Multi column layout

[alexliz]

I have a layout in which I need to print in three columns the names of students enrolled in certain classes. Problem is, I don't want FileMaker to run to the bottom of the page for the first column, then come back up to the top to start a second column and only have a couple of names left to print, because that looks 'not-nice'! I would prefer to have FileMaker see how many names there are in total for that specific class, then divide them by the number of columns (ie 3) and figure out how many to put in the first and second columns, then dump the remaining names in the last column. Then there is some symmetry on the printed lists (since all columns have the same number of names with the exception that the last -the third- will have one or two names less), and you get better paper usage.

Note: I know I could arrange the layout to print across first, then down, and get the result that I describe above. The difference is that then names would be sorted alphabetically across then down, and when someone reads the layout later they tend to go down first, then across, and you lose the alphabetization!!!

Any comments/ideas more than welcome.

[Ugo DI LUCA]

May be not what you're looking for. I am not the one mad of portals to print, but for some reasons, I'd go this way for that job.

MultiColumnar.zip

[Kundinger]

Hello "alexliz",

If I understand you correctly... you want a list of names in three columns... with all columns being 'somewhat' equal in length. So, if you have a group of 30 names... each column will have 10 names each. What you DON'T want is... 25 names in the first column... 5 names in the second column... and no names in the third column.

You should be able to accomplish this by creating a script that will add blank records...

The basic steps:

- find the records you want in the report

- sort the found records

- count the found records

- divide the 'count' by three

- mark the 'column one' records

- add & mark blank 'column one' records

- mark the 'column two' records

- add & mark blank 'column two' records

- mark the 'column three' records

- sort the final group of records

- print the report

- find the 'blank' records

- delete the found 'blank' records

That said... beware...

- auto entry calculations on the 'blank' records such as serial numbers and calcs that will 'fill' the fields to be printed

- report layout with 'sliding' based on blank fields

- page setup settings

- fixed length columns

- extra fields needed to 'mark' column and record numbers for the report

I hope these ideas give you what you are searching for... Let me know if it worked!

Good Luck!

Bob Kundinger

[email protected]

[Ugo DI LUCA]

Great explanation Bob,

I realize now that I missed the point for the columns setting.

If you don't mind, I'd adjust the portal idea with a new version with a loop script in the related, flagging and omitting records, then sorting back on the flag.

Less dynamic though...

[Ugo DI LUCA]

This one was simple....finally

MultiColumnar.zip

[CobaltSky]

I have a feeling that what Alexliz is looking for is more like the attached.

It uses a standard column layout set for across-then-down, with a relatively straightforward script which sorts records to allocate them to the appropriate row for a down-then-across effect, similar to what is requested.

The script has only a few steps, as you'll see in the sample file attached.

The sorting calc is set up in the attached example to work for three columns x eight rows (ie 24 records to a page) but other layout configurations are possible using the same principle.

ColumnSort.zip

[Ugo DI LUCA]

Good god !

I thought Alexis wanted to ENTER data in it in browse Mode (ex checkbox when absent, or a grade) with that disposal....

An Avery sheet was pretty straightforward elseway.

[Kundinger]

Hi Ray,

Great Solutions!

I just downloaded your sample and looked through it... it looks Great! I've always done the 'Add Blank Records' to get the results needed. Now you gave me new ideas for my client solutions... a 'different way' to look at problem solving.

It only goes to show how this 'FMForums' can be a great resource for idea sharing.

Thanx,

Bob Kundinger

[Kundinger]

Hi All,

After looking at Ray's sample file... and brainstorming many different scenarios... I came up with yet another approach...

"Looping"... (in a script)... just sort the records... 'set' the row value for three records... increase the row value... then 'loop'

I've taken Ray's sample file and added a global field and another script to accomplish this.

Take a look at the attached sample file.

Thanx,

Bob Kundinger

NewColSort.fp5.zip

[Ugo DI LUCA]

OK Nob and Ray...

Alexis was looking for a Preview down then accross.

Your 2 solutions seems to be working as expected.

Though (but this wasn't requested), these solutions don't adress the Browse mode. I still don't like using portals for print, but these allow to browse the records as they would appear with your previews, then add some grades next to the names.

Just think of a "check presence" layout, with a checkbox ... (the checkbox isn't here though).

I've corrected the sampler for a down then accross presentation.

MultiColumnar.1.zip

[CobaltSky]

Hi Bob,

I had a look at your script with the loop. However your script doesn't really do anything - ie it produces an across-then-down sequence of names, which is the same result that would be achieved by simply sorting by name. The numbers your script allocates just replicate the preceding sort, and if you delete everything from Loop to End Loop, the outcome is unchanged.

The purpose of the calc in my script was to reverse the order of names so that they are presented in a down-then-across format, as was requested by Alexliz - thus providing the advantage of the paper use characteristics of an across-then-down layout, while retaining the intuitive convenience of a down-then-across alphasort of the names.

The calc which apportions the numbers for the alternate sort can be applied either by a 'Loop' sequence or by the 'Replace[ ]'command (a loop would be preferable in a multi-user solution - replace is a bit simpler if it's single-user) but that is more or less beside the point - which was just to demo the sorting calc.