Does anyone know the best way to produce simple text file containing text and merged data?

The problem I have is this. I use a File Maker data base to handle subscripition information. After I input a members info I would like to generate a single mail merged welcome message that I could then email to my client. I am not looking to to a mass mail merge. I did try producing a letter as a layout which contained merged data. This worked fine, only problem is that I cannot copy the letter displayed on screen into a text file.

You could put it into a big calculation, or e-mail directly out of Filemaker.

Hi

How can I email dircetly out of File Maker ? (Ver 5.5 under XP)

Create a calculation (text) field that does the "merge" then export this one record to disk.

To e-mail with FMP, you can either use the Send mail [] or Open URL [] script steps. Open URL requires you to generate a mailto url, but it will work with a wider range of mail programs.

To answer your last question first, it is possible to create a script using the script step "Send Mail" which will compose an email using fixed text or t4ext from a field for the address, subject, message etc, and transfer it to the installed email client application.

This works with a selection (but not exhaustive) of common email client applications. If your set-up is not supported, there are a number of plug-ins available that will enable FileMaker to send email out directly without invoking the default email client application on your computer.

Now to return to the original question, Kurt's suggestion of a calculating field (preferably unstored) is fine if the text of the message is relatively straightforward. If it is long or complicated, you might be better placed with a script which assembles the text of the message, placing it in a global field prior to sending each email. The chief advantage of this approach is that rather than creating a single (long and complicated) formula, you can break it down into 'chunks' with a series of script steps which each add only one component of the message, viz:

Set Field ["gWelcomeMessage", " "Dear " & FirstName & "," "]

Set Field ["gWelcomeMessage", " gWelcomeMessage & "

Thanks for the help everyone however, I can

I don't think I understand what you mean. FileMaker does come with extensive text editing capabilities.

If you want manual text editing, just set up some fields and some formatting tools (plus make the 'toolbar' visible) and away you go.

If you want to insert field contents with the click of a button, you'll need some buttons arranged around your text field.

If you want total automation (way beyond basic text editing) FileMaker will do that too, but you'll have to script it. That's where the previous replies come in

The "I use a File Maker data base" and "I have not purchased FileMaker Pro, I have only been evaluating it." look even stranger to me