[G]...Reader Submissions
Buried in FileMaker
Some undocumented tricks and tips
Submitted by Robert Dale <71443.3132@compuserve.com>
PRINTING TIPS:
* Problem: Lets say that you have a FileMaker Pro database that prints with multi-page narratives. You have created a layout with a large field that will be used as a text or narrative field. However, once you type the narrative in and try to print, the text gets cut off between pages. The page breaks over text and cuts lines of text at the bottom of the page. Adjusting the font type, size, or line spacing will not completely solve this problem. What do you do?
* Solution: First, upgrade to FileMaker Pro 2.1v3. You can download this upgrade from AOL, Compuserve, the Claris Web site, or the Claris BBS. Version 3 has several undocumented features. To solve our faulty page break problem, select the text field by clicking on it. This field should be in the Body section of the Layout. Size the field down to the maximum 13 page limit. That is, position this field over the single page guides until you can't go any further. (You may have to first drag the Body tool down 13 pages until it stops.) Enter Layout mode and while holding down the Option key, click on Layout Options in the Layout Menu. This will show an invisible check box allowing you to invoke the New Break option. Click this box and return to Browse mode.
With this option, you can enter as much text as you wish and when printing, FileMaker Pro will correctly place a page break that will not cut off text at the bottom of the printed page. Windows users have the same solution by holding the Shift key.
Remember! If you are printing on standard 8.5"x11" paper, FileMaker Pro can only handle 13 pages of text per field using this option.
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Submitted by Scott Crumpton <ducki@aol.com>
About six months ago I saw a template with this trick in it. It amazes me how easy it is and how undocumented (at least to my knowledge). Yet, I see "professional" templates all the time which attempt to do the same thing in a work around. Truth is, we don't need a work around.
Here it is. Menu dividers are a simple matter in FMPro. Some people still use several dashes in a row when all they need is one dash (hyphen) and the trick is done. NO BIG DEAL.
[Editorial] To try this solution out go to the ScriptMaker right now and create a new script. Name the script with a hyphen "-", make sure it is checked to be shown and then close out ScriptMaker. The results are pleasing and this trick will work in value lists, layouts and the ScriptMaker!
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Some keys taken from the FileMaker FAQ by Martin Trautman <traut@iht0.iht.e-technik.th-darmstadt.de>.
Undocumented key commands in FileMaker.
While in Browse Mode:
* Control-C = Will exit a field and deselect all fields. (similar to clicking in the record, but not in a field)
* Control-[ = Will delete the entire contents of a field while in browse mode. (similar to select all & then deleting)
* Control-_ (Underscore) = Will jump the edit cursor to the end of a field. (similar to select all & right arrow or down arrow key)
While in Layout Mode:
* Enter Key = Using the Enter key will toggle between the last selected layout tool and the arrow tool. (Try it now!)
While in Dialog Boxes:
* Command-Up or Down Arrow = Working in the dialog boxes of layout reordering, ScriptMaker, Sort or Export/Import order this key combination will move a step up or down one item at a time.
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Super Special Hidden Graphics:
Since you've followed the map this far we wouldn't leave you without any useful nuggets. Hidden in the graphic to the left you will find many buttons and some useful icons. Now I can hear you saying "No there isn't. I don't see any!" Well be assured that there is. Follow these steps.
1. Click in the picture area to the left and select COPY
2. Open a paint capable program like Claris Works, Photoshop, Color It! or something that you can clip from a picture.
3. Make a new document and PASTE in the picture that you copied. We're sure you will like the surprise!
If you have any useful FileMaker tips or tricks feel free to send them in to <ISO eZine@aol.com>
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