I am brand new to FMP so please bear with me and my question(s). I have a database with cartoons. I have only one container field presently. When I Insert>Picture... it doesn't seem to matter whether I do it with the "Store only a reference to a file" box checked or not....since, when I click on the picture, in either/both cases I can Edit>Export field contents.... In both cases the file is exported, even though in one case it's just supposed to be the reference. What am I missing here? I am trying to avoid using too much disc space by only having one container field that has both the file and picture, so I can trash the original file/folder. Thanks for the help.

First, to understand the difference between embedding or storing as a reference, do both, then move the original file. The reference will say "cannot find file 'file name'". So that's the big difference.

You also get the same problem, even if the original is not moved, if you look from a networked computer [if the referenced file is on the non-OS-shared host computer, and not on an OS-shared 3rd volume/computer].

So, embedding the Picture, not as a reference, will put the picture permanently in FileMaker, no matter what happens to the original file. These are probably fairly small graphics, so you could put a lot in 7.

You could then trash the originals. Though you will then be completely dependent on the FileMaker file. If it should become damaged (a remote possibility), then you might be out of luck. Keep good backups.