In Approach and Access, formating a field to display as a Social Security number is a simple right-click, select type to display as SS#. I'm just beginning in Filemaker and want to display newly imported fields this way. How? I've searched everywhere and I'm so tired it's probably right before my eyes! I'm impressed with Filemaker. I chose it because our agency is 50-50 PC/Mac and I want to publish to the web. BUT, some things that are very simple in Approach are mind-boggling in Filemaker. I have MUCH to learn! Any help would be appreciated. BTW, I would LOVE to get my hands on these great icons!

LaRetta

1) Create a text field named: ssn

2) Under the field options, click on the "validation" tab

3) Click "Validated By Calculation" and enter the below calculation and check the box "Validate only if field has been modified":

Length(ssn) = 11 and

PatternCount("0123456789", Left( ssn , 1)) > 0 and

PatternCount("0123456789", Middle( ssn , 2, 1)) > 0 and

PatternCount("0123456789", Middle( ssn , 3, 1)) > 0 and

Middle( ssn, 4, 1) = "-" and

PatternCount("0123456789", Middle( ssn , 5, 1)) > 0 and

PatternCount("0123456789", Middle( ssn , 6, 1)) > 0 and

Middle( ssn, 7, 1) = "-" and

PatternCount("0123456789", Middle( ssn , 8, 1)) > 0 and

PatternCount("0123456789", Middle( ssn , 9, 1)) > 0 and

PatternCount("0123456789", Middle( ssn , 10, 1)) > 0 and

PatternCount("0123456789", Middle( ssn , 11, 1)) > 0

or

Length( ssn) = 0

4) Check the box "Strict: Do not allow override of validation

5) Check the box "Display custom message if validation fails" and enter the below text:

There is a problem with your social security number format. Please click REVERT.

6) You're done! If the validation fails, it will force the user to click Revert.

I have attached a file that has this as example as well as a phone format, state format and the very useful state code and name... don't expect your users to know all the state codes.

Good luck!

format.zip

You are a life-saver! Oh dear, I hope this isn't an indication of the learning curve I'll be facing with this project! Well, it'll be worth it. You are the GREATEST! Now I'm glad I asked instead of spending another six hours hunting for a solution. Bless ya!

If you are going to use the icons "on screen" just screen capture them (mac: Command-Shift-4). the resolution will be fine. I'll ask Steve (Ocean West) if they are available as separate files in UBB Threads (the bulletin board software we use). Thanks for posting a picture, it's nice to have a pretty face on the Forums!

-bd

Right now, I'm using a PC but I think I'll switch! However, right-click-'save as' works great! I wasn't sure it would be ethical, but they are great! I like seeing the faces of the people I talk to -- it makes remember their conversations easier. Thanks again.