When defining a field, is there a validation calculation you can use to limited the field to max. 10 characters for example.

Also, will this disable the ability to carriage return within a field?

Search this forum for "max length". A similar approach could probably be used to check for carriage returns.

Make a validation as follow:

(PatternCount(field; "

In the field definition optins click the VALIDATION tab

check off the Validation By Calculation Box

define the calculation as Length(your_field)=(your limit)

You can even check off the:

"display custom message if validation fails" Box

and enter a message of your choice

Allow me to try it again:

In the field definition options click the VALIDATION tab

check off the "Validation By Calculation" Box

define the calculation as: Length(your_field)=10

You can even check off the Box

"display custom message if validation fails"

and enter a message of your choice

This should work

FileMaker 5.5 makes it easy with a validation check box to limit maximum number of characters.

I have attempted to use the "Length(field_name)=10" option but the problem is that I am using a repeting field. It dosn't seem to work correctly all the time.

If I enter to many chars, the validation works. However, if I revert the field or OK it & modify to within the allowed char length - The field validation still reports the error?

The validation "Length(field_name)=10" requires the field to be EXACTLY 10 characters long. Are you sure you don't want "Length(field_name) <= 10"?

-bd

of course!

how simple - couldn't see the woods for the tree's!

Thanks again