How do I set up a text field to make sure that it is always automatically formatted correctly for

LastName, FirstName. I want to make sure that there is always a comma and "1" space following each last name and I want this to occur in one field called Pt. Name. Is it possible?

Asssuming you have fields LastName & FirstName then a calculation field Pt_LastName_FirstName = LastName & ", " & FirstName.

Notice I changed the name of your field replacing the "." & the "," with an "_".

Can it be done in the Pt_Lastname_Firstname field without entry into a separate Lastname and FirstName fields? I know the substitute function will work on the entry field.

Why would you want to do it that way?

The more you breakdown your data into separate fields, the more you flexibility you will end up having.

If your data was imputed in this format, LastName, FirstName, your next problem would be in how to separate it out into individual fields.

Users make enough errors entering data. Having them entering it all in one field, no matter what the intended format, will end up having them put a mix of last name, first name and middle initials, prefixes, suffixes, etc.

Take a look at the file by David Kachel available at his web site:

http://www.codemastersworkshop.com

called [color:blue] UNIVERSAL CAPITALIZER FOR FMP , it may not be what you want, but it will sure will show you the problems with data entry.

HTH

Lee