Having difficulty describing the problem:

I would like to be able to select a field, begin typing the first 1 2 or 3 letters of, let's say, the persons first name and then be able to select from a shorter list of names rather than having to do a traditional "find"

There are solutions all over the place on websites. For example, when you enter your state for online purchases, you can type in the letter "N" and it will take you names in that list that begins with the letter "N" and so on. (if you had a list of full state names and type in "NE" it would give you Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, et, and for each additional letter it narrows the search criteria)

Are there any plugins availble for something like this or am I forced to create a script or calculation ?

For FMP 6, you need to use "type ahead" solution. Look around the Forums and the web for "clairvoiance" techniques. They usually involve a global field relating to multi-keys in a portal.

The feature you really want was introduced in FMP 7. Time to upgrade.

The feature you really want was introduced in FMP 7.

I think you mean FM8's "Auto Complete" feature.

open up the attached file and goto the layout Master oder and look at the field match_calc in the define section and you will see how to do a type ahead.

Hope this helps.

Lionel

masterorder.zip