Is there a way to change the embedded file name of an image that is embedded in a container field? Oh, I hope the answer is yes!!!

Here’s why...

I have a FM7 file with thousands of records. Each record has multiple container fields with images embedded in them. I have a field that gets the name of the file in the container field (using the get as text function). The container fields that have recently embedded images in them do not pose a problem – the file name shows up fine.

However, some records (the majority actually) which have been around for a long time (some since the FM3 days) do not have any file names associated with the embedded files. They show up as “Untitled.jpg” when I export them. I’d like to export all of these images and the “Untitled.jpg” is a problem as this name does not relate to anything. As it stands now, I need to manually name each image as I export it. There are thousands of images!! When I export the contents of the container, is there a way to have the default file name equal the name that is defined in the ProjectNumber field of that record. This way I don’t have to manually type the name of the file – I can simply press enter.

I hope this makes sense. This would save me an enormous amount of time and solve some design problems for me to boot.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

I dont know if you have access to getting plug-ins, but the Troi File Plugin would probably help you.

With FMP 8 you could use script variable to assign a name to each image while exporting the images in a looping script - each to a unique file. Then you can reimport them. Thus eliminating the untitled names.

If you can get FileMaker 8 you can do this using a "script variable", and the Get (DesktopPath) function. Of course, Troi File is useful for other file manipulations, and cheaper than 8. But 8 is also pretty nice in other ways. It's a toss-up.

By the way, this can all be scripted entirely. You should not have to see a dialog at all, nor hit the Enter key. You just need a FileMaker button to run it.

I am using FM8. How exactly would I go about doing that? Wha tscript variable would I use?

Got It. Works perfectly. Set Variable $filename to the project number field and loop the ******* thing to go through all the records. It's a thing of beauty. I can go get a cup of coffee.

Thanks guys - I really appreciate it.

This is a ******* good site.