replacing text with carriage returns

[Tom Brown]

I imported an ascii file into Filemaker 7. One field is a long text field that has carriage returns. After the import into Filemaker the carriage returns were replaced with the text /n/n. I want to bring the carriage returns back. I tried the find/replace function but I can't seem to put a carriage return symbol into the replace box in the dialog window.

Can this be done? Thanks, Tom

[Orlando]

Hi there Tom

You would use the substitute function to achieve this.

Substitute ( TextField ; "n/n/"; "¶")

The ¶ symbol is a carriage return in FileMaker.

You could use this in a set field script step or Auto Enter Calculation in the text field.

I hope this helps.

Straggler

Edited June 30, 2006 by Guest

[Raybaudi]

"I tried the find/replace function "

Don't use that but, after selecting that field, go to:

Records-->Replace field contents...-->Replace with calculated result-->specify:

(here your calc)

BTW: be sure to make this on a copy of your DB.

[John Mark Osborne]

Just to clarify a small point since Tom is a beginner. You showed him the following formula:

Substitute(TextField; "n/n/"; "¶")

He said his text contained "/n/n". So, the formula should be:

Substitute(TextField; "/n/n"; "¶")

In addition, if you use this formula in a script as you suggested, a table name is required:

Substitute(MYTABLE::TextField; "/n/n"; "¶")

I also agree with Daniele to use Replace Field Contents since it will work on all his records in the found set. It's better not to throw out a scripted solution to a beginner that only works on one record at a time. Also, the auto-enter calculation won't work on his existing data. Just some thoughts on who your audience is and to make sure you are clear.

[Tom Brown]

Thanks to everyone for responding to my question. Daniele's suggestion worked like a charm. It is much appreciated.

Tom Brown

[Orlando]

Thanks John for your points, I am relatively new to posting on the forum and just did not consider things like that.

The Straggler

[Tom Brown]

In my initial euphoria over Daniele's solution I didn't notice something. After I run the substitute and replace the characters with paragraph returns I lose the last four characters of the field contents. So if an entry ends with "more." the field just ends with "m". So I lose the "ore." at the end of the field. This happens if the field entry goes over a certain length; shorter lengths don't seem to have the problem.

Btw the subsitution is for "nn" not the "/n/n" I orignally posted. These are being replaced by two carriage returns. Sorry about that.

Tom

Thanks.

[Raybaudi]

BTW: be sure to make this on a copy of your DB.

It is for this type of errors that I said that !

BTW: what is your calc ?

[Tom Brown]

Daniele:

My calculation was Substitute(tablename::field name;"nn";"¶¶")

I ran this on a copy of my database, as you suggested my master data is ok.

Thanks for thinking about this and good luck in tomorrow's game.

Tom

[Tom Brown]

I just realized my error. I was using the calculation that would have appeared in a script. I just tried this calculation and it worked 100%: Substitute(fieldname;"nn";"¶¶").

Sorry to bother anyone with my carelessness.

Tom