I am a very new user to FileMaker (4.1 unfortunately) and I had to jump in with both feet. I am trying to create relational databases but I am obviously missing something. I have a related database which contains most of my information and I have a created a master database (which contains 5 fields from the related database as well as some new ones). I want to be able to post my information in the related database and when I open my master database I want the information from the related database to be there - then I can imput my additional data to all my other fields in my master database. Then when I update my related database I want it to "copy" the new records to the master database so I can then imput again to the new records. I have tried doing this but nothing shows in the master database - I am obviously misunderstanding something with respect to relationships. Can someone give me a quick explanation on how to do this or send me some example files. Thank you in advance for your help.

Of the many benefits of a relational database system, perhaps the most basic is the ability to store data in one place (file, table, what have you) and display it in as many others as required by your solution. By relating one file to another, you achive this. In FileMaker, you can thus place fields from related files into layouts in another. In any file that you want to display data from a related file, enter the layout mode. In the Status area (left hand side of the screen)you will see many "tools". One of these is the field tool. You can drag a new field onto your layout. FileMaker will asked you what field you want to add via a dialog box. You can select a field defined in the current file, or select one from any other file related to the current file.

If you have a valid relationship defined between your files, you can share any data point in any file with any or all others. Hope this helps. If not, ask a specific question and we'll get you the answer.