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Adding a layout part

To add a layout part to a layout, first decide what kind of part you need and where it should go.

If you're defining a subsummary part that summarizes a set of records, you also choose what field to group or sort the layout by (the break field). Finally, you define how the part affects page breaks and page numbering, as well as any background fill for the part.

To add a layout part:

1.	In Layout mode, drag the Part tool in the status toolbar to the layout.

Or, choose Insert menu > Part.

2.	In the Part Definition dialog box, select the type of layout part you want.

See About layout part types for a description of each part type.

Part types that are already on the layout are dimmed. (Only subsummary parts can exist more than once on a layout.)

Note  A next to a layout part means the part can't be moved from its position in the layout.

3.	If you're adding a subsummary part, after you click Sub-summary when sorted by, select the name of the field that you want to group the records by (the break field).

You can choose a field in another table by first choosing a table name from the tables list above the list of fields.

When the records are sorted by the break field, all records with the same value in that field are grouped so that FileMaker Pro can calculate subsummary data. (For example, if you wanted to subtotal sales figures for each region, the break field would be Region.) See Troubleshooting layouts with summary or subsummary parts.

4.

Click OK.

Notes

•	When you add a layout part, its format is based on the theme applied to the layout. You can apply a custom style to change the display attributes of the part (for example, display a color gradient as the part background). See Creating new layout object, part, or background styles.

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You can add fields, portals, graphic objects, and text to any layout part. FileMaker Pro considers an object to be in a part when the top of the object is in or just touching the part. For example, if the top of a field touches the bottom division line of the header part, the field displays and prints only in the header and not in the body.

•	If you use the Text tool to add text to a layout part, FileMaker Pro applies the part’s text style to the text.

•	You can view data that is in subsummary parts in Table View, List View, Preview mode, or in a printed report when records are sorted by breakfields.

•	If you choose Layouts menu > Part Setup to create a subsummary part, you are prompted to specify whether you want summary information to print above or below the records being summarized.

•	The amount of blank space above and below objects in the body part determines the spacing between records when you print a layout, preview a layout, or view a layout as a list (click List View in the layout bar).

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When viewing or moving objects on a layout, you can move the part labels if they're in the way. To flip part labels up or down, in Layout mode, click the part label control at the bottom of the window. You can also press Ctrl (Windows) or Command (OS X) while clicking a part label to change the orientation, or temporarily flip down a label by placing the arrow pointer over the flipped-up label and holding the mouse button down.

•	To print a cover page for a report, add a title header part and resize it to the size of a page. You can then add a regular header, a regular footer, and any other layout parts you want to appear on subsequent pages.

•	You can eliminate blank spaces in fields or parts when printing. See Removing blank spaces in printouts.

Related topics 

Changing a layout part

Deleting layout parts

Reordering layout parts

Resizing layout parts