Create x number of labels from one data set

[m3gan0]

Okay, so after solving various input issues I'm now focusing on the problem of output.

Goal: To be able to print x number of labels off the same set of data (take the information in 9 fields and output into "one label" that prints multiple times on the same layout).

Problem: do I really have to duplicate the data for every "duplicate" label I want to print? There has to be a work around, right? Any help or ideas are very much appreciated.

-megan

[comment]

See if this helps:

http://www.fmforums.com/forum/showpost.php?post/203220/

[m3gan0]

Wow! That the kind of thing I've been trying to find for the past few days. Thanks a lot Comment - it looks like a great place to start.

I'm sure I'll have questions later...

[m3gan0]

Comment, any chance you can break down the "Generate Labels" script for me? After looking at it a few times I'm still confused and not sure how to import it/use it for the database I already have built.

Thanks.

edit: script is as follows:

#FIND DATA

Show all Records

#

#SORT DATA

Unsort Records

#

#RESET LABEL TABLE

Go to Layout ["Lables"(Lables)]

Show all Records

Delete all Records

[no dialog]

#

#GENERATE BLANKS

Loop

Exit Loop If (Get (FoundCout) > Lables::gskipLabels]

New Record/Request

End Loop

#

...etc

[comment]

I don't think it can get much clearer than that. The Labels table is an extra table you need to create and relate to your table (Data in the demo).

[m3gan0]

I guess what I was looking for was a way to keep all this in ONE file since it will be distributed to multiple computers around the office (not a shared DB since each user might modify it).

The script works but can't be easily incorporated into a new file. I noticed that another user asked you about this in a different thread a few months back as well and didn't get an answer (that i could find).

Is there any other way to preform this kind of function without referring to an external file?

Edited July 31, 2008 by Guest

[comment]

The file is a demo. It shows how to accomplish your goal. You could of course use it 'as is', but its real purpose is to serve as a learning tool. Take it apart, see how it works, then implement the method in your own file. I'm sorry I cannot explain the method in more detail, but that's why I made the demo - sometimes it's easier to show than to explain.

[m3gan0]

I'm sorry I cannot explain the method in more detail, but that's why I made the demo - sometimes it's easier to show than to explain.

Completely understandable. Most of the problem is on my end - I's a complete beginner at FM. Do you think you could help me troubleshoot the custom script I'm trying to write? It's similar to yours. Here's what I have so far:

>If[isValid (label_base_entry::Print?)]

>Sort Record [Restore]

>Loop

>>duplicate Record/Request

>>exit loop if [Get(FoundCount)>label_base_entry_::#ofSpecimens]

>End Loop

>End If

The "Print?" is a check box that allows the user to select if they want to print labels from that record; #ofSpecimens is # of labels to print.

So far this duplicates the record the correct number of times. Now I'm stuck on how I can get those duplicate records to purge themselves after printing.

Which is also where I stopped understanding your script Comment. Any way you can help? Let me know if you want more info.

[comment]

Perhaps you need to get more familiar with Filemaker before trying this. I will tell you this much: I wouldn't duplicate real records just to get enough copies to print labels. In my demo, the records are imported into another table that exists for this purpose only, so that real data is not modified in any way. The "trick" is using a repeating calculation field to create multiple labels from a single record while importing.

[m3gan0]

Yes, it's true, I do need to learn more about Filemaker. I was hoping that I would find the FM functions to be more logical, but alas my logic is not the same flavor as that of the programmers. That said, I've made decent headway and still hope to complete this project.

Thanks again for the help Comment. Your last post really helped explain what the scripts are doing; hopefully I can adapt the concept to my project.