Creating graphs

[Ricardo]

Quite similar to the last post! but anyway...

I need to put data that i have stored in one of my FM Pro databases in to a graphical format.e.g bar graph, line graph etc. The data in the database i need to show is recordings of job times. e.g average job times per customer.

1. can this be done in the same database i.e. on another layout?

2. Does it require a plugin?

3. is it difficult?

Thanks in advance.

[Kundinger]

Hello Ricardo,

YES, you can create a 'bar' graph with data from FileMaker... It's not a pretty thing to do though. In fact, it's almost UGLY.

Here's a simple sample:

- Create a 'blank' layout with 'many' columns

- Define field "Bar" as a Calc field with a Text result

-- Left("||||||...|||||", Int(DataField))

--- Use 100 "|" characters between quotes

--- 'DataField' is the field you want to graph

- Insert the "Bar" field on the layout

- Rotate the "Bar" field to a vertical orientation

- Insert 'DataField'

- In 'Browse' mode, add new record and enter data in 'DataField'

- Preview to see vertical graphs

NOTES:

- You can only enter data in 'Browse' mode

- You can only view graph in 'Preview' mode

- You can 'Copy' the graph to the 'clipboard' in 'Preview' mode

- You can then 'Paste' the graph into a 'container' field or another application

IDEA:

Create a script to get graph & data and move to another application such as a spreadsheet.

This is about the best I've been able to come up with... not pretty, but usable. There maybe a plug-in. Look on the FileMaker site (http://www.filemaker.com/plugins/index.html).

I have a simple sample file. Let me know if you would like it e-mailed to you.

Hope this helps...

Bob

[Ricardo]

Thanks,

it does seem a bit 'UGLY' but i will give it a ago.

Although if i can get a plugin it will make life much easier!

thanks again.

[bbaliner]

This is a pretty creative thought, but why not just link the db to excel, and plug the numbers in excel?

[Tom England]

What do you mean by 'link the database to Excel'?

[Ricardo]

yes, please expalin what you mean by linking the db to excel.

[moxnat3]

The ||||| calculation idea is ugly, a better one is to create a repeating container field that has the same number of repetitions as the maximum result. Then use the getRepetiton function to call up the appropriate graph(ic).

eg. GraphField (Container, Repeating)

ResultCalc (Number) -- must be an integer so needs (round,0), also the mod function can help out here in some cases

GraphResult(calculation,container)=GetRepetition(GraphField,ResultCalc)

Try it out.