Importing images script

[RowN]

Hi all,

I have a question that I hope is easy to answer.

I want to be able to batch import images into a database and have them automatically import into a matching records.

For example: I have a record which in the NAME field has the entry: 6E-4 (A) and I have a picture file names 6E-4 (A).jpg. I want to be able to import that file from a batch and have it automatically import to the matching 6E-4 (A) record. I have a container field ready to go for it.

Any thoughts?

Thanks,

Rowan

[comment]

Instead of importing, why don't you use a calculation field (result is Container), along the lines of =

"filewin:/C:/Users/your_name/Documents/Images/" & Name & ".jpg'

See also:

http://www.filemaker.com/11help/html/create_db.8.32.html#1030283

[RowN]

Thanks for this. It's not quite working yet but it's getting close.

I'm getting a shortcut image in the box with the name of the file but not the picture. I will fiddle with it a bit and see if I can get it to work. I will let you know if I do.

[comment]

I'm getting a shortcut image in the box with the name of the file but not the picture.

Oops, that's my fault. Use "imagewin:/" instead of "filewin:/".

[RowN]

Thanks for this. It's working but I think I still need to be able to import the images into the the file as it needs to move between different machines (usually via usb drive) and I think I would need to make sure the images and the directory update in all the computers.

This is a great solution though and will come in handy with some other things I am working on.

[comment]

Do you mean you want the images stored (embedded) in the .fp7 file?

[RowN]

Yes, embedded. If I can I would still like to figure out how to batch import them and automatically have it calculate which record they sync up with.

Or would them embed through this other method as well?

[comment]

There are two ways you can do this:

1. Import your images into a new table. Then use a relationship matching on file name to pair them up with the records in your exisiting table.

2. Use a script to embed the pictures into a container field in your existing table:

Show All Records

Go to Record [ First ]

Loop

Set Variable [ $path ; "imagewin:/C:/Users/your_name/Documents/Images/" & YourTable::Name & ".jpg' ]

Go to Field [ YourTable::Image ]

Insert Picture [ “$path” ]

Go to Record [ Next ; Exit after last ]

End Loop

[RowN]

I've been working on Step 1 today funny you mention it. Just need to get the relationship part figured out and it will work just fine.

Thanks for step 2 as well. If I can't get 1 to work I will see about 2.

Thank you.