I'd like to prevent users from creating empty records. What is the best approach. Could I write a script that checks the entry as the user exits the record?

One way:

Make a new layout and a global field for each field in the database.

In the new layout, have a button for the user to click that checks to see the fields arn't all empty, and if they arn't, make a new record with the globals as the fields.

There should be other ways, but that is just one.

If you use FMP6, you don't even need a layout. Use the new custom dialog box for new record imput, or at least the main fields (up to 3).

what's wrong with simply validating the required fields to 'not empty'. seems to be the most straightforward solution.

validating could work, but there isn't really one required field. Sometimes there may be no business name and sometimes there may be no first and last name. I could probably make a combined hidden field with first name, last name, and business name and validate that as not empty.

"Not Empty" validation on all fields becomes a nightmare for users when they accidentally make a new record, or want to make a new record but don't have all the info yet.

Best to decide which data *really* needs to be there and only validate for that. One or two fields at most.