To Anyone out there,

I was wondering if there is a way to design a layout with "Thumb Tabs." I don't know exactly how to describe them but a good example is when you Define Database, the "tabs" that let you switch entries. If I'm not being detailed enough, please let me know.

Thanks for any help.

Use a seperate layout for each tab. Example attached.

Tab.zip

That's perfect sbg2, but how do I actually make the different layouts look like that. I set up my database with seperate layouts already, planning to switch layouts with a button. Just need to know how to do it. Thanks again.

In sbg2's example just go into the layout mode and drag the top edge of the file folder down. It should become apparent then.

I actually was able to locate an example at filemakermagazine.com, but do I need the Developer software, or can it be done in Pro. The video shows things that I don't have or don't know how to use like hidden layouts. I'm still pretty new so any help would be great.

I don't understand exactly how to "drag the top edge of the file forlder down. It says file is not modifiable.

Actually, I was able to locate an example at filemakermagazine.com, but do I need the Developer software? I have Pro 7. The video shows things that I don't have or don't know how to use like hidden layouts. I'm still pretty new so any help would be great.

You can do all the work in FileMaker Pro; Developer's added functions do not have anything to do with the creation of databases & layouts, but with debugging and finalizing large & complex solutions.

-Stanley

Actually, I think I just got it. Will post again if something else comes up.

Thanks again.

I guess I spoke to soon. I can't figure it out. Again wondering if I need Developer 7?

You don't need Developer for what you're doing.

Tabbed layouts are very simple; it's the look of the layout that's deceiving on purpose. The tabs are just buttons which switch layouts, and each layout is designed to look similar, with the tabs in the same place. You can grey out (or whatever) the tab for the current layout, to get the appearance of "active" tabs. If you've already designed the layouts, then all you need to do is add your row of buttons to switch between layouts (on each layout), with the appearance of being tabs.

-Stanley

I guess I spoke to soon. I can't figure it out. Again wondering if I need Developer 7?

Are you having problems with switching layouts or just with the physical appearance of the layouts?

It's the switching layouts. I feel I can get my desired physical appearance but still a little iffy on how the layouts will tie together. I'm starting to get a better idea so let me try to explain. All my layouts need to look the same, at least where I put the tabs. Then I need to create the tabs using a button and then when they are pushed, I need a script to switch layouts?

I found a video tutorial at www.filemakermagazine.com but it is a little fast for me. Some of the things he is doing I can't replicate, or don't know how. His layout view looks different from mine(why I wondered if I needed Developer, which I now know I don't). I'll keep trying.

Thanks again for your help and patience.

Correct. You can define the buttons directly (without a script) with Go To Layout [], either right when you create the button, or by going to Format->Button... in Layout Mode. Just select the layout you want the button to take you to, and voila, you're done.

-Stanley

Alright, I think I got it. I was thinking that each tab was a seperate table, but it is just one big one broken up into pieces.

Thank you all so much for your help.

You can also Right Click a button in Layout Mode and select Specify Button from the context menu that pops-up.

** note: In the example I provided I used the Text for the button rather than the Rounded Rectangle. You can make the Text borders approximately the size of the visible portion of the tab, this way when a user clicks the text only the visible portion of the tab is highlighted rather than the full tab (including the hidden portions).

Hey sbg2,

You raised a question I have been thinking about. In these layouts, are the fields I don't want to show "Hidden" or Deleted. The way I did it now was to delete the fields I don't want. Is this wrong? Is there a way to Hide without deleteing fields from the layout? Does it matter?

Thanks again.