Defining layout when opening/switching databases

[jvoldal]

Hi,

Can anyone tell me how I can specify which layout to go when switching from one database to another? I have four main layout views that are duplicated in two different but related databases and I want to be able to specify which layout to go to when jumping back and forth between them. I'm new at this and haven't had any luck searching for an answer on my own.

Thanks

j

[David Holmberg]

I don't know if this is the best way but it's one way of accomplishing the thing you want:

You culd have a global field in one of the databases.

The switch database script could look like this (from db1 to db2)

Set field (db2::global; Get(currentlayoutname))

Open file (db2)

Run script (db2::Correct_Layout)

the script correct layout should look like this:

Go to layout (db2::global)

This works if you have the same names on the layouts, if they have the same number you could use the Get(currentlayoutnumber) insetad of Get(Currentlayoutname). If nothing is similiar you could write a calc

Go to layout (

case (db2::global="layout_xxx"; layout_qqq;

db2::global="layout_zzz"; layout_yyy;

db2::global="layout_ba3"; layout_efr)

)

If you have FM7 you should think about placing everything in the same database but in different tables. They you don't have to switch file. Then you only need the "Go to layout" step with a case calc and/or scriptparameter

It's one way ...

[Lee Smith]

Hi j,

Update your profile (the link is "profile" below your name at the left) to reflect which platform, operating system and version of FileMaker you are using.

Lee

[jvoldal]

Thanks for post. I don't seem to be able to get the set field thing to work. I don't see a Get command to choose a layout (there is a Get Field), and if I type it in manually it doesn't recognize my layout name. I think I will just get the upgrade to 7.0.

j

[andygaunt]

J -

The Get functions were previously Status functions.

You can use Status(CurrentLayoutName) in pre 7.

[jvoldal]

I figured it out. Adding the Open DB action allowed me to then run the script to switch to the desired layout. Because initially I was switching from DB1 to DB2 using a go to related record command I wasn't using the Open command and was not aware that was required for the script to work properly.

Thanks for everyone's help!

j

[Ender]

The preferred method for scripting navigation between files is to have a script in the local file (attached to a button,) call a navigation script in the other file. The Open script step is not needed.

Local script "Go to Contacts":

Perform Script [ Sub Scripts, External: DB2 "Go to Contact List" ]

Nav script in DB2 "Go to Contact List":

Go to Layout [ Contact List ]

[Lee Smith]

hi j,

I see others have helped you with your question. Now you can see why it was important for us to know the profile information. Things have changed from version to version, and the approach is sometimes different, if only in the way in which the Functions have been named, and the use of ";" instead of ",".

Whether or not you upgrade to v7 is a decision that you should base on several factors. I.e. is if your operating system and CPU able to handle it.

Lee