I would think this should be easy but I just don't have the File Maker experience to make it work.

I'm building a relational database. The parent Table is Clients, Related child Table is medications. I want to input each Client's medications from the Clients Layout. I have no problem doing this from a portal, unfortunately there are too many long fields to make a portal practical without a log of horizontal scrolling. I'd like to be able to lay it out in standard form format (i.e. field over field) but I can't figure out how to script a button add or brows a child record.

Any suggestions?

Thanks

Bruce

Display minimal detail in the portal. Create a script that uses the GTRR step to open a new window and select the related record. Use this to view and edit the child records details. Put the button that runs this script in the portal row.

Hi Bruce,

I would also add a button right above the portal ADD MEDICATION. Script would be:

Set Variable [ $client ; Clients::ClientID ]

Go To Layout [ Medications data-entry layout ]

New Record/Request

Set Field [ Medications::ClientID ; $client ]

Go To Field [ whatever to begin your data entry ]

Adding records in a portal (using 'allow creation of related') works well sometimes but it can be limited. It also opens up possibility of incomplete records because a User can type into only one field and then exit. If not all the data-enter fields for the related record can be entered within the portal, it is best to uncheck 'allow created'. Users can still click the button on the row for already-created records (for viewing and editing), as Vaughan suggests, but new records should require a full form view only.

I just thought ... (not that I wasn't thinking before LOL)

You can also use a tab panel across the full width and lower 3/4 of the page. Put important client information above the tab panel so it always shows. Put the Patient's detail information on the front panel, and put a one-row portal (with scroll) in the second tab.

Nothing says a portal row can't be tall enough for all fields.

Thank you ALL, great suggestions!! I'll experiment with them tonight.

Thanks again for all your help.