Filemaker Pro Lesson
Adding functionality with Scripted Buttons
One of the most powerful capabilities of Filemaker Pro is to perform a series of commands automatically using scripts. These advanced functions will be explored more fully in a special workshop focused entirely on scripts. However, simple one step commands can be attached to buttons on even a basic database layout and provide improved efficiency.
Sample files needed for this lesson: Sample Database.fp7
1. Choose Layout #1 from the layout drop-down list, located directly above the book icon.
2. Select View -> Layout Mode. Click on the Button Tool in the status area. In the upper right corner of the layout header, draw a small rectangle. Choose "Go To Layout" from the list of actions on the left and in the Specify drop down list select "Form Letter" and click "OK".
3. Type Form Letter for the name of the button then click somewhere on a blank portion of the layout.
4. Select View -> Browse Mode. Click on the Form Letter button to view the result. Now reselect Layout #1 from the layout drop down list.
5. Choose View -> Layout Mode. Click on the Button Tool again in the status area. Draw another small rectangle below the Form Letter button. Choose "Enter Find Mode" from the list of actions and click "OK".
6. Type Find for the name of the button then click somewhere on a blank portion of the layout.
7. Select View -> Browse Mode and click on the Find button to view the result.
You may also format the button text and color the button.
8. Choose View -> Layout Mode. Click on the "Find" button then click on the color selector immediately above the paint bucket and choose a color you like.
9. Now click on the Text tool and drag your mouse across the word Find on the Find button to highlight it. Select Format -> Text and select the Font, Size, Color, and Style that you would like and click OK.
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Last updated: 05/19/2005