Conditional ValueList Newbie Question

[Leo_Beth]

I am a _very_ novice FMPro user trying to set up a basic database, so please excuse incorrect terminology.

I have a call tracking file which includes Topic and Sub Topic fields which are drop down menus (plus other fields which are not pertinent to this question). I have 7 items under Topic such as: information, troubleshooting, order, feedback. When a user selects one of the topics, I want them to have only Sub Topics available which are specific to that topic. For example:

Feedback

site

shopping

product

service plan

Troubleshooting

Battery life

Locate

coverage

I put each Sub Topic in its own separate layout but that doesn't seem to work on the Master layout so that when I select the Topic "Troubleshooting", only the Troubleshooting Sub Topics appear in the Sub Topic field.

I've gone through much of this forum but can't find an answer to my question (though I am sure it is here and I just didn't understand the technical points ;-)).

[LaRetta]

Hi Bfox53,

Welcome to the Forum.

You haven't indicated whether your sub-topic is currently based upon a Custom Value List or based upon field values.

1) Go to File > Define Relationships. Create a new relationship and find your file name (CallTracking.fp5). Name your new relationship something like Related Sub Topics. Join Topic to Topic.

If your Sub-Topic is currently based upon field values but all values, simply change it as follows:

2) Change your Sub-Topic Value List to use 'only related values' and select your new Related Sub Topics relationship. Use values from field Sub Topic.

If your Sub-Topic Value List is a Custom List that you wish to keep for some reason, you will still need to perform steps #1 & #2 above - just create a new Value List to use as #2. If you don't need your existing Custom Sub-Topic Value List, you can just change it instead.

If you have any trouble, let us know and we can help you further. I'd be happy to provide a small demo if needed, but I don't think you'll have any trouble with it.

Cheers,

LaRetta

[Leo_Beth]

I made each sub topic its own value list. Does this make a difference? However, all the topics are under one value list. Should I break this up and make each topic its own value list?

[LaRetta]

Hi Bfox53,

I don't know your solution, but the way this normally works is this:

A Topic can be a Custom Value List (or based upon field values) with all topics listed. A conditional Sub-Topic VL (based only upon 'related' topics) is created based upon the field values existing in Sub-Topic that match the Topic. It can not be a Custom Value List.

So your Sub-Topic Value List can be ONE value list and the new relationship you establish (based upon Topic) will filter your Sub-Topic for you. I've attached a very simple example for you. It sounds complex but, I think once you see it in action in the demo, it will become clear for you.

Decide whether you want a pop-up list or pop-up menu. To add an item to a pop-up list, click it once and (keeping your cursor over the field), click again. There are other ways to modify the field (double-click, etc). To add to a pop-up menu, you must click the box in field formatting that says, "Other" while in layout mode.

If you run into snags, someone is always here to help clarify further.

LaRetta

CallTracking.zip