Is it possible to show multiple instances of same (non-duplicate) record in a single portal? I assume this isn't possible but I thought maybe I could use a join table or something? 

What is it you're trying to achieve?

It took me a minute to figure out how to simplify my explanation, but I'm essentially trying to create a hierarchical, parent-child outline structure within a portal where some parent-child-sibling sets of records in the chain may have distinct parents/ancestors. I think I'm just going to duplicate those chains since there are a couple of other wrinkles in my set up that make that it a better course of action.

 

But the perceived benefit of using the same records in the portal is that when I modify these records, I wouldn't have to modify the duplicate chain in a separate step. This is just for a personal database I've been working on and it's somewhat of an experiment. I just wanted to know if it could be done or not so I could put that implementation idea to rest.

 

Thanks for the reply.

Well, thats sounds interesting. Why don't you post a sketch of the desired output? I'm sure someone will have to say something about it.

 

As to your original question: I wouldn't advocate mistreating your data structure or introducing redundant data just for display purposes, and so would conclude that you can't produce this outline model with your run-of-the-mill relationships and portals.

 

But this is FileMaker, where there is (almost) always a way to do it, and often more than one. To display certain 'special relationships' between entities, you could collect the data and display them – in lists oder portals – using virtual lists (google that) with as many copies of your entities as are required, doing nice tricks (check out the demos on this page: http://www.excelisys.com/filemaker-tips-tricks-demos-downloads.php); this would also leave you free to edit the original data (since you can use keys into the original tables).

 

You could also use a web viewer, HTML and JavaScript – I'm pretty sure there's a bunch of jQuery visualization plug-ins that provide more or less what you need; this takes a bit more effort (relatively speaking) than just plain FileMaker, and depending on your needs could require a plug-in (for FM-JavaScript interaction), but once you've set up a framework (Web Viewer, scripts, HTML templates etc.), it's smooth sailing.

Your post made me think of this: http://www.excelisys.com/blog/2013/03/22/hierarchylite-filemaker-pro-12-tips-and-tricks-demo/