Selecting first blank Container repetition

[EBJ]

I have a layout that creates an invoice. I wish to save a copy of the invoice as a pdf into a repeating container field. Although Filemaker provides the "Last(field)", this returns the last non-blank repetition, whereas I require the first blank repetition. At my wits end over this one. Any guidance would be most appreciated.

Eric

[Raybaudi]

Hi

try this script:

Set Variable [ $rep ; Value: 1 ]

Loop

If [ not IsEmpty ( repeatingField[$rep] ) ]

Set Variable [ $rep ; Value: $rep + 1 ]

Exit Loop If [ $rep > GetAsNumber ( FieldRepetitions ( Get ( FileName ) ; Get ( LayoutName ) ; "repeatingField" ) ) ]

Else

Save Records as PDF [ Restore; No dialog; "a.pdf"; Current record ]

Go to Field [ repeatingField[$rep] ]

Insert Object [ "a.pdf" ]

Commit Records/Requests [ ]

Exit Script [ ]

End If

End Loop

[EBJ]

Hi Raybaudi

Thanks for the script. I was some distance from figuring it out myself. I'm unsure about the "Insert Object" line as I am on the Mac platform, and I believe it's for Windows. Any ideas for alternatives please?

Eric

[Raybaudi]

Which script step do you use to insert a .pdf into a container ?

Use it.

[EBJ]

Hi

The "Insert File" step worked a treat. I had tested it on a local database and it was successful. Whenever I use the script on a remote database, it doesn't automatically find the a.pdf to insert it into the container, forcing me to manually locate it. Do you think it's something I have to live with?

Eric

[Raybaudi]

a.pdf was only an example !

At the top of the script, set a variabile ( $path ) with the exact path and name of the file you want.

After that, you have to substitute "a.pdf" with $path in the remaining script steps.

BTW: I don't think that it is a good idea to store those PDF into a file of FileMaker, neither to store them into a repeating field. For me it is better to store only a reference to the pdf ( each named dinamically by the $path ) into a normal container field of the Invoice table.

[EBJ]

Hi again raybaudi

Meant to thank you earlier for your suggestion. It worked. The reason why I had opted for a repeating container file was for neatness. I also wish to store delivery notes printed and I thought it was a good idea to retain them as a reference to the original file that should be held on the server. Anyway, thanks again from Scotland.

Edited August 8, 2008 by Guest