[Help-a-noob] editing a field across an entire found set

[Charlie Kilo]

So I've just imported 60 records or so. There are some values I'd like entered into every field.

I realise I can go back and reimport them, but is there some way I can edit a whole found set simultaneously?

[Lee Smith]

You can probably do what you want to do in FileMaker, but it may be easier to just reimport the data.

If you want us to help you figure out a FileMaker method, then we are going to need more information on what you are trying to do. You might be able to do it using the Find and Replace, or something else just as simple.

Do your experimenting on a copy of the file, not the original.

HTH

Lee

Edited September 26, 2006 by Guest

[Charlie Kilo]

Thanks, Lee. I've gone back to reimport the fields, but now I have a follow-up question.

My file has two tables: CONTACTS and ACTIVITIES. I'm cool with importing all my CONTACTS from an Excel spreadsheet.

What I'd like to do now is create a new ACTIVITY, the same one for every contact. i.e. for every CONTACT in the found set, create a related ACTIVITY record with a different ACTIVITY_ID and a certain value (say, "Added to database") in another field (ACTIVITY_DESCRIPTION).

Did I explain that adequately? :P

[John Mark Osborne]

The Find and Replace feature may be just what you want but it functions across all fields on the current layout. It sounds like you want the same value in a single field across the found set. The best bet for you is the Replace Field Contents feature under the Records menu (no need to re-import). Make sure you have a field selected or the menu item will be dimmed. There are three options in the Replace Field Contents dialog of which you will want the first. All it does is take the value from the current record of the selected field and place it on all the records in the current found set. Make a backup since this feature can not be undone.

Edited September 26, 2006 by Guest

[Lee Smith]

Hi John Mark,

Actually, I was referring to the find and Replace under the Edit Menu (i.e. Main Menu >> Edit >> Find And Replace)

You have Several Choices:

All Records, All Fields

Current Record, Current Field

Current Record, All Fields

All Records, Current Field (this was the one I had in mind.)

One tip though, you should select the field before going to the Find and Replace.