v7.x Platform: Mac OS X Panther PrevNext.fp7.zip

    • 6 replies
    • 2k views
  81. Started by Fenton,

    This is a basic example of creation and resetting of Accounts, with assigning Privilege Sets. It is in 2 files, but the technique would also be useful in a 1 file solution, if you have many accounts. There is an option to store the password in a field, but it's not really such a great idea, unless you encrypt (which you can do using a Custom Function; but that's another solution).

    • 1 reply
    • 1.7k views
  82. One of many tricks sure to come as the experience grows with v7. To create a modification log like we used to do with self triggered look ups and such woudl be such a pain in v7 because you can't simply duplicate a table with all the fields and relationships in it. So.. I discovered an easier way. However, my easier way doesn't go to the trouble of showing what the field contents were changed from/to. Instead, it just shows the users name, timestamp and the layout name they were in. This is enough for me right now and provides adequate satisfaction of HIPPA (medical) and other needs. First, create your basic fields that return the last user modificatio…

    • 12 replies
    • 3k views
  83. Started by gumstic,

    Before: I had a script asking the user to create a new record if there wasn't already one from a Secondary file(and relational to a Primary file). After: I deleted a layout and created a new one with the same name, checked all connections with the layout and updated them as required. The script then, kept asking the user to create a new record wether a record existed in the Secondary file(and relational to the Primary file) or wether it didn't! What I did: I made a small cleanup in windows. I deleted all temporary files sitting around in windows and restarted. The sript now is working fine without doing anything else! I see this helps in some situations…

    • 0 replies
    • 1.1k views
  84. Started by Jim Jam,

    I have downloadedthe v7 trial is there anyway to get the tutorial files from anywhere???

    • 1 reply
    • 2.1k views
  85. I have come up with a technique to lock down a workstation using a FMpro kiosk. (On windows) The first hurdle is to disable the use of windows keys like alt-tab, ctrl-alt-del, the windows key, etc. I found a visual C++ project file on the MSDN web site that does exactly this. (a low level system-wide keyboard hook dll) I have built the project on windows XP, and this works very well to keep a user in the kiosk. If anyone wants the executable let me know. The next task is allowing the kiosk to control access to apps without having the user access the taskbar, start menu, desktop etc. The best (cheap and easy) way that I found to accomplish this using the se…

    • 4 replies
    • 1.6k views
  86. Started by Donnie,

    Hello, I am running FMP ver 7. I started to create a program for my Martial Arts school, and I'm running into some problems. I have entered some "dummy data" in it, and was wondering about posting it on here to get help? Can I do this, or does it need to be done outside of this forum on a private level? After I receive some responses, I can ask my more direct and specific questions. Thank you. Donnie

    • 3 replies
    • 1.2k views
  87. Post deleted by JerryC

    • 1 reply
    • 1.2k views
  88. Started by The Shadow,

    • 2 replies
    • 1.7k views
  89. Started by Percy,

    Hi all, Have been playing with Filemaker a little bit and want to get a database running that is more efficient for our computer retail / service business. Below is an image of our existing database, it has quotes, invoices, correspondance, purchase orders. But i am wanting to cut it down to a computer service database. (this is for tracking customer jobs whilst they are being repaired.) Is there any templates that anyone knows of that i can manipulate?? Websites, Templates would be most helpful. Cheers Chris

    • 1 reply
    • 1.3k views
  90. Started by Ocean West,

    A nifty way of really making sure a runtime demo is useless after X days or X uses. Run a script that changes the users account or - deletes the user account. After your solution has time-bombed. This will surly render the demo useless. Version: v7.x Platform: Mac OS X Panther

    • 3 replies
    • 2.2k views
  91. Here is a FMP7 file which does a mass export of images without the use of a plug-in. This file only works with Windows, but can be adapted to Mac with a little knowledge of directory structure and command line parameters. Also, it has a "Custom Function" which can only be viewed or modified with developer edition. However, this will not keep you from using the technique in your own solution as the function is only used to display an elapsed time in the export closing dialog. Extract the file anywhere you like but maintain the directory structure I have setup so everything works okay. You can of course change all of this in your own solutions. Hope some…

  92. Started by SpencerMon,

    Trying to create a Home Inspection databaseand am new to FM. Is there anything close to this out there? Is FM the program for this? What I need it to do is: Have drop down list where I can choose from my list. Have check boxs. Add photos. Have all data tranformed into a forms template for printing.

    • 1 reply
    • 920 views
  93. Started by George TOUBALIS,

    I Found this Article yesterday and I think its useful For every developer... The Origin of FileMaker Pro (by Glenn Koenig, based on a telephone interview with Spec Bowers in December 2001, last updated on 2 April 2004) The history of Filemaker starts back in the early 1980s with four people who originally worked at Wang Laboratories, headquartered in Lowell Massachusetts: Spec Bowers, Alan Albert, Dan Chadwick, Jega Arulpragasam. Wang Labs had a political culture back then, if you were on the inside track (essentially, if you were Chinese), you would get support for getting things done. The four of them wanted to develop some new products but …

    • 3 replies
    • 2.3k views
  94. Started by BobWeaver,

    Edited 2004-05-21: Please note that the file that was attached here was an early version which would not document scipts when run under OSX. I've deleted the attachment to prevent the old version from circulating. For the latest version, please go to this link: New Thread and Latest Version And please post your comments to that thread so that this one can sink to the bottom of the pile and die a graceful death

    • 47 replies
    • 6.2k views
  95. Remove borders and use the line tool to draw borders

    • 0 replies
    • 908 views
  96. Started by blooobell,

    I applied a little graphic design trick to my horribly fuzzy fields and it seems to have solved the problem until Filemaker comes up with a real fix. Select all of your text fields at on time (this is for speed, not a necessary step) then duplicate them. With the duplicated fields still selected, position them on top of the original fields and then nudge them, one pixel at a time. My fields came into focus with the duplicated field just one pixel to the left of the original. By the way, I did this with the original fields having a color fill and the duplicates having a transparent fill. Take care, Leslie Davidson PS I posted this in another sect…

    • 1 reply
    • 1.4k views
  97. Started by Ocean West,

    Here is a basic calendar that I put together. I replaced the attachment. Version: v7.x Platform: Mac OS X Panther cal.zip

    • 18 replies
    • 4.6k views
  98. Started by Ugo DI LUCA,

    Hi, A developer usually tries to offer the user the Maximum functions. This sometimes leads to a lot of Mouse wheels scrolls, as it is difficult to concentrate these functions in only one area of the Layout. The tabbed interface certainly offered a lot of answers to these concerns by providing a very dynamic way to jump from records to records. But when it comes to "Functions".... This tip, using J.M. Osborne Visibility and an Aqua-Like Interface, tries to offfer another answer. Included also is a "Save Found Set" and "Save Flag Set" method, particularly helpful when the user would be often moving from records to records in order to "flag, mark or lock" th…

    • 8 replies
    • 2.3k views
  99. Lets say (sorry for my bad english) "set RGB "80 10 30" ...and this script fill your RGB field with this colour! You think you can't do this in FM PRO... no no

    • 3 replies
    • 1.4k views
  100. Started by Robert Schaub,

    Coming Soon Round Robin Tournament that will support upto 12 teams per record.. Schedule is pre-built into the many calcultions. Stats Screens keeps Win - Loss records. See the Picture for Preview. Will post file soon..... v6, v7 Still looking for that big FileMaker Project.

    • 3 replies
    • 1.5k views

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