'Double Click' to open an imported container file

[sbrash03]

As usual I have a problem.

I want to add PDF files to a container field in a sales database. I then want to 'double click' on the file icon (in the container field) and have Acrobat open up automatically and display the PDF.

If I insert the file into the container as a 'file reference' there is no problem. BUT... (there's always a but) this is not what I want because I cannot guarantee that I can maintain the integrity of a completely separate file structure holding all the PDFs (there may be thousands) over the years that this database is hopefully used.

Rather, I want to import the entire PDF file when I insert it into the container and store it now in FileMaker. But the ability to 'double click' the icon and have it open the file now seems to be lost.

So... how do I write a script to open an embedded file in a container field from within FileMaker ?

Thanks in advance for your help.

- Stephen

[Lexan]

...and as usual I've not the best solution, but only one of the possible solutions!

Let me suppose You are a Mac user, otherwise, read the Filemaker manual before

to post a request like this one.

(for wintel people: read the help about INSERT>>OBJECT... command menu, please!!!)

So this approach starts from a Mac point of view.

Forewords: You are getting into a lot of troubles, "store reference only..." could really be the best approach you can choose.

Let's go on!

1) Put/import into the container your PDF file with "store only a reference..." unchecked

2) Trash the PDF file, if you want, you don't need it anymore!

3) Create a script which:

3.1) export as temporary file the contents of the container (for example name it "temp.pdf") in a folder of your choice

3.2) open, thanks a Send Event the temp file, "aevt" "odoc" "file:../temp.pdf"

Make use of buttons and script as you like. For example create a script in order to import/open the PDF because your container could be empty..!

Take a look at the attached example, I discussed about some pros&cons. Let me show the biggest cons: You can't open more than one PDF at a time!

Happy FileMaking!

/Stefano

PDFcontainer.fp7.zip

[sbrash03]

Thanks...

Your example attatchment was very helpful. I actually had scrubbed the manual for a similar solution but was not able to answer the question.

Much appreciated.

- Stephen