how to migrate a db with referenced images?

[n1k0]

Hey all,

I'm trying to do something very simple, but can't figure it out from the documentation. In a project folder, I have a FM db and a folder containing images. The db fields includes "image" (a container) and "image_path" (text). The images were imported as references.

When I copy the project folder over to another computer, it breaks, naturally, because the stored reference path changes from "file://Drive 1/etc/project/images/picture.tiff" to "file://Drive 2/etc2/project/images/picture.tiff".

I can easily modify the text "image_path" via calculation to point to the new file, but have no idea how this should work with containers!

How does one migrate containers with referenced images to another computer??

[matt d]

If you want to just change, for example, [color:"blue"] Drive1 to [color:"green"] Drive2 then all you need to do is create a looping script. Have it replace [color:"blue"] Drive1 to [color:"blue"] Drive2 .

Let me know if you need help in creating such a script.

-[color:"blue"]M[color:"green"]att

[n1k0]

I guess I do need help

How does one change Drive1 to Drive2 in an image container?

[Fenton]

We're not sure where your problem is. I would recommend that you use the version 7 "reference via a text calculation, with a container result." This uses the "relative path from the database," not the "absolute path."

Hence, if the images are in a folder "images" in the same folder as the database file; the calculation result looks like this:

"image:images/file name", or

"image:images/pretty_picture.jpg"

If the images' folder is further "down" the hierarchy from the database file, then you can add folders to the path. You can also go up a folder, with "../"

"../../" goes up 2 folders.

A different mounted volume is "image:/volume name/folder path/file name"

(you need the "/" in front of the volume)

So, you combine the "relative folder path" with the file name to get your result. This give you the ability to move a folder later and reset its path. The advantage of this method is that you don't have to Import the images ever again.

[n1k0]

This is all good, but HOW do I "reference via a text calculation, with a container result"?

What steps will make the container reference the new image file? Import? Replace field content with a calculation?

[Fenton]

It's just a calculation with a container result; but within the calculation it's text. This is a new thing. The best way to check your path is to duplicate the calculation, but leave it as text result, so you can see the whole thing.

There's no Import. There's a lot of ways to put together a text calculation, so I can't say exactly; but it makes the most sense to combine 3 things:

the literal text "image:"

the relative folder path (like "images/horses/"), in a field

the file name ("big_horse.jpg"), in a field

"image:" & folderPath & fileName

The result would be:

image:images/horses/big_horse.jpg

A container result will show the image. A text result will show the text (for troubleshooting).

The folder path is the most likely to be changed, so it should be a field of its own. How to get the path in there? In your case, probably Replace the new relative folder path. This is easiest if the folder with the images is "down" from the database file.

[n1k0]

Satori!

I get it now, thanks so much.

Works like a charm, and what an awesome improvement!

Many many thanks..