Hi all

 

I have started using FileMaker about a month ago, and before then I haven't even heard about it. I've done a lot of reading, watched videos, went through training materials... Since then I normalized the existing database and am working on making things work properly. I managed to get filtered portals work and used ExecuteSQL to perform a count for which I didn't want to create another relationship. So far so good. But now I am stuck.

 

It might be easy but I just don't see a solution.

 

I want to create a layout that is not based on any table. It will just be a layout with a bunch of buttons that would open various reports. How can I do this?

 

The way I understand it is that when I create a layout, I have to select a table. But then, even if I don't add any fields, the layout has some records and even though I don't display field information from the table, I can see that it depends on these records.

 

I tried to use an empty table for the underlying table, but then the user can still click "New record" and even save empty records into this table, so I don't think this should be a solution.

 

Thank you in advance!

It is fairly common to add on table with no fields (call it "dev" or whatever).  Base your layouts on that table.

There always has to be a table for a layout.

Why don't you create a layout based on a table with no fields, that, on layout enter, delete all records from the table without dialog confirmation?

Main Menus are often based on a 1 record table. Use Security to not allow creation of new records in this table. Often, this table is also used as a System Prefs table (storing in its one record some container fields for logos, some global fields, etc.). Google "Prefs table" and OnOpen Script (which is now the OnFirstWindowOpen trigger).

Thanks a lot, all of you. I have used an empty table and disabled record creation in security, which was previously unknown to me. It's always handy to learn something new.

You can delete the table, but keep the layout.

I didn't think that was possible. Thanks for the tip.

 

Correct me if I am wrong. Deleting the table automatically disables "New Record" and "Create Record" buttons, which is what I wanted. However, the user can still search, so I still have to change this setting in security.

You were right. It's not possible as far as I know. A layout must be based on a table even if it's an empty one. There's not much point in deleting an empty table anyway.

Well, it works in FM12 - try it and see what you get.

 

It's an ideal way to have a button driven menu system!

 

See attached.