I want to copy a field in layout A and paste it into layout B and in the process, I want FileMaker to remember which field it is rather than pasting an unknown field.

I am sure this was possible in v4/5/6 but it no longer seems to work in v8.5. Am I going mad or do I have a problem with my system (Mac OS 10.4.7)?

Edited September 27, 200619 yr by Guest

If the source and destination layouts are from different files, check that the field name matches exactly to an existing field in the layout's table.

If the source and destination layout are in the same file, it will use the original source field (as long as the layout's TOs are related).

This is what I thought.

If I copy a field and then paste it (onto the same layout), FileMaker forgets the field's identity and pastes a blank field.

BTW, the field I copied belonged to the table occurence and layout I copied from and subsequently pasted.

Copy and paste of fields on the same layout should definitely work. You might troubleshoot this by testing it with a new file, removing any plug-ins, reinstalling the app, and finally reinstalling the OS.

Thanks for your help - you were right.

When I create a new file with two tables, each with one field, even if they are not related, I can copy and paste each field from layout to layout and TO to TO.

My file must be corrupt. Worrying though - this was a brand new file.

Bizarre ! I have just figured it out.

I have used ':' in my TOs, e.g. Company:Contacts and also in my layouts. By removing the ':' makes it work. I should have known better.