Importing Layouts???

[ESCPhilLee]

We have a company database we run on Filemaker Server. I would like to create some custom layouts (previews) on my laptop (standalone) and import them back into the server database. Right now the only way I can update the layouts is to work directly on server version or copy the standalone file over the server file and lose the data. Is there any way to import layouts (previews) without disturbing the data?

[ernst]

Hi Phill,

Have a copy of the database on your laptop and do your layout work on that copy.

Make sure it's in single user mode, and open your copy AND the served version on the laptop. Then just do a select all -> copy in your modified version and paste it to the served version.

Regards,

Ernst.

[Steverino]

But you still have to set up the layout, with all the specifications for the parts (and to make sure that what you paste goes in the right place in terms of the parts). It would be great if there were a better solution!

[ernst]

>>But you still have to set up the layout, with all the specifications for the parts (and to make sure that >> what you paste goes in the right place in terms of the parts).

True, but if you start with setting up the parts, give them all the right heights (have View -> Object Size set to pixels helps a lot) then you can just do a copy-paste.

Of course you should use 'Object Size' again to record the original position of your copied items and set the right position to the pasted items

>> It would be great if there were a better solution!

Maybe one of the real Wizards of this forum knows a better way...

Regards,

Ernst.

[LaRetta]

Hi ESCPhilLee,

Something you might consider ... but keep in mind that I have never networked FM so I don't know if this makes a difference:

I copy my dbs and made all changes at home (add layouts, calcs etc). When back at the office, I delete all records from my copy, compress and import all records from the up-and-running copy.

The first time I did it, I messed up. I realised that, since I was importing every field (including IDs), that I should not 'apply any auto-enter options.' Straight data in. But I neglected to take in account my auto-enter serial numbers. The number in my 'home-based' copy ended at 16,000. But Users kept creating new records in the office system so the db actually had 16,400 records.

The auto-enter SNs began applying 16001 to the next new record created. Get the drift? Duplicate SNs!! Very bad! As far as I know, if you remember to reset your SNs to the last record count + 1 from the new data, it's okay to do it this way. In fact, if you do this often, I would script it for protection.

But the ability to work on a copy of my solution (after I fixed the dups - which screwed up my related data), made life much easier for me by allowing me time to create new layouts.

Maybe others have reasons this isn't a good idea. If so, I'd like to know. But it was the only way I could make design changes. Just an idea.

LaRetta

[LaRetta]

Hi,

From Ernst ...

Of course you should use 'Object Size' again to record the original position of your copied items and set the right position to the pasted items.

It might shave a bit off the time (and it all adds up) by dropping a button (or anything) into the very top-left corner of the layout - use arrows to be sure it can't go any further up or over. Then, Edit > Select All and copy. On the new layout, click into the top-left corner then paste. It positions perfectly because FM attemps to center it around where you clicked.

All the best,

LaRetta