Displaying uploaded images?

[still_learning2008]

I was curious if there is a way (either built in or via some plug-in) to display images that the user uploads. I'm making a table to store some scientific data, and part of the data for each row will be a few graphs that the user uploads. I've done file uploads before, where the file is simply saved in the DB and can be downloaded, but does anyone know of a way to display the files themselves in a layout, assuming they were image files?

Tim

[mr_vodka]

If you have an image, and you have inserted them as Pictures into the container fields, then they should display them IIRC.

Another option for you may be Super Container if you have lots of images and want thumbnails created etc.

[Sara Severson]

There are lots of options for this...

You could use container fields with upload buttons, where you'll have to decide whether to store the files within the database or just store a reference to the file.

I've also used the plugin SuperContainer from 360works with great success, for displaying image files within web viewers.

It really depends on a few things:

- What kinds of files will the users be uploading?

- How local are your users?

- Where will the files live? (On a shared server, or are they on disparate machines?)

- How many files do you expect to be uploaded / how much room do you have on your server? (determine whether to store files within database or store as reference)

[still_learning2008]

- uploading small gifs / jpegs only

- all very local - one location, all on same LAN as server

- was hoping the files would live in FileMaker, since they won't be too big, and this particular database will be designated for only this purpose, and i'm not expecting more than a few thousand rows per year

- plenty of room on server, will likely be a few small images per record (less than 100kb), 1-2000 records per year

Does storing a reference vs storing the file make it easier or harder to display the image? I did a few tests where I just uploaded a jpeg to a container field, but it didn't seem to display automatically. Curious if I have to "tell" FileMaker something to display it properly as an image...

Thanks for the help.

[Sara Severson]

Hi, yep, that's good information.

I'd recommend scripting an "Import as Picture" button, and do NOT store the file as a reference. (As long as the files are small, storing the actual file in the solution will circumvent the problems that arise when a user may move that file to a different location on their HD later.)

The deal with displaying the image: If it's inserted as a File ("Insert File,") the image won't automatically render. As long as you use the "Insert Picture" script step instead, you should be golden.

Best of luck!

[still_learning2008]

sounds like this should do it...thank you!