Changing Specified Field using Calculation

[jimbo2k]

Hi folks,

Hope you can help. Using FMP 9.

I have a database that tracks customer orders through quote, purchase order, acknowledgement and invoice stages.

I generate the various documents (using a wordprocessor, normally), save them as JPEGs, and add these to 'picture' container fields within my database.

I sometimes like to print the documents I have stored in these container fields. I can't find a way to do this without first exporting the field contents - am I missing something?

The workaround is to create a new layout, single page, have the container field fill the whole page, then print directly from Filemaker. However, I might have 3 quotes for one customer. I don't want a whole layout dedicated to each one.

For example, I have 3 Quotes, with a container field for each named Quote 1, 2, 3. Can I create one layout with a dropdown menu and a container field, where the dropdown menu specifies which container field is used?

Thanks for your help!

[comment]

I sometimes like to print the documents I have stored in these container fields. I can't find a way to do this without first exporting the field contents - am I missing something?

No. The files stored in container fields must be opened by their parent application before they can be printed. For this, the file must exist somewhere on your hard disk. An external application cannot open a file directly from a Filemaker container.

I have 3 Quotes, with a container field for each named Quote 1, 2, 3.

You should have a separate record for each quote in a related table. That would also enable you to print them using a form layout (that is, if you are satisfied with the print quality of jpeg).