Defining and changing fields
When you create a new solution, FileMaker Pro opens in
Browse mode and displays the Manage Database dialog box, where you define
fields. You create each
field name and choose its
field type. Then you can select options that determine how the field interprets, enters, calculates, stores, and displays data.
To define or change fields:
1. If you’re creating a new solution, the Manage Database dialog box opens in Browse mode.
To change existing field definitions, choose File menu > Manage > Database.
2. Click the Fields tab if it is not displayed.
3. If needed, choose the appropriate
table from the
Table list.
4. Add, change, or delete fields.
To | Do this |
Add a field | For Field Name, type a name for the field. For Type, choose a field type. Then click Create. To set options for validation, auto entry, and storage for the field, click Options. See Setting options for fields. |
Change a field’s name | Select the field. For Field Name, type the new name, then click Change. See About naming fields. |
Change the field type | |
Change field options | Double-click the field name, or select the field and click Options. |
Delete a field | Select the field, then click Delete. |
| Select the calculation field, then click Options (or double-click the field name). In the Specify Calculation dialog box, make your changes, then click OK. See Defining calculation fields. |
| Select the summary field, then click Options (or double-click the field name). In the Options for Summary Field dialog box, make your changes, then click OK. See Defining summary fields. |
Notes
•If you changed a calculation formula or summary calculation, FileMaker Pro recalculates the values when you close the Manage Database dialog box.
•To have fields that you define automatically placed on a layout, select the
Add newly defined fields to current layout preference (in the Preferences dialog box) before you define the fields. See
Setting layout preferences.
•To change the order in which fields appear in the Manage Database dialog box (and all dialog boxes that list fields), drag the double arrow
next to the field definition up or down. To reorder by field name or type, click the
Field Name or
Type column heading.
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