I have a table (not created by me) that has one field (referrals) that has from 1 to 4 inputs. IE - from 1 to 4 persons names. There are other fields with the same problem: address, city, state, zip. I am trying to make and print labels from this field, but so far all I have been able to get is one label, the first name in the field. I have searched and so far have not found an answer. I could redefine each field (refname1,refname2,etc,etc) but then would have to make 4 label layouts for each one. Is there a way I can print each name in the field on a label without going through hoops?

I see that there have been 12 viewers of my problem, but not one offer for a solution. I think I have finally stumped the experts.

Have a great day.

The table violates the first normal form, i.e., it has more than one value in a field. You can use calculations to break the field into 4 separate fields, but this is still a violation of the first normal form.

After breaking into 4 fields, import the data one set of fields at a time, yes 4 imports. Now you will have a table that meets at least the frst normal form.

OR, we just don't understand the question?

If I'm understanding you correctly, it sounds like you have created a label layout, and can only see one label. If so, that is normal. Look at this layout in Preview Mode and you should see the labels.

If not, then you can see the problem I had, and maybe the others too, with your question.

The other thing it might be is that you asked your question on Sunday (here in the US), and a lot of people have a life outside FileMaker Lists on weekends, so when you ask a question on the weekend, you need to have a little patients.

HTH

Lee

Hi Ralph,

Well, I said I didn't understand the question.

Lee

Thanks for the reply Ralph and Lee. What I have is database with a field called refname which can hold up to 4 names. In the "File Maker Pro 5" book by Steven Swartz these are called repetitions. And, evidently there is nothing wrong with it. Following this field are 4 others: refaddress, refcity, refstate and ref zip, each holding up to 4 entries each. I created a layout that shows all the referrals, their addresses, etc. What I tried to do is to create a label layout so I can print these referrals. Since each field can hold up to 4 different names, street, etc I have not been able to get the label layout, to show more than the first name, address, etc. Is it possible to show each of the names on the labels? If so, how? In preview or browse mode I can only see the very first name, address, city, state and zip of each of the referrals.

Am I stating this correct?

Sorry for the confusion.

If these are repeating fields then it is easy to make them into separate records. Import the records choose the Split repeating fields into separate records.

Just because they are provided doesn't mean there is nothing wrong with them. They are a crry over from the days when Filemaker was a flat file database. As I said in my first post they violate the first normal form, i.e., it has more than one value in a field. The fact that you are having problems with these fields shows how wrong they are. Repeating fields can be used for some things, but they should not be used to store data.

Thanks for the reply Ralph. I did not design the database, just have to work with it and try and improve where/when I can. I kind of figured I would have to break them apart and put the data in seperate fields. Which means of course, that to print labels, I will have to design 4 different layouts. Oh well, guess you would call this job security.

you'all have a great day and God bless

If you pull them into separate records as they should be in a related file you can print from this file with just a normal label layout.

Right, I understand about the label layouts. Since I will have up to 4 fields (basically an address: name 1-4, street 1-4, city 1-4, state 1-4, zip 1-4) to get the labels printed I will have to make a label layout for each one, right? Or, am I misunderstanding something here. IE a label layout for address 1, another for address 2, another... etc.

Thanks for your input, you guys are the greatest...

Unless you are forced to use this database as is, fix it. Replace the releating fields with a portal and a related file.