Go To Layout [ ] difficult!

[LaRetta]

Hi Everyone,

When writing a script and selecting Go To Layout [ ] and then selecting from the SMALL popup, is there a quick way to jump by beginning letter? Scrolling works but I have 110 layouts (is that a lot?) and my index finger is taking a toll (from repeated scrolling)?

I'm hoping someone has discovered a shortcut command (for Windows). [CTRL] and 'Alpha' doesn't work; neither does any other combination I can think of.

LaRetta

[LaRetta]

Hi Everyone,

When writing a script and selecting Go To Layout [ ] and then selecting from the SMALL popup, is there a quick way to jump by beginning letter? Scrolling works but I have 110 layouts (is that a lot?) and my index finger is taking a toll (from repeated scrolling)?

I'm hoping someone has discovered a shortcut command (for Windows). [CTRL] and 'Alpha' doesn't work; neither does any other combination I can think of.

LaRetta

[LaRetta]

Hi Everyone,

When writing a script and selecting Go To Layout [ ] and then selecting from the SMALL popup, is there a quick way to jump by beginning letter? Scrolling works but I have 110 layouts (is that a lot?) and my index finger is taking a toll (from repeated scrolling)?

I'm hoping someone has discovered a shortcut command (for Windows). [CTRL] and 'Alpha' doesn't work; neither does any other combination I can think of.

LaRetta

[LaRetta]

I should mention I'm also looking to hire a high-school kid to drag (individually) every one of my scripts into their proper order. It will take hours.

They are pretty-much categorized and grouped (Contacts, Products, Invoicing etc) but totally out of sequence. From now on when starting a new solution, I will duplicate an existing script so it appears directly under the prior (instead of the bottom, starting a new one) so they remain in proper sequence.

The same applies to layouts. I'll have this person move them for me - one at a time. A no-brainer but takes forever DRAGGGGGING things around!! And Windows drags SLOWLY!

LaRetta

[LaRetta]

I should mention I'm also looking to hire a high-school kid to drag (individually) every one of my scripts into their proper order. It will take hours.

They are pretty-much categorized and grouped (Contacts, Products, Invoicing etc) but totally out of sequence. From now on when starting a new solution, I will duplicate an existing script so it appears directly under the prior (instead of the bottom, starting a new one) so they remain in proper sequence.

The same applies to layouts. I'll have this person move them for me - one at a time. A no-brainer but takes forever DRAGGGGGING things around!! And Windows drags SLOWLY!

LaRetta

[LaRetta]

I should mention I'm also looking to hire a high-school kid to drag (individually) every one of my scripts into their proper order. It will take hours.

They are pretty-much categorized and grouped (Contacts, Products, Invoicing etc) but totally out of sequence. From now on when starting a new solution, I will duplicate an existing script so it appears directly under the prior (instead of the bottom, starting a new one) so they remain in proper sequence.

The same applies to layouts. I'll have this person move them for me - one at a time. A no-brainer but takes forever DRAGGGGGING things around!! And Windows drags SLOWLY!

LaRetta

[Vaughan]

Mmmm, one of the big interface differences between MacOS and Windows is the way menus and lists are displayed. On Windows, it seems to show 8 (or so) then makes you drag a scroll bar to view the rest. MacOS usually expands to show as many as it can, and will scroll by dragging to the end of the list.

Much faster, but requires more mouse movement. So whereas your index finger is getting sore, with me it's my wrist.

[Vaughan]

Mmmm, one of the big interface differences between MacOS and Windows is the way menus and lists are displayed. On Windows, it seems to show 8 (or so) then makes you drag a scroll bar to view the rest. MacOS usually expands to show as many as it can, and will scroll by dragging to the end of the list.

Much faster, but requires more mouse movement. So whereas your index finger is getting sore, with me it's my wrist.

[Vaughan]

Mmmm, one of the big interface differences between MacOS and Windows is the way menus and lists are displayed. On Windows, it seems to show 8 (or so) then makes you drag a scroll bar to view the rest. MacOS usually expands to show as many as it can, and will scroll by dragging to the end of the list.

Much faster, but requires more mouse movement. So whereas your index finger is getting sore, with me it's my wrist.

[LaRetta]

Hi there Vaughan!!!

Yeah. Well, at least with layouts in the Status Area, one can type the letter and jump. And, since my layouts aren't in perfect alpha order (me bad), I find myself with my nose to the screen going blind trying to find the proper layouts when I need them in the Go To Layout[] popup.

God, I love these kinds of lessons. Okay, lesson learned ... now God, just 'fix make better' and I promise never to add anything out of sequence again and I promise to always name my layouts (even working ones) and don't let me leave them saying Layout #104 without a clue what they represent without having to open the darned things to see what they contain.

Sometimes rushing what I'm doing is costing me ten times the work in the long run.

LaRetta

[LaRetta]

Hi there Vaughan!!!

Yeah. Well, at least with layouts in the Status Area, one can type the letter and jump. And, since my layouts aren't in perfect alpha order (me bad), I find myself with my nose to the screen going blind trying to find the proper layouts when I need them in the Go To Layout[] popup.

God, I love these kinds of lessons. Okay, lesson learned ... now God, just 'fix make better' and I promise never to add anything out of sequence again and I promise to always name my layouts (even working ones) and don't let me leave them saying Layout #104 without a clue what they represent without having to open the darned things to see what they contain.

Sometimes rushing what I'm doing is costing me ten times the work in the long run.

LaRetta

[LaRetta]

Hi there Vaughan!!!

Yeah. Well, at least with layouts in the Status Area, one can type the letter and jump. And, since my layouts aren't in perfect alpha order (me bad), I find myself with my nose to the screen going blind trying to find the proper layouts when I need them in the Go To Layout[] popup.

God, I love these kinds of lessons. Okay, lesson learned ... now God, just 'fix make better' and I promise never to add anything out of sequence again and I promise to always name my layouts (even working ones) and don't let me leave them saying Layout #104 without a clue what they represent without having to open the darned things to see what they contain.

Sometimes rushing what I'm doing is costing me ten times the work in the long run.

LaRetta

[Vaughan]

I usually develop with the files hosted in FM Server, so it's backed up and users can do testing easily. But one of the (very few) frustrating things with FMP 6 development is that layouts cannot be reordered while the file is hosted.

Even thought I usually don't get anywhere near 100 layouts I find scrolling through 20-odd layouis a chore. So you have all my sympathy for scrolling through 100.

As an aside, I did a job a year or so ago on a letter template database. Users had learned how to put fields on layoputs (and a few had worked out merge codes) so they could do bulk letters in FMP. They loved it. Only problem was they'd hard codes in things like dates, so they'd have to change them each time they'd use them.

Well the problem was that as the list grew past about 40 or so layouts it became faster for users to duplicate the first layout and modify it, instead of looking through the list. I got called in when the layout count passed 640! I ended up getting it down to less than 20 different letter templates.

[Vaughan]

I usually develop with the files hosted in FM Server, so it's backed up and users can do testing easily. But one of the (very few) frustrating things with FMP 6 development is that layouts cannot be reordered while the file is hosted.

Even thought I usually don't get anywhere near 100 layouts I find scrolling through 20-odd layouis a chore. So you have all my sympathy for scrolling through 100.

As an aside, I did a job a year or so ago on a letter template database. Users had learned how to put fields on layoputs (and a few had worked out merge codes) so they could do bulk letters in FMP. They loved it. Only problem was they'd hard codes in things like dates, so they'd have to change them each time they'd use them.

Well the problem was that as the list grew past about 40 or so layouts it became faster for users to duplicate the first layout and modify it, instead of looking through the list. I got called in when the layout count passed 640! I ended up getting it down to less than 20 different letter templates.

[Vaughan]

I usually develop with the files hosted in FM Server, so it's backed up and users can do testing easily. But one of the (very few) frustrating things with FMP 6 development is that layouts cannot be reordered while the file is hosted.

Even thought I usually don't get anywhere near 100 layouts I find scrolling through 20-odd layouis a chore. So you have all my sympathy for scrolling through 100.

As an aside, I did a job a year or so ago on a letter template database. Users had learned how to put fields on layoputs (and a few had worked out merge codes) so they could do bulk letters in FMP. They loved it. Only problem was they'd hard codes in things like dates, so they'd have to change them each time they'd use them.

Well the problem was that as the list grew past about 40 or so layouts it became faster for users to duplicate the first layout and modify it, instead of looking through the list. I got called in when the layout count passed 640! I ended up getting it down to less than 20 different letter templates.

[LaRetta]

20! So 100 layouts is a lot???

This solution drives their entire business, from Contact Management through GL and AR. There are 5 layouts just to view the basic Contact info alone - not to mention Address window, Credit Card window ... and it goes on.

There are 22 Invoice layouts alone (counting reports) Oh dear ...

LaRetta

[LaRetta]

20! So 100 layouts is a lot???

This solution drives their entire business, from Contact Management through GL and AR. There are 5 layouts just to view the basic Contact info alone - not to mention Address window, Credit Card window ... and it goes on.

There are 22 Invoice layouts alone (counting reports) Oh dear ...

LaRetta

[LaRetta]

20! So 100 layouts is a lot???

This solution drives their entire business, from Contact Management through GL and AR. There are 5 layouts just to view the basic Contact info alone - not to mention Address window, Credit Card window ... and it goes on.

There are 22 Invoice layouts alone (counting reports) Oh dear ...

LaRetta

[Vaughan]

Well, it literally sounds about 5 times more complex than mine... so 1000 would be about right!

I really didn't mean to scare you or infer you're doing anything wrong...

[Vaughan]

Well, it literally sounds about 5 times more complex than mine... so 1000 would be about right!

I really didn't mean to scare you or infer you're doing anything wrong...

[Vaughan]

Well, it literally sounds about 5 times more complex than mine... so 1000 would be about right!

I really didn't mean to scare you or infer you're doing anything wrong...

[LaRetta]

Well, I have some layouts I can eliminate ...

When I first started using 7, I thought the layout had to be based upon the table occurence. I didn't realize I could GTRR to the TO but display the results in a main table layout.

So I have an AddressFound layout and an PrimaryAddress layout, etc. (and they are identical).

I figured it out quickly but haven't gone back and changed some of it yet - simply no time. Now I reuse many layouts (like a good recycler).

[LaRetta]

Well, I have some layouts I can eliminate ...

When I first started using 7, I thought the layout had to be based upon the table occurence. I didn't realize I could GTRR to the TO but display the results in a main table layout.

So I have an AddressFound layout and an PrimaryAddress layout, etc. (and they are identical).

I figured it out quickly but haven't gone back and changed some of it yet - simply no time. Now I reuse many layouts (like a good recycler).

[LaRetta]

Well, I have some layouts I can eliminate ...

When I first started using 7, I thought the layout had to be based upon the table occurence. I didn't realize I could GTRR to the TO but display the results in a main table layout.

So I have an AddressFound layout and an PrimaryAddress layout, etc. (and they are identical).

I figured it out quickly but haven't gone back and changed some of it yet - simply no time. Now I reuse many layouts (like a good recycler).

[-Queue-]

What if you set the desired layout name (or number) into a global and use the Layout Name/Number by calculation option instead? Those are the second and third options on the list, so you shouldn't need to scroll so much.

[-Queue-]

What if you set the desired layout name (or number) into a global and use the Layout Name/Number by calculation option instead? Those are the second and third options on the list, so you shouldn't need to scroll so much.

[-Queue-]

What if you set the desired layout name (or number) into a global and use the Layout Name/Number by calculation option instead? Those are the second and third options on the list, so you shouldn't need to scroll so much.

[Oldfogey]

That sounds like a pretty good idea to me but you'd need to have a VERY GOOD naming convention.

Incidentally, I group my layouts by function - Reports, Navigation, Data Entry, etc.

LaRetta, you have my sympathy!!

The interface for some devlopment items is pretty horrible. Moving layouts and scripts drives me insane because they scroll too fast (when they aren't too slow.) In fact, it is so bad I'm rather surprised it doesn't seem to have been raised as a fix-required.

[Oldfogey]

That sounds like a pretty good idea to me but you'd need to have a VERY GOOD naming convention.

Incidentally, I group my layouts by function - Reports, Navigation, Data Entry, etc.

LaRetta, you have my sympathy!!

The interface for some devlopment items is pretty horrible. Moving layouts and scripts drives me insane because they scroll too fast (when they aren't too slow.) In fact, it is so bad I'm rather surprised it doesn't seem to have been raised as a fix-required.

[Oldfogey]

That sounds like a pretty good idea to me but you'd need to have a VERY GOOD naming convention.

Incidentally, I group my layouts by function - Reports, Navigation, Data Entry, etc.

LaRetta, you have my sympathy!!

The interface for some devlopment items is pretty horrible. Moving layouts and scripts drives me insane because they scroll too fast (when they aren't too slow.) In fact, it is so bad I'm rather surprised it doesn't seem to have been raised as a fix-required.

[LaRetta]

Thanks JT! I'll try some other options with it. Problem is, I use WindowsName to LayoutName quite frequently. It seems no matter how I re-think this issue (naming layouts and scripts), I'm never satisfied with it really. It's too bad we can't 'comment' layouts and scripts, ie, like we can on fields now. Hold on, I know we can add comments IN a script, but I mean add a second comment column TO a script, which we can click to sort, etc.

Hi Paul,

FMI, bless their hearts, has provided such a fantastic program with vs. 7 that I don't want to sound like I'm complaining. Prior to 7 it wasn't noticeable because each set of layouts was contained within its own file. But, with the one-file 50-table structures, all layouts, scripts and value lists are in one huge list (in each group)!! Even the separation model wouldn't help with this issue.

Well, as always, I'll do my part and let our sweet FileMaker know of my feelings on the subject. I just hoped some of you lateral thinkers had come up with other not-yet-discovered shortcuts. Thanks everyone!

LaRetta

[LaRetta]

Thanks JT! I'll try some other options with it. Problem is, I use WindowsName to LayoutName quite frequently. It seems no matter how I re-think this issue (naming layouts and scripts), I'm never satisfied with it really. It's too bad we can't 'comment' layouts and scripts, ie, like we can on fields now. Hold on, I know we can add comments IN a script, but I mean add a second comment column TO a script, which we can click to sort, etc.

Hi Paul,

FMI, bless their hearts, has provided such a fantastic program with vs. 7 that I don't want to sound like I'm complaining. Prior to 7 it wasn't noticeable because each set of layouts was contained within its own file. But, with the one-file 50-table structures, all layouts, scripts and value lists are in one huge list (in each group)!! Even the separation model wouldn't help with this issue.

Well, as always, I'll do my part and let our sweet FileMaker know of my feelings on the subject. I just hoped some of you lateral thinkers had come up with other not-yet-discovered shortcuts. Thanks everyone!

LaRetta

[LaRetta]

Thanks JT! I'll try some other options with it. Problem is, I use WindowsName to LayoutName quite frequently. It seems no matter how I re-think this issue (naming layouts and scripts), I'm never satisfied with it really. It's too bad we can't 'comment' layouts and scripts, ie, like we can on fields now. Hold on, I know we can add comments IN a script, but I mean add a second comment column TO a script, which we can click to sort, etc.

Hi Paul,

FMI, bless their hearts, has provided such a fantastic program with vs. 7 that I don't want to sound like I'm complaining. Prior to 7 it wasn't noticeable because each set of layouts was contained within its own file. But, with the one-file 50-table structures, all layouts, scripts and value lists are in one huge list (in each group)!! Even the separation model wouldn't help with this issue.

Well, as always, I'll do my part and let our sweet FileMaker know of my feelings on the subject. I just hoped some of you lateral thinkers had come up with other not-yet-discovered shortcuts. Thanks everyone!

LaRetta

[DLS]

Hi Everyone,

When writing a script and selecting Go To Layout [ ] and then selecting from the SMALL popup, is there a quick way to jump by beginning letter? Scrolling works but I have 110 layouts (is that a lot?) and my index finger is taking a toll (from repeated scrolling)?

I'm hoping someone has discovered a shortcut command (for Windows). [CTRL] and 'Alpha' doesn't work; neither does any other combination I can think of.

LaRetta

Hi LaRetta,

www.newmillennium.com has a great product called ScriptOrganizer. I have used it for quite sometime for .fp5 files. However, as far as I know they have not come out with a version for .fp7 files yet but it is worth keeping your eyes on. I am. They also have one called LayoutOrganizer which I have not used. Hopefully they will have the version 7 files out soon.

At least in version 7 we don't need as many scripts to do the same things nor is there the need for duplicte scripts in other files. I do wish Filemaker would however build in some type of script/layout organization system with folders or something. We need it badly.

[DLS]

Hi Everyone,

When writing a script and selecting Go To Layout [ ] and then selecting from the SMALL popup, is there a quick way to jump by beginning letter? Scrolling works but I have 110 layouts (is that a lot?) and my index finger is taking a toll (from repeated scrolling)?

I'm hoping someone has discovered a shortcut command (for Windows). [CTRL] and 'Alpha' doesn't work; neither does any other combination I can think of.

LaRetta

Hi LaRetta,

www.newmillennium.com has a great product called ScriptOrganizer. I have used it for quite sometime for .fp5 files. However, as far as I know they have not come out with a version for .fp7 files yet but it is worth keeping your eyes on. I am. They also have one called LayoutOrganizer which I have not used. Hopefully they will have the version 7 files out soon.

At least in version 7 we don't need as many scripts to do the same things nor is there the need for duplicte scripts in other files. I do wish Filemaker would however build in some type of script/layout organization system with folders or something. We need it badly.