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Setting up a field to auto-complete during data entry

You can set up a field to use auto-complete (type ahead) to help users quickly enter values in Browse mode or Find mode. FileMaker makes suggestions based on what the user has previously entered into the field, or based on values in a value list.

You can use auto-complete on text fields displayed as:

•	Edit boxes

•	Drop-down lists

•	Drop-down calendars

Note  To set up fields to automatically enter information when a record is created or modified, see Defining automatic data entry.

To set up a field to auto-complete during data entry:

1.	In Layout mode, select the field.

2.	Click Inspector in the layout bar, then click Data.

3.	In the Field area, choose Edit box, Drop-down list, or Drop-down calendar from the Control Style drop-down list. For more information, see Setting up a field to display a pop-up menu, checkbox set, or other control or Setting up a field to display a drop-down calendar.

Tip  To prevent suggestions from displaying in a list, choose Drop-down list, then select Include arrow to show and hide list. Only the best match appears in the field.

4.	Select an auto-complete option:

 

For	Select
Edit box or Drop-down Calendar	Auto-complete using existing values The system makes suggestions based on the field’s index.
Drop-down list	Auto-complete using value list The system makes suggestions based on the value list specified.

Notes

•	Only fields defined as Text fields can be set to use auto-complete. (Numerical, date, or any other type of textual data can be stored in a text field.)

•	Auto-complete is not supported in drop-down lists when the value list used is configured to use Also display values from second field, Show values only from second field, or Sort by second field. For more information, see Defining value lists.