This layout cannot be modified

[john9210]

FM 11 Adv. Frequently, as I am working in the layout mode I’ll get the message “the layout cannot be modified in the window because it is already being modified in a different window”. The layout names then appears in the Windows menu. I have to exit FM and restart to close these windows. I know the idea is to prevent editing a record in two different windows, but editing occurs in the browse mode, and I’m working in the layout mode. This is just a database for use on my desktop PC only. What can be causing this? And when this happens, is there a way to close the window (although I did not create it) without restarting? And where can I find good information on the Windows menu?

[KaosMaker]

Hi there, the error warning you're getting only happens if you have another window open in that same layout, that is also in layout mode. If you do not see one, it might be minimized. Do you have any scripts that open multiple windows? As for the Windows menu, I've noticed that in FM 11 it wasn't always accurate, for some bizarre reason. Either that, or it listed windows by some algorithm that I didn't understand. In any event, on a Windows 7 PC, you should be able to hit Ctrl+Tab to cycle through all open windows in Filemaker, minimized or not, to find the window that is locking your layout.

[LaRetta]

I make this mistake actually myself quite a bit ... I will have several FM files open, debugger, data viewer, script window, and I open a new layout and forget that the same layout is already open underneath.  Then if I try to change the front version of the layout, FM tells me I can't because I have already made a change on the other window's version of the layout and have not yet saved it.

 

It protects me from myself.

[LaRetta]

Oh, I also wanted to add that the message probably pinpointed your issue in most concise wording "the layout cannot be modified in the window because it is already being modified in a different window”.

 

Modifying layouts happens in layout mode only.  Modifying records happens in browse.  You indicate you were in layout mode so it all fits as KaosMaker and you both indicate.  :^)

Edited December 21, 2012 by LaRetta