Fundamentals of FileMaker Pro 9.0

Objectives

To learn the basics of creating and using FileMaker Pro databases, including understanding database "jargon", defining tables and fields, performing searches, creating forms and report layouts and learning to control the consistency and appearance of data. The course also includes a brief introduction to the benefits of creating relationships between tables and how to do so, as well as showing how to start automating procedures using simple button actions.


Pre-requisites:

Experience of the Windows or Macintosh operating system or previous attendance on the equivalent training course.


Course Includes:

A comprehensive set of reference notes covering course topics, follow-up telephone support and, for training on Transmedia premises, lunch and refreshments.


Course Outline


Getting started


· Definitions:databases, tables, records & fields; field types
· The FileMaker Quick Start screen
· Creating a database (1) From scratch; (2) From an Excel spreadsheet
· Modes and Views
· Creating, modifying & editing records
· Sorting records and Finding records using different search criteria


Creating and modifying layouts


· Creating layouts with the Layout Wizard; Layout Types; Report and List layouts
· Placing date and page number codes
· Creating automatic tabbed layouts
· Applying field, border, text, number and Conditional formatting
· Creating Tabbed layouts


Simple Button actions


· The principles of database automation with buttons and scripts
· Creating simple buttons


Controlling entry of data into fields


· Entering data from Last Visited record
· Using Value Lists & calendar popups
· Auto Entry of data and calculated values; validation of values






Calculation fields


· Text vs. number calculations
· Using arithmetic and formulae
· Introduction to some basic functions


Updating record sets


· Using the Replace Field Contents command
· Updating with a fixed value
· Updating Serial Numbers
· Updating according to a calculated formula


Summary fields and summarised reports


· What is a Summary field?
· Creating a Summarised Report
· The Sub-summary Part
· The Sort field for Sub Summaries


Merge Fields and Mail Merge options


· What is a merge field?
· Placing merge fields on the layout
· Designing a mail-merge letter layout


Introduction to Relational databases


· Defining relationships between tables and understanding the Match field
· Understanding one-to-many and many-to-one relationships
· Using Portals
· Using Lookups