solutions wanted A4 Layout ready to print

[Mari]

Hi There, 

I am creating a Filemaker Data base to help me with my work flow. 

I would like to create A4 Layout but I can't find an easy option how to find it on FMP 13. 

I can't find an easy way to create a template with size selection for Header - Body & footer and make sure that it will be printed on A4 Size. 

Does anyone can help? 

Many thanks, 

Mari

[Lee Smith]

I haven’t made a layout for A4 size, but I did a google search for "what is the dementions of a layout for A4” and this hit looks helpful http://betweenborders.com/wordsmithing/a4-vs-us-letter/

HTH

Lee

[Mari]

Thank you very much Lee for your help. 

[Lee Smith]

Hi Mari,

Under File, choose Page Setup, and select A4. Then View >> Page Margins.

Is this what you are after?

[Mari]

Hi Lee, 

Thank you for your help. I found it but it's more about being able to lock the size page including: Header, Body & Footer parts and to make sure it will print as I wish.

As I am modifying an old database I am trying to change some current setup which do not fit my needs and I am having difficulties to find these options.

Example:

1. One of the layout page can't be printed in Portrait (instead of Landscape) & even if I change it in "Print" > the database is still saving the pdf file in Landscape.... and if I change the layout setting into x2 or x1 column FMP doesn't want to accept it if one object (an extending compiling list) is too big but if I change the size I don't think all my datas will be printed.

2. I can't copy/paste the script of the old database into a new one layout by layout... I think this option could be easier for me but it looks like I have to change my original file directly.

 

I though File Maker Pro would be an intuitive software but I am struggling so much.

I am using FMP 13, maybe the newer version is easier/better...

[Mari]

Hoorah!!!!!!!!!!! 

I found it for the printing issue 1. > So to change from landscape to portrait to print, you need to:

1. Click on the button (that has been made to print the document) 

2. "Perform script" > "Specify" > Click on the tiny wheel > Select: "Edit..." > Select: "Print Setup" then Double click on it & select Landscape or Portrait. 

 

[Lee Smith]

Hi Mari,

Here is a trick that goes way back in FileMaker (circa FileMaker 2).

There are functions that FileMaker will remember if you do the function manually, i.e. Print is one. First, Perform a Print set up the way you want it, and them immediately create a script using the Print step. It will use the setup you just used in the manual print.

Lee

[Mari]

Thank you Lee. 

I have progressed into the making of my Database since yesterday. 

However, does anyone know how to insert page number "Page 1 of 2"  at the bottom or the top of a layout?

I have a "portal" element prior to it & if I add anything below it creates automatically x2 pages ;(

Thank you for your help

[Lee Smith]

Try this

{{RecordNumber}} of {{FoundCount}}

Also see this Tech Article

http://help.filemaker.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/3629/kw/total page count

[Mari]

Hi Lee, 

Thank you very much and it works but it's counting all the records present within the layout in the database instead of counting the number of page present in the current layout/record. 

Does there is a formula to add to make it work?

I'm sure it's something easy to do but know how to do it.

At the moment this is what have got:

Formula: Pg. {{PageNumber}} / {{FoundCount}}

Perform script:

Enter preview mode

Go to record/Request/Page [first]

Set variable [$pp;:Value:Get (PageNumber)}

Go to record/Request/Page [last]

Pause/resume script [indefinitely]

 

Thank you

[comment]

46 minutes ago, Mari said:

Go to record/Request/Page [first]

Set variable [$pp;:Value:Get (PageNumber)}

If you set the variable while you're on the first page, it will always have the value of 1.

You should read the KB article Lee pointed to.

 

Edited August 31, 2016 by comment

[Mari]

Hi there, 

So.... I am still a bit struggling with the page numbers so I decided to go back to the start and to do it steps by steps. 

As per the File Maker help and your advices, I need to "set a variable" but how do I do that?

Where do I physically click to "set a variable" (prior to: "insert merge variable")?

(see this link: http://www.filemaker.com/help/13/fmp/en/html/create_layout.9.34.html#1064499)

I don't find it very clear... 

Thank you so much in advance.

Mari

[comment]

It's a script step. I thought you already had it in your script (at least that's what your previous post shows). You only need to change the value part.

Edited September 6, 2016 by comment

[Lee Smith]

Attach a copy of your script - it is easy - and then paste it in a Reply.

[Mari]

Hi there, 

Thank you for your prompt reply and thank you Lee but the following was already typed when I saw your answer above.

 

I would like to get the page numbers on each layout with the correct total of page for each layout (instead of total record number).

For instance:

Layout 1: has 2 pages, once printed it will be written:

"Page 1 of 2" then "Page 2 of 2"

Layout 2 has only 1 page once printed it will be written:

"Page 1 of 1"

 

So here it's what I have done:

1. Clicked on "Edit Layout"

2. Then "Insert" > "Merge Variable" 

3. Named variable: "Page {{PageNumber}} of <<$pp>>"

4. Right click > "Button Setup" > "Perform Script" > "Specify"

5. "+" > "New" then Script Name: "<<$pp>>"

6. Then I create the following script:

• Enter Preview Mode [ ]
• Go to Record/Request/Page [First]
• Set Variable [$pp; Value:Get (PageNumber)]
• Go to Layout [original layout]
• Go to Record/Request/Page [Last]
• Pause/Resume Script [Indefinitely]

Then I click on "OK" - I make sure the script selected is the good one then I click on "OK" again.

7. I exit "Layout mode" and I can see where I have inserted the "Merge variable" the following: "Page ? of       "

8. When I put the arrow/mouse over it + click, I enter the "Preview mode"

9. then I can see on the 1st page of my Layout 1: "Page 1 of 1"

and on my Layout 2: "Page 2 of 1" > which is incorrect. It should be: "Page 1 of 1"

The number of page should be reset/different for each layout.

10. If I click on one of my button, previously created to get a Pdf of one of my layout the following appears: "Page 1 of      " 

The end is blank.

 

11. OPTION 2:

I have tried something else -

If I write this text: "Pg. {{PageNumber}} / {{FoundCount}}"

Without using any formula it will do the following on a Layout which has only 2 pages:

On my page 1  it will be written: "Pg. 1 / 3"

And on my page 2 it will be written: "Pg. 2 / 3"

The number "3" = the number of Record I have for this type of layouts. 

I would like to change/get the formula when "FoundCount" equal the total of pages on each layout. 

Thank you so much for your help and I'm sorry about this long explanation. I hope it all makes sense. It is so easy to do in word and excel. At the end: I will master Filemaker Pro  !

And Here is the pic. 

I think I have to ask the software to look at the layout instead of "record".

Thank you

[comment]

We are going in a circle here. You need to change your script so that it does:

Go to Layout [ **your print layout** ] 
Enter Preview Mode [ ]
Go to Record/Request/Page [Last]
Set Variable [$pp; Value:Get (PageNumber)]
Go to Record/Request/Page [First]
Pause/Resume Script [Indefinitely]

This is assuming you want the same script to put user on page 1 in Preview mode. Note also that the $pp variable will be deleted once the script runs out. If you want to retain it, rename it to $$pp (and adjust the text on the layout accordingly).

With regard to the text on the layout: when you click into it (in Layout mode), you should see exactly this:

Page {{PageNumber}} of <<$pp>>

--

Having written all this, I now find that the help has the same script and merged variables example:
http://www.filemaker.com/help/15/fmp/en/#page/FMP_Help%2Finserting-merge-variables-on-layout.html

 

 

Edited September 6, 2016 by comment

[Mari]

Hi there, 

Thank you now the formula works but when I try to print it, it appears like this: "Page 1 of     "

(the total number of page doesn't appear ) 

[comment]

7 minutes ago, Mari said:

when I try to print it, it appears like this: "Page 1 of     "

I suspect I already answered this:

36 minutes ago, comment said:

Note also that the $pp variable will be deleted once the script runs out. If you want to retain it, rename it to $$pp (and adjust the text on the layout accordingly).

 

[Mari]

I understood it and it's what I've done, I have followed your instruction with <<$$pp>> but the printing issue is there.

Thank you.

[Lee Smith]

You have the Record Request Steps backwards.

Go to Layout [The layout you want to print]
Enter Preview Mode [ ]
Go to Record / Request / Page [Last]
Set Field [Table::Page Count, Get ( PageNumber )]
Go to Record / Request / Page [First]
Pause/Resume Script [Indefinitely

 

Have you used the Debugger and Data Viewer to follow this?

[Mari]

Thank you Lee and I will try this.

[Lee Smith]

This was pointed out in the Link I post here,

On August 24, 2016 at 10:32 AM, Lee Smith said:

Also see this Tech Article

http://help.filemaker.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/3629/kw/total page count

and by comment 

Quote

You need to change your script so that it does:

and then

Also, my last post, 

1 hour ago, Lee Smith said:

Attach a copy of your script - it is easy - and then paste it in a Reply.

I didn’t want the Screen Shot, I wanted the Text.

[Mari]

Hi Lee,

I wanted to copy and paste but I am unable to do it on Filemaker Pro 13. The script window do not look like the one you have and I can't copy/paste into a text editor.

[Lee Smith]

Wow, that’s weird?

Anyway, you can always print a script to Preview and then copy that. Don’t bother doing that now though.

p.s

Sorry, I guess the button came as part of a plugins -  Sorry. 

Edited September 6, 2016 by Lee Smith
p.s.

[tdub808]

On 9/6/2016 at 10:11 AM, Lee Smith said:

You have the Record Request Steps backwards.

Go to Layout [The layout you want to print]
Enter Preview Mode [ ]
Go to Record / Request / Page [Last]
Set Field [Table::Page Count, Get ( PageNumber )]
Go to Record / Request / Page [First]
Pause/Resume Script [Indefinitely

 

Have you used the Debugger and Data Viewer to follow this?

In case someone else (like myself) run into the issue of Preview Mode or Prints only showing the first page number on all the pages. i.e. Page 1 of 15 on every single page.

Solution: Uncheck "Restart page numbers after each occurrence" in Layout Mode --> Double click on the footer part or tab.

Now it should show Page 1 of 15 on the first page, Page 2 of 15 on the second page, and so on.

Cheers!