Is there any way to change the default "standard" layout that Filemaker uses ( the one Filemaker throws at you when you first look at your data in Layout Mode?) I always need to see my data in columnar form, and right now I am creating columnar layouts for each table. But I have lots of tables, so I would like to be able to change the standard default to a columnar format upfront - it would save me a lot of time. Thanks.

Table view

Table view only solves a viewing problem. When I switch to Layout Mode (to adjust a field length or add a field or two), the table reverts back to the standard default layout, so I still have to go through the motions of creating a columnar layout first, then add my new fields or adjust field lengths, etc. The need to create columnar layouts each time, for dozens of tables, adds up in terms of time (not to mention tedium...). So I still would really like to know if it is possible to change the default Layout format. Thanks.

Table View is a lot like a Spreadsheet. You can change the length of the fields in Browse Mode (Table View) by grabbing the edge of the Label Box, and you can drag a field to a different place by grabbing the label Box.

When you go into Layout View, it is only showing the Form View while you are working in it, switching back to Browse Mode will put it back into Table View. However, there isn't much reason to work on the Fields, etc. in Layout Mode, because most of what you want to do is accessible in Browse, with the exception of Field Fonts and Styling.

HTH

Lee