Remote printing from web companion?

[ErnieG]

I'm hosting a FM 5.5 database published to the Web (IWP) from a G4 with a static IP. Generally things are OK, but the client wants more functionality--like printing reports. I should be able to make that work with a layout in "table view" in the browser, except that the browser shows no vertical scroll bar and prints only ONE PAGE even if there are more records listed.

Is this a limitation of Instant Web Publishing, or of the browser? (I'm testing with IE 4.5.) Anyone know of a workaround that doesn't require me to learn HTML?

One other glitch: If the client does a search for a set of records, then edits and "submits" one of those records, the found set is lost. Clicking "next" just takes you to the next record in the overall database. Is there a solution to this problem?

Thank you all.

Ernie

[Anatoli]

IWP is good enough for stamp collection.

Start with CWP

[ErnieG]

Thank you, Anatoli.

I've never worked with HTML, so I know I'm facing a big learning curve. Plus the client will of course want reassurance. So can anyone say specifically and for sure that Custom Web Publishing can do the following?

1) "Submit" an edited record and return to the found set of records from a previous search.

2) Present a Table View that will print across more than one page when necessary.

3) And, while I'm at it, can CWP be used to present a series of records in something like FileMaker's "List View," and print it across several pages?

I just need to know I'm jumping in the right direction. Thank you, thank you.

Ernie

[Garry Claridge]

Ernie,

This can all be done with CWP. However, some elements will take more effort and programing experience than others to achieve. Some use of Javascript may also be needed.

All the best.

Garry

[Anatoli]

Ernie

get GoLive and Macromedia Trial versions.

That should introduce you to the HTML for next 60 days and it will be free.

Then pick one, or analyze how things are done in HTML.

Get also CDML Reference database -- there is the whole syntax.

All that you mention is possible with CWP. Maybe not exactly as you imagine, but pretty close. And you can ask questions here if you are stuck.

[jamesducker]

Also get hold of Claris Home Page 3 if you can.

Once in Home Page open up "FileMaker form library" and all the necessary bits of code are explained in simple English and you can even drag-and-drop elements straight in to your web page.

IMO, this is the easiest way to get started with CWP - especially for impatient folk like me -)

Good luck

[Shelbi]

I, too, am a new to CWP and Javascript. I have found a great page to help me. http://www.irt.org I have also figured out how to print 'reports'. In short you will have to make an HTML page that looks like the report you want to print at the bottom of the page to be printed there is some JS code you can put in found at http://developer.irt.org/script/1457.htm

then for the button use

<A HREF="[FMP-linkrecid: layout=main, format=printreport.htm]"><img border="0" src="pic/print.gif" width="150" height="35"></a>

My button is a link with a picture. The button goes on another page other than the one to be printed.

What does all of this do? This way you don't print out any extras, just the report. the script that goes at the bottom of the page to be printed opens a print dialog box then automatically closes the page. You can play around with that part if you happen to pick up some JS basics. And of course i hope you have picked up some HTML, too. And remeber you can always check out others' code you see while surfing to help you out, too.