Layout not based on a table

[tamala]

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!

[Wim Decorte]

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.

[H1sc]

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?

[bcooney]

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).

[tamala]

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.

[IdealData]

You can delete the table, but keep the layout.

[tamala]

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.

[Rick Whitelaw]

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.

[IdealData]

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.