Defining a default sort order

[delbert]

If I have a key field such as an invoice number, how do I get the entire file to sort descending instead of ascending? I apologize for asking such a simple question, but I cannot find any place that has a default sorting order with the option to change it. I need the most recent record at the top of my database.

Thanks!

[Chuck]

I'm assuming that you mean the sort order as defined in a script and that you've already saved the sort order in ascending order for the script.

Sort manually by the field you wish to sort by. Before adding the field to the sort list in the sort dialog box, click the "Descending order" radio button. Sort the records. Go into script maker and open your script. Click OK and in the dialog box that comes up opt to replace the sort order.

Chuck

[delbert]

I am looking for a default sort order for a file without a script if there is such a thing. If not, I have done a manual sort, and a sort through a script. However, it does not automatically sort the data descending.In the script, I have the sort order by Invoice# and descending.

[Chuck]

A file doesn't have a default sort order. The closest thing to it would be a script that runs on the file's opening that sorts, but as soon as you change the found set or add new records, the sort order woudn't be valid anymore.

If you already have a script that is sorting, but the sorting is happening in ascending order, the take a look at my first post to change the sort order. You can double-check exactly what the sort order is by running the script and then hitting Cmd/Ctl-S. The last sort should be filled in. See if the radio button for descending order is selected.

You can also see what the saved sort order for a script is by printing the script. It's unfortuate that FileMaker doesn't include the information in a way that can be viewed directly within ScriptMaker.

Chuck

[RussBaker]

You could create a ShowAllRecords self relationship and then have a small portal visible on you invoice browsing layout. When you set up the portal, sort it by invoice date descending and that way the most recent invoice will show up at the top of the portal.

Then, a portal sized button in the portal which will take you to the related record, so that whenever you click in a portal row, you will see the full version of that invoice.

Russ Baker

Canberra, Australia

The Land of TWOGM

[RussBaker]

You could create a ShowAllRecords self relationship and then have a small portal visible on you invoice browsing layout. When you set up the portal, sort it by invoice date descending and that way the most recent invoice will show up at the top of the portal.

Then, a portal sized button in the portal which will take you to the related record, so that whenever you click in a portal row, you will see the full version of that invoice.

Russ Baker

Canberra, Australia

The Land of TWOGM

[delbert]

Thank you both for your replies! I will give them both a try and see if they work the way that I need them.

Thanks for dealing with us rookies!!!