Am I asking too much of Filemaker?

[stac_1]

I don't know if this is a possible script solution or if a plug-in needs to be acquired....

I am trying to have filemaker draw a picture based on some user input. For example, I would like filemaker to draw a rough layout of artwork on a page based on each piece size and overall page size - if the user enters 3-up of 1 piece of art, I would like filemaker to go to a layout or insert a picture of a rectangle (overall page) with 3 smaller shapes (artwork) inside.... Is this possible using filemaker...?

[LiveOak]

While FM has no notion of what it means to "draw" anything, you can have FM look-up a graphic based upon some user input IF you can define a fixed number of graphics or combination of graphics derived from the user's choices. FM can't create an infinite number of custom graphics based upon a user input, only select from a library of possibilities you create in advance.

-bd

[stac_1]

Thanks for the info -

I was doing some research on "Plug-ins" and came across a Plug0in called "xmChart". It is a charting plug-in that "supports all basic chart types...". Do you know anything about this plug-in and is it worth the money?

[LiveOak]

By "drawing" did you mean charting? There are a number of ways to do this. FM can link to excel via an export or ODBC. The charting plug-in would be a natural if it meets your needs. You might take a look at the manufactures web site, may offer the ability to download and try a demo before purchasing the plug-in.

-bd