accessing non-contiguous records

[Rand Valentine]

I'm using FileMaker Pro to compile a dictionary of a language. Part of my work requires that I index words into groups of "families." Conceptually, this just involves giving each member of a group a shared, unique identifier. But what baffles me in FMP is how to access non-contiguous records when one is at a given record. In forms view, is there any way to access (and edit) other records while remaining on the record one is on, i.e., is there no way to edit two non-contiguous records simultaneously? Ideally, what I'd like to be able to do is split my screen-space in two and be able to access two records independently of the other, and edit each on the basis of the content in the other. Thanks!

[danjacoby]

Create a self-relationship based on the "family". Then add a portal that shows the whole family -- you can edit any fields you put into the portal.

[Rand Valentine]

Okay, that sounds like it might work, I'll experiment a bit. Thanks for taking the time to answer my question.

[danjacoby]

Alternatively, you could create a "GoToRelatedRecord" button.