Import Multiple Files to Contact Record

[Daniel Remin]

G'Day everyone.

I am new to all this FMP12 stuff and I am the first to admit that I know 99% of absolutely nothing..... I am in the process of developing a client contact database for my new business. I need to create a section within the client record so I can import / export multiple files of different types (pdf's, xls, ppt etc) I have tried playing around with container fields and basic scripting. The most I have been able to achieve is importing a single file image icon for the file, but no file or even link. Can someone please help me with a (he is an idiot) explanation....

Cheers

Nearly Bald from frustration.

[Ocean West]

Daniel Welcome to the forums,

In FMP 12 you can create a Container field and can drag & drop a file on to that container - or create a button that runs a script to import a file / or image to that field.

once a file is attached you can right click on the field and choose to EXPORT FIELD CONTENTS. or attach that step to a button or use a script.

On the layout if you click the field in the inspector there is a checkbox that allows interaction with the file - only some files will allow interaction - some will be displayed as a icon.

Hope this helps.

[Daniel Remin]

Thanks for your reply Ocean West, and the welcome.

I just applied the container field with the interaction pdf as your pic showed (never saw that, geez I'm blind) so that worked well, is there a way to import multiple files in the one record. Say I have a proposal pdf, a pricing spreadsheet and a powerpoint presentation. Can I import them into a specific field so when I come back to the record or access it via iPad i can see each document as required.

Sorry if this is before beginner but I am new at databasing and don't know where to start

Cheers

Daniel

[Ocean West]

in that case what you will want to do is create two tables one for main entity ( person / project / etc) and a related table of children documents. Each record in this table contains a container for the document.

BTW that behavior is brand new in FMP12 you picked a good time to join the fray :)

[Daniel Remin]

Hmmmm Wow....I think this is going to make me completely bald... you lost me at "in that case" but I picked you up at the part you were telling me I am trying to figure this out when it is all new....

can I iChat you and give you control....lol

[Ocean West]

Here is a very basic sample that I put together.

documents.fmp12.zip

[Daniel Remin]

Here is a very basic sample that I put together.

documents.fmp12.zip

OOOOPPPPSSSS, i was completely going in the wrong direction.....thank you very much for your time and mock up, mate that is exactly what i need to do, i just have to figure out how to incorporate that into the current DB. I am assuming that my idea of having a "tab" called attachments and having this table in that tab is a feasible one?

[Ron Cates]

You would have a portal on that tab that would display a list of the related document records from the documents table.

There is a lot to know about relational database development. Have you considered looking into one of the tutorial series at either www.vtc.com or www.lynda.com ? These will give you the basics and provide you with a foundation of knowlege to start with. Otherwise there is a very good chance that you will unknowingly go about things in the wrong direction and create a lot of work for yourself trying to fix or rebuild later on. A strong base structure that includes propper normalization and relationship setup is absolutely necessary to build a good database. If you build it wrong in the beginning, everything you add from there on out will be based on flawed structure.

[capsprojectos]

The last webinar showed an example doing multiple files importation, please check youtube or Keylogic blog for "Webinar 6: Container Field Enhancements"

[Daniel Remin]

thanks all, issue was resolved. I appreciate everyones input...