About FileMaker Pro modes
You work with data in FileMaker Pro in Browse, Find, Layout, or Preview mode. You can choose a mode from the View menu or use a keyboard shortcut.
Each mode provides different menu and toolbar options, so choose a mode after deciding what kind of work you need to do. If you’re working with a database and you can’t find the command you need, you may be using the wrong mode. (It’s also possible that your access privileges may prohibit you from using the command.)
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Use this mode |
To |
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Browse |
Work with the data in a file. You can add, view, change, sort, omit (hide), and delete records. Browse mode is where you’ll do most of your work, like data entry. See Adding and viewing data and Sorting records. |
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Find |
Search for particular records that match a set of criteria. You can then work with this subset of your records, called the found set. After you find a group of records, FileMaker Pro returns to Browse mode so you can begin working with them. See Finding records. |
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Layout |
Determine how information is presented on your screen or in printed reports, labels, and forms. Design layouts for specific tasks, like data entry or printing invoices. Select and arrange fields to modify an existing layout, or create new layouts. See Creating and managing layouts and reports. |
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Preview |
See how data in forms or reports will look before you print. Preview mode is especially useful for viewing layouts with multiple columns (like mailing labels) and reports with summaries. See Previewing data on a layout. |
You can also switch modes by clicking buttons in the status toolbar. The buttons in the status toolbar vary depending on which mode you’re in. You can customize the buttons available in each mode by customizing the status toolbar. See Using the status toolbar.
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To switch from this mode |
To this mode |
Click this button or series of buttons |
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Browse |
Find |
Find |
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Layout |
Edit Layout |
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Preview |
Preview |
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Find |
Browse |
Cancel Find |
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Layout |
Cancel Find, then Edit Layout |
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Preview |
Cancel Find, then Preview |
Notes
- Edit Layout is not available in Table View. If you are in Table View, you must switch to Form View or List View to access the Edit Layout button.
- To switch from Layout mode to the mode, click Exit Layout.
Exit Layout returns you to the mode in which you were previously working.
- To switch from Preview mode to another mode, click Exit Preview.
Exit Preview returns you to the mode in which you were previously working.