Transferring Fields

[Calantha]

Hey there,

I have a database that is not relational which I would like to be relational. I have started to create a new database that is relational (this might have been the bad move). I've transferred the main records over and that is fine.

I have a bunch of layouts in the old one that contain fields I still need to transfer. I understand that you cannot transfer a layout, but is it possible to transfer fields? Will I just have to re-create all of the fields in my new database?

Is there a faster solution to this problem?

[Fenton]

You might want to download the demo for FileMaker 8. Up in the upper right-hand drop-down in the Import dialog is the option to create a new table with the imported fields. Very handy.

Layouts can be copied/pasted. But if you want the fields to line up automatically then the table occurrence(s) on the Relationship Graph for that table & layout must be exactly the same. 8 will create both the table and the TO with the file name of the source file. So you may want to change it to whatever TO the source table's was, or visa versa, before copy/pasting a layout.

[Steven H. Blackwell]

Convert to FMP 8. Then you can import tables from the converted files into the new one. Or, you can use the FMRobot to do this.

Steven

[Calantha]

So now I have FM8... and I am still having the same issue.

I have many complex fields (with calculations) in my old database. I need all of these fields in my new database.

Can I export FIELDS (not just field contents) into my new database?

Will I have to re-create all of these fields? (This would be impossible).

I am trying to go from one database that has one table and divide those fields and information into a new database with multiple related tables.

Edited October 12, 2005 by Guest

[Calantha]

Ok, I see how I can import the data to a new table and it creates the fields for me, but what if I want the data in an existing table?

Ie. In my enrollments table, I need to create layouts for statements, master mark sheets, etc. which contain multiple fields with multiple calculations. Everyone in enrollments needs these layouts therefore it doesn't make sense for me to create them in new tables.

Edited October 12, 2005 by Guest

[SteveB]

New Millenium has a product called FM Robot which should help you move fields, definitions, tables, etc. A version that works with v8 is due out in a few days (at least according to their website).

Steve

[Calantha]

Thank you very much! I will check that out!