Drop Down List Search

[coffeec]

I have many layouts that are are related by clientID. I want to create a drop down list that shows all the associated company names. When a company is clicked, I wanted the records that match that company name to show up. Right now, I setup a drop down list and that list changes the company name to the one that is clicked. I do not want this functionality. How do I make this list into a button that returns the matching records?

[-Queue-]

If I understand your question, you need to format a global field as the list, not a data field in the record.

Since you are using a list, you will then need a 'Go' button to activate a Go to Related Record [show only related; "your relationship"] script step. If you were using a menu (at least on Windows), the script triggering could be automated.

[coffeec]

I tried looking up gloabl fields in filemaker and it says that global fields are good to be used as fixed values but cannot be used to find records. Is there another way to create this drop down list. This is easy to do in Access DB. There must be a way to use a dropdown list to show the related record.

[-Queue-]

You cannot find on a global; that is correct, because a global is always the same value throughout a table. You can, however, use globals to hold values to be inserted into data fields when in Find Mode (since globals retain their value when in Find Mode, while normal fields are blank) and you can use them for the parent side of a relationship.

In this case, if you have a global text field (assuming clientID is text) formatted as a value list consisting of clientID and clientName and a relationship from this global to the clientID, then you can select a client from the list, which will enter the selected clientID into the global field, then use the GTRR step to go to the related client record(s).

[coffeec]

Do you have to use the GTRR script step on a button or can you trigger it when the value is selected in the drop down list?

[-Queue-]

As a list, it will require a separate trigger; as a menu, it can be formatted as a button attached to a script and will work automatically. It will require removing access to the field in Browse Mode or removing it from the Tab order though, so that it can only be accessed via the button.

Of course, you could also use EventScript, if you don't mind using a plug-in.

[comment]

You can also view the related records in a portal, without any script. The portal contents will automatically change in response to changing the value in the pop up global.

[coffeec]

A Portal has to be a set size doesn;t it? I am looking for a button type of solution that allows you access to all your clients without taking up alot of space.

[comment]

Everything has to be a set size - unless you have a rubber screen...

A portal can have a scroll bar, so it's not that different from a list view.

[LaRetta]

"I am looking for a button type of solution that allows you access to all your clients without taking up alot of space. "

You never expect to have more than 100 customers? 1,000? 15,000? Plan ahead for growth even if you can fit them all on screen now. You will only grow as large as your vision of growth. When dealing with lists as large as Customers/Contacts, etc., build in A-Z buttons or other means (such as value lists of Customer Types etc) to filter your portals into bite-sized pieces or be on the lookout for a 96" monitor. :wink2:

[-Queue-]

I am now on the lookout for a 96" rubber monitor and this keyboard.