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Filemaker - sorting

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  Filemaker - sorting ihp98230 <viking.1943@hotmail.com> - 2015-02-18 14:41 -0800
    Re: Filemaker - sorting Ursus <ursus.kirk@ziggo.nl> - 2015-02-19 00:03 +0100
      Re: Filemaker - sorting ihp98230 <viking.1943@hotmail.com> - 2015-02-18 15:29 -0800
        Re: Filemaker - sorting Ursus <ursus.kirk@ziggo.nl> - 2015-02-19 00:51 +0100
          Re: Filemaker - sorting ihp98230 <viking.1943@hotmail.com> - 2015-02-18 17:25 -0800
            Re: Filemaker - sorting dempson@actrix.gen.nz (David Empson) - 2015-02-19 16:08 +1300
              Re: Filemaker - sorting ihp98230 <viking.1943@hotmail.com> - 2015-02-18 19:38 -0800
                Re: Filemaker - sorting dempson@actrix.gen.nz (David Empson) - 2015-02-19 17:25 +1300
                  Re: Filemaker - sorting Ursus <ursus.kirk@ziggo.nl> - 2015-02-19 09:59 +0100
                  Re: Filemaker - sorting viking.1943@hotmail.com - 2015-02-22 06:00 -0800
                    Re: Filemaker - sorting Helpful Harry <HelpfulHarry@BusyWorking.com> - 2015-02-23 08:54 +1300
    Re: Filemaker - sorting Helpful Harry <HelpfulHarry@BusyWorking.com> - 2015-02-19 13:16 +1300
      Re: Filemaker - sorting John G <john.g@green.com> - 2015-02-23 11:01 +1100
        Re: Filemaker - sorting Helpful Harry <HelpfulHarry@BusyWorking.com> - 2015-02-23 16:38 +1300
          Re: Filemaker - sorting John G <john.g@green.com> - 2015-02-23 15:39 +1100
            Re: Filemaker - sorting viking.1943@hotmail.com - 2015-02-23 19:25 -0800

#1990 — Filemaker - sorting

I have several hundred different data base files in Filemaker format. I would like to merge many of them so I am down to only a handful of large files but still retain the ability to work within any one of them when that is more convenient. 

I am contemplating establishing a new field in each file, and merge all of the old files into this larger file. However I would still like to retain the old file names but as a field heading so if I want to look up one specific section I can still do so quickly and easily. 

It is easy to add an additional field to every Filemaker file, the question is how can I do that quickly when there will be nothing in that field initially. Some files can have thousands of individual records but i cannot find any way to create a new field and then put the same thing in each of those records quickly and easily. Doing it one file at a time could easily take days simply using copy and paste, but doing it 50,000 times. 

Does anyone know a quick and easy way to do this?

Any help would be appreciated.

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#1991

ihp98230 schreef op 18-2-2015 om 23:41:
> I have several hundred different data base files in Filemaker format. I would like to merge many of them so I am down to only a handful of large files but still retain the ability to work within any one of them when that is more convenient.
>
> I am contemplating establishing a new field in each file, and merge all of the old files into this larger file. However I would still like to retain the old file names but as a field heading so if I want to look up one specific section I can still do so quickly and easily.
>
> It is easy to add an additional field to every Filemaker file, the question is how can I do that quickly when there will be nothing in that field initially. Some files can have thousands of individual records but i cannot find any way to create a new field and then put the same thing in each of those records quickly and easily. Doing it one file at a time could easily take days simply using copy and paste, but doing it 50,000 times.
>
> Does anyone know a quick and easy way to do this?
>
> Any help would be appreciated.
>
create field, put it on a layout, type something in it, use ctrl-shift-= 
and click yes in the dialog.

or create calculated field with fixed text-contents

or create field and use a looping script to set field contents

keep well, Ursus

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#1992

On Wednesday, February 18, 2015 at 3:03:49 PM UTC-8, Ursus wrote:
> ihp98230 schreef op 18-2-2015 om 23:41:
> > I have several hundred different data base files in Filemaker format. I would like to merge many of them so I am down to only a handful of large files but still retain the ability to work within any one of them when that is more convenient.
> >
> > I am contemplating establishing a new field in each file, and merge all of the old files into this larger file. However I would still like to retain the old file names but as a field heading so if I want to look up one specific section I can still do so quickly and easily.
> >
> > It is easy to add an additional field to every Filemaker file, the question is how can I do that quickly when there will be nothing in that field initially. Some files can have thousands of individual records but i cannot find any way to create a new field and then put the same thing in each of those records quickly and easily. Doing it one file at a time could easily take days simply using copy and paste, but doing it 50,000 times.
> >
> > Does anyone know a quick and easy way to do this?
> >
> > Any help would be appreciated.
> >
> create field, put it on a layout, type something in it, use ctrl-shift-= 
> and click yes in the dialog.
> 
> or create calculated field with fixed text-contents
> 
> or create field and use a looping script to set field contents
> 
> keep well, Ursus

Can you translate that into English? I have no idea what you are talking about. I do not speak or understand programmer languages or terminologies.

Doug

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#1993

ihp98230 schreef op 19-2-2015 om 00:29:
> On Wednesday, February 18, 2015 at 3:03:49 PM UTC-8, Ursus wrote:
>> ihp98230 schreef op 18-2-2015 om 23:41:
>>> I have several hundred different data base files in Filemaker format. I would like to merge many of them so I am down to only a handful of large files but still retain the ability to work within any one of them when that is more convenient.
>>>
>>> I am contemplating establishing a new field in each file, and merge all of the old files into this larger file. However I would still like to retain the old file names but as a field heading so if I want to look up one specific section I can still do so quickly and easily.
>>>
>>> It is easy to add an additional field to every Filemaker file, the question is how can I do that quickly when there will be nothing in that field initially. Some files can have thousands of individual records but i cannot find any way to create a new field and then put the same thing in each of those records quickly and easily. Doing it one file at a time could easily take days simply using copy and paste, but doing it 50,000 times.
>>>
>>> Does anyone know a quick and easy way to do this?
>>>
>>> Any help would be appreciated.
>>>
>> create field, put it on a layout, type something in it, use ctrl-shift-=
>> and click yes in the dialog.
>>
>> or create calculated field with fixed text-contents
>>
>> or create field and use a looping script to set field contents
>>
>> keep well, Ursus
>
> Can you translate that into English? I have no idea what you are talking about. I do not speak or understand programmer languages or terminologies.
>
> Doug
>
it is English. All these are very basic filemaker steps you should 
recognise. If you don't recognise them I would strongly advice to make 
yourself familiar with the basic workings of filemaker. Otherwise you 
might do more harm then good to your files. And really this is not being 
pedantic or overly harsh. But I don't see any point in 'go here, then 
there, do exactly this.' That would be writing a completely new HowTo, 
which is easily found on the web. And please learn it, the basics of 
Filemaker or not very complicated to learn.

work on a copy of your file.

create a field, if you can't do that look it up. One of the most common 
things to do.
put the field you just made on a layout.
Go to the field and type something in it (whatever it is you need)
Three things that belong in any lesson one or two of 'how to: filemaker"

Don't leave the field but
hit three keys in one go: CTRL and SHIFt and =
that brings up a replace dialog. Accept it and sit back and wait while 
the file automagically fills all the records in the current found set.
Only slightly lesson three.

And please state your version of filemaker next time. While these 
functions are the same almost throughout all versions, others might be 
version-specific.

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#1995

On Wednesday, February 18, 2015 at 3:51:25 PM UTC-8, Ursus wrote:
> ihp98230 schreef op 19-2-2015 om 00:29:
> > On Wednesday, February 18, 2015 at 3:03:49 PM UTC-8, Ursus wrote:
> >> ihp98230 schreef op 18-2-2015 om 23:41:
> >>> I have several hundred different data base files in Filemaker format. I would like to merge many of them so I am down to only a handful of large files but still retain the ability to work within any one of them when that is more convenient.
> >>>
> >>> I am contemplating establishing a new field in each file, and merge all of the old files into this larger file. However I would still like to retain the old file names but as a field heading so if I want to look up one specific section I can still do so quickly and easily.
> >>>
> >>> It is easy to add an additional field to every Filemaker file, the question is how can I do that quickly when there will be nothing in that field initially. Some files can have thousands of individual records but i cannot find any way to create a new field and then put the same thing in each of those records quickly and easily. Doing it one file at a time could easily take days simply using copy and paste, but doing it 50,000 times.
> >>>
> >>> Does anyone know a quick and easy way to do this?
> >>>
> >>> Any help would be appreciated.
> >>>
> >> create field, put it on a layout, type something in it, use ctrl-shift-=
> >> and click yes in the dialog.
> >>
> >> or create calculated field with fixed text-contents
> >>
> >> or create field and use a looping script to set field contents
> >>
> >> keep well, Ursus
> >
> > Can you translate that into English? I have no idea what you are talking about. I do not speak or understand programmer languages or terminologies.
> >
> > Doug
> >
> it is English. All these are very basic filemaker steps you should 
> recognise. If you don't recognise them I would strongly advice to make 
> yourself familiar with the basic workings of filemaker. Otherwise you 
> might do more harm then good to your files. And really this is not being 
> pedantic or overly harsh. But I don't see any point in 'go here, then 
> there, do exactly this.' That would be writing a completely new HowTo, 
> which is easily found on the web. And please learn it, the basics of 
> Filemaker or not very complicated to learn.
> 
> work on a copy of your file.
> 
> create a field, if you can't do that look it up. One of the most common 
> things to do.
> put the field you just made on a layout.
> Go to the field and type something in it (whatever it is you need)
> Three things that belong in any lesson one or two of 'how to: filemaker"
> 
> Don't leave the field but
> hit three keys in one go: CTRL and SHIFt and =
> that brings up a replace dialog. Accept it and sit back and wait while 
> the file automagically fills all the records in the current found set.
> Only slightly lesson three.
> 
> And please state your version of filemaker next time. While these 
> functions are the same almost throughout all versions, others might be 
> version-specific.

I am not a programmer and have no interest in becoming one. I use filemaker as a data base to keep files and records. I can understand most of the commands needed to add, delete, modify, sort, etc., and have been doing so for several years. The program I am using is version 11. Perhaps there is some other program I should be using.

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#1996

ihp98230 <viking.1943@hotmail.com> wrote:

> On Wednesday, February 18, 2015 at 3:51:25 PM UTC-8, Ursus wrote:
> > ihp98230 schreef op 19-2-2015 om 00:29:
> > > On Wednesday, February 18, 2015 at 3:03:49 PM UTC-8, Ursus wrote:
> > >> ihp98230 schreef op 18-2-2015 om 23:41:
> > >>> I have several hundred different data base files in Filemaker
> > >>> format. I would like to merge many of them so I am down to only a
> > >>> handful of large files but still retain the ability to work within
> > >>> any one of them when that is more convenient.
> > >>>
> > >>> I am contemplating establishing a new field in each file, and merge
> > >>> all of the old files into this larger file. However I would still
> > >>> like to retain the old file names but as a field heading so if I want
> > >>> to look up one specific section I can still do so quickly and easily.
> > >>>
> > >>> It is easy to add an additional field to every Filemaker file, the
> > >>> question is how can I do that quickly when there will be nothing in
> > >>> that field initially. Some files can have thousands of individual
> > >>> records but i cannot find any way to create a new field and then put
> > >>> the same thing in each of those records quickly and easily. Doing it
> > >>> one file at a time could easily take days simply using copy and
> > >>> paste, but doing it 50,000 times.
> > >>> 
> > >>> Does anyone know a quick and easy way to do this?
> > >>>
> > >>> Any help would be appreciated.
> > >>>
> > >> create field, put it on a layout, type something in it, use ctrl-shift-=
> > >> and click yes in the dialog.
> > >>
> > >> or create calculated field with fixed text-contents

[...]

> > > Can you translate that into English? I have no idea what you are
> > > talking about. I do not speak or understand programmer languages or
> > > terminologies.
> > >
> > it is English. All these are very basic filemaker steps you should 
> > recognise. If you don't recognise them I would strongly advice to make
> > yourself familiar with the basic workings of filemaker. Otherwise you
> > might do more harm then good to your files. And really this is not being
> > pedantic or overly harsh. But I don't see any point in 'go here, then
> > there, do exactly this.' That would be writing a completely new HowTo,
> > which is easily found on the web. And please learn it, the basics of
> > Filemaker or not very complicated to learn.
> > 
> > work on a copy of your file.
> > 
> > create a field, if you can't do that look it up. One of the most common
> > things to do.
> > put the field you just made on a layout.
> > Go to the field and type something in it (whatever it is you need)
> > Three things that belong in any lesson one or two of 'how to: filemaker"
> > 
> > Don't leave the field but
> > hit three keys in one go: CTRL and SHIFt and =
> > that brings up a replace dialog. Accept it and sit back and wait while
> > the file automagically fills all the records in the current found set.
> > Only slightly lesson three.
> > 
> > And please state your version of filemaker next time. While these 
> > functions are the same almost throughout all versions, others might be
> > version-specific.
> 
> I am not a programmer and have no interest in becoming one. I use
> filemaker as a data base to keep files and records. I can understand most
> of the commands needed to add, delete, modify, sort, etc., and have been
> doing so for several years. The program I am using is version 11. Perhaps
> there is some other program I should be using.

This method is not "programming" by any stretch. These are basic
concepts which are mostly covered by chapters 1-3 of the User Guide
included with FileMaker Pro, or by the Tutorial (both of which are
normally in the "English Extras" folder alongside the application).

The only one not mentioned in the user guide is the "Replace Field
Contents" command, which is what Ursus is describing via its keyboard
shortcut. (This command is documented in FileMaker's help.)

These are the steps you will need to do to add the field to your
database and have all relevant records set to the same value in that
field.

1. Add the field to the definition of the table in your database. This
is done via File > Manage > Database.

2. Add the field to the layout you are using, so you can see and edit
it. (This might happen automatically, depending on how you have set up
one of FileMaker's preferences.) See below for further details.

3. Find the set of records which should end up with the same value in
that field. By the sound of what you want to do, this would either be
all of the records in the table (Find All), or the set of records you
have just imported (which would be the found set immediately after the
import).

4. Enter the desired value into the field of any one record in the found
set. Don't press Enter/Return or otherwise leave the field after
entering the value.

5. Use the "Replace Field Contents" command, which is in the Records
menu. This shows a dialog explaining what it is about to do. If the
details are right, confirm it, and every record in the found set will be
set to the same value in that field.

The keyboard shortcut for this command is CTRL SHIFT = on Windows; on
the Mac it is Command =


For step 2: if your use of FileMaker is extremely limited, you might not
be particularly aware of FileMaker's concept of a "Layout".

A layout is used for viewing, finding or editing the data in a table. It
lets you pick which fields from each record are visible, and how they
are arranged and formatted. A layout can be set to the simple "Table"
view which looks like a spreadsheet, which is handy for mass editing of
data, or can be in "Form" or "List" view. (These are selected via the
View menu, or icons in the toolbar next to View As.)

Every table in the database has one layout by default, and you can add
additional layouts if you want, e.g. you can set up multiple layouts
with different subsets or arrangements of the fields for editing and for
printing various reports.

When you first create a table, FileMaker automatically creates a layout
for you, with all the fields from the table. That layout has the same
name as the table.

If you add a field to an existing table, to view or edit the contents of
that field, you also need to add the new field to one or more of the
layouts used by that table. FileMaker has a preference for whether that
happens automatically:

Preferences > Layout > Add newly defined fields to current layout.

If you are using very simple layouts and have that preference enabled,
the field will appear automatically once you've added it to the table
definition.

Otherwise you would need to know how to use Layout mode and add the
field to your existing layout.

-- 
David Empson
dempson@actrix.gen.nz

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#1997

On Wednesday, February 18, 2015 at 7:08:36 PM UTC-8, David Empson wrote:
> ihp98230 <viking.1943@hotmail.com> wrote:
> 
> > On Wednesday, February 18, 2015 at 3:51:25 PM UTC-8, Ursus wrote:
> > > ihp98230 schreef op 19-2-2015 om 00:29:
> > > > On Wednesday, February 18, 2015 at 3:03:49 PM UTC-8, Ursus wrote:
> > > >> ihp98230 schreef op 18-2-2015 om 23:41:
> > > >>> I have several hundred different data base files in Filemaker
> > > >>> format. I would like to merge many of them so I am down to only a
> > > >>> handful of large files but still retain the ability to work within
> > > >>> any one of them when that is more convenient.
> > > >>>
> > > >>> I am contemplating establishing a new field in each file, and merge
> > > >>> all of the old files into this larger file. However I would still
> > > >>> like to retain the old file names but as a field heading so if I want
> > > >>> to look up one specific section I can still do so quickly and easily.
> > > >>>
> > > >>> It is easy to add an additional field to every Filemaker file, the
> > > >>> question is how can I do that quickly when there will be nothing in
> > > >>> that field initially. Some files can have thousands of individual
> > > >>> records but i cannot find any way to create a new field and then put
> > > >>> the same thing in each of those records quickly and easily. Doing it
> > > >>> one file at a time could easily take days simply using copy and
> > > >>> paste, but doing it 50,000 times.
> > > >>> 
> > > >>> Does anyone know a quick and easy way to do this?
> > > >>>
> > > >>> Any help would be appreciated.
> > > >>>
> > > >> create field, put it on a layout, type something in it, use ctrl-shift-=
> > > >> and click yes in the dialog.
> > > >>
> > > >> or create calculated field with fixed text-contents
> 
> [...]
> 
> > > > Can you translate that into English? I have no idea what you are
> > > > talking about. I do not speak or understand programmer languages or
> > > > terminologies.
> > > >
> > > it is English. All these are very basic filemaker steps you should 
> > > recognise. If you don't recognise them I would strongly advice to make
> > > yourself familiar with the basic workings of filemaker. Otherwise you
> > > might do more harm then good to your files. And really this is not being
> > > pedantic or overly harsh. But I don't see any point in 'go here, then
> > > there, do exactly this.' That would be writing a completely new HowTo,
> > > which is easily found on the web. And please learn it, the basics of
> > > Filemaker or not very complicated to learn.
> > > 
> > > work on a copy of your file.
> > > 
> > > create a field, if you can't do that look it up. One of the most common
> > > things to do.
> > > put the field you just made on a layout.
> > > Go to the field and type something in it (whatever it is you need)
> > > Three things that belong in any lesson one or two of 'how to: filemaker"
> > > 
> > > Don't leave the field but
> > > hit three keys in one go: CTRL and SHIFt and =
> > > that brings up a replace dialog. Accept it and sit back and wait while
> > > the file automagically fills all the records in the current found set.
> > > Only slightly lesson three.
> > > 
> > > And please state your version of filemaker next time. While these 
> > > functions are the same almost throughout all versions, others might be
> > > version-specific.
> > 
> > I am not a programmer and have no interest in becoming one. I use
> > filemaker as a data base to keep files and records. I can understand most
> > of the commands needed to add, delete, modify, sort, etc., and have been
> > doing so for several years. The program I am using is version 11. Perhaps
> > there is some other program I should be using.
> 
> This method is not "programming" by any stretch. These are basic
> concepts which are mostly covered by chapters 1-3 of the User Guide
> included with FileMaker Pro, or by the Tutorial (both of which are
> normally in the "English Extras" folder alongside the application).
> 
> The only one not mentioned in the user guide is the "Replace Field
> Contents" command, which is what Ursus is describing via its keyboard
> shortcut. (This command is documented in FileMaker's help.)
> 
> These are the steps you will need to do to add the field to your
> database and have all relevant records set to the same value in that
> field.
> 
> 1. Add the field to the definition of the table in your database. This
> is done via File > Manage > Database.
> 
> 2. Add the field to the layout you are using, so you can see and edit
> it. (This might happen automatically, depending on how you have set up
> one of FileMaker's preferences.) See below for further details.
> 
> 3. Find the set of records which should end up with the same value in
> that field. By the sound of what you want to do, this would either be
> all of the records in the table (Find All), or the set of records you
> have just imported (which would be the found set immediately after the
> import).
> 
> 4. Enter the desired value into the field of any one record in the found
> set. Don't press Enter/Return or otherwise leave the field after
> entering the value.
> 
> 5. Use the "Replace Field Contents" command, which is in the Records
> menu. This shows a dialog explaining what it is about to do. If the
> details are right, confirm it, and every record in the found set will be
> set to the same value in that field.
> 
> The keyboard shortcut for this command is CTRL SHIFT = on Windows; on
> the Mac it is Command =
> 
> 
> For step 2: if your use of FileMaker is extremely limited, you might not
> be particularly aware of FileMaker's concept of a "Layout".
> 
> A layout is used for viewing, finding or editing the data in a table. It
> lets you pick which fields from each record are visible, and how they
> are arranged and formatted. A layout can be set to the simple "Table"
> view which looks like a spreadsheet, which is handy for mass editing of
> data, or can be in "Form" or "List" view. (These are selected via the
> View menu, or icons in the toolbar next to View As.)
> 
> Every table in the database has one layout by default, and you can add
> additional layouts if you want, e.g. you can set up multiple layouts
> with different subsets or arrangements of the fields for editing and for
> printing various reports.
> 
> When you first create a table, FileMaker automatically creates a layout
> for you, with all the fields from the table. That layout has the same
> name as the table.
> 
> If you add a field to an existing table, to view or edit the contents of
> that field, you also need to add the new field to one or more of the
> layouts used by that table. FileMaker has a preference for whether that
> happens automatically:
> 
> Preferences > Layout > Add newly defined fields to current layout.
> 
> If you are using very simple layouts and have that preference enabled,
> the field will appear automatically once you've added it to the table
> definition.
> 
> Otherwise you would need to know how to use Layout mode and add the
> field to your existing layout.
> 
> -- 
> David Empson
> dempson@actrix.gen.nz


This is getting more confusing with every posting and I do not understand what most of you have said, obviously Filemaker is not a simple program and it appears it is not designed to be used for simple tasks like keeping track of data either. It looks like one viable and simple option is find another data base program and import the files from here to that program. :Life should be a lot simpler after that.
Doug

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#1998

ihp98230 <viking.1943@hotmail.com> wrote:

> On Wednesday, February 18, 2015 at 7:08:36 PM UTC-8, David Empson wrote:
> > ihp98230 <viking.1943@hotmail.com> wrote:
> > 
> > > On Wednesday, February 18, 2015 at 3:51:25 PM UTC-8, Ursus wrote:
> > > > ihp98230 schreef op 19-2-2015 om 00:29:
> > > > > On Wednesday, February 18, 2015 at 3:03:49 PM UTC-8, Ursus wrote:
> > > > >> ihp98230 schreef op 18-2-2015 om 23:41:
> > > > >>> I have several hundred different data base files in Filemaker
> > > > >>> format. I would like to merge many of them so I am down to only a
> > > > >>> handful of large files but still retain the ability to work within
> > > > >>> any one of them when that is more convenient.
> > > > >>>
> > > > >>> I am contemplating establishing a new field in each file, and
> > > > >>> merge all of the old files into this larger file. However I
> > > > >>> would still like to retain the old file names but as a field
> > > > >>> heading so if I want to look up one specific section I can still
> > > > >>> do so quickly and easily.
> > > > >>>
> > > > >>> It is easy to add an additional field to every Filemaker file,
> > > > >>> the question is how can I do that quickly when there will be
> > > > >>> nothing in that field initially. Some files can have thousands
> > > > >>> of individual records but i cannot find any way to create a new
> > > > >>> field and then put the same thing in each of those records
> > > > >>> quickly and easily. Doing it one file at a time could easily
> > > > >>> take days simply using copy and paste, but doing it 50,000
> > > > >>> times.
> > > > >>> 
> > > > >>> Does anyone know a quick and easy way to do this?
> > > > >>>
> > > > >>> Any help would be appreciated.
> > > > >>>
> > > > >> create field, put it on a layout, type something in it, use
> > > > >> ctrl-shift-= and click yes in the dialog.
> > > > >>
> > > > >> or create calculated field with fixed text-contents
> > 
> > [...]
> > 
> > > > > Can you translate that into English? I have no idea what you are
> > > > > talking about. I do not speak or understand programmer languages or
> > > > > terminologies.
> > > > >
> > > > it is English. All these are very basic filemaker steps you should
> > > > recognise. If you don't recognise them I would strongly advice to make
> > > > yourself familiar with the basic workings of filemaker. Otherwise you
> > > > might do more harm then good to your files. And really this is not being
> > > > pedantic or overly harsh. But I don't see any point in 'go here, then
> > > > there, do exactly this.' That would be writing a completely new HowTo,
> > > > which is easily found on the web. And please learn it, the basics of
> > > > Filemaker or not very complicated to learn.
> > > > 
> > > > work on a copy of your file.
> > > > 
> > > > create a field, if you can't do that look it up. One of the most common
> > > > things to do.
> > > > put the field you just made on a layout.
> > > > Go to the field and type something in it (whatever it is you need)
> > > > Three things that belong in any lesson one or two of 'how to: filemaker"
> > > > 
> > > > Don't leave the field but
> > > > hit three keys in one go: CTRL and SHIFt and =
> > > > that brings up a replace dialog. Accept it and sit back and wait while
> > > > the file automagically fills all the records in the current found set.
> > > > Only slightly lesson three.
> > > > 
> > > > And please state your version of filemaker next time. While these
> > > > functions are the same almost throughout all versions, others might be
> > > > version-specific.
> > > 
> > > I am not a programmer and have no interest in becoming one. I use
> > > filemaker as a data base to keep files and records. I can understand most
> > > of the commands needed to add, delete, modify, sort, etc., and have been
> > > doing so for several years. The program I am using is version 11. Perhaps
> > > there is some other program I should be using.
> > 
> > This method is not "programming" by any stretch. These are basic
> > concepts which are mostly covered by chapters 1-3 of the User Guide
> > included with FileMaker Pro, or by the Tutorial (both of which are
> > normally in the "English Extras" folder alongside the application).
> > 
> > The only one not mentioned in the user guide is the "Replace Field
> > Contents" command, which is what Ursus is describing via its keyboard
> > shortcut. (This command is documented in FileMaker's help.)
> > 
> > These are the steps you will need to do to add the field to your
> > database and have all relevant records set to the same value in that
> > field.
> > 
> > 1. Add the field to the definition of the table in your database. This
> > is done via File > Manage > Database.
> > 
> > 2. Add the field to the layout you are using, so you can see and edit
> > it. (This might happen automatically, depending on how you have set up
> > one of FileMaker's preferences.) See below for further details.
> > 
> > 3. Find the set of records which should end up with the same value in
> > that field. By the sound of what you want to do, this would either be
> > all of the records in the table (Find All), or the set of records you
> > have just imported (which would be the found set immediately after the
> > import).
> > 
> > 4. Enter the desired value into the field of any one record in the found
> > set. Don't press Enter/Return or otherwise leave the field after
> > entering the value.
> > 
> > 5. Use the "Replace Field Contents" command, which is in the Records
> > menu. This shows a dialog explaining what it is about to do. If the
> > details are right, confirm it, and every record in the found set will be
> > set to the same value in that field.
> > 
> > The keyboard shortcut for this command is CTRL SHIFT = on Windows; on
> > the Mac it is Command =
> > 
> > 
> > For step 2: if your use of FileMaker is extremely limited, you might not
> > be particularly aware of FileMaker's concept of a "Layout".
> > 
> > A layout is used for viewing, finding or editing the data in a table. It
> > lets you pick which fields from each record are visible, and how they
> > are arranged and formatted. A layout can be set to the simple "Table"
> > view which looks like a spreadsheet, which is handy for mass editing of
> > data, or can be in "Form" or "List" view. (These are selected via the
> > View menu, or icons in the toolbar next to View As.)
> > 
> > Every table in the database has one layout by default, and you can add
> > additional layouts if you want, e.g. you can set up multiple layouts
> > with different subsets or arrangements of the fields for editing and for
> > printing various reports.
> > 
> > When you first create a table, FileMaker automatically creates a layout
> > for you, with all the fields from the table. That layout has the same
> > name as the table.
> > 
> > If you add a field to an existing table, to view or edit the contents of
> > that field, you also need to add the new field to one or more of the
> > layouts used by that table. FileMaker has a preference for whether that
> > happens automatically:
> > 
> > Preferences > Layout > Add newly defined fields to current layout.
> > 
> > If you are using very simple layouts and have that preference enabled,
> > the field will appear automatically once you've added it to the table
> > definition.
> > 
> > Otherwise you would need to know how to use Layout mode and add the
> > field to your existing layout.
> 
> This is getting more confusing with every posting and I do not understand
> what most of you have said, obviously Filemaker is not a simple program
> and it appears it is not designed to be used for simple tasks like keeping
> track of data either. It looks like one viable and simple option is find
> another data base program and import the files from here to that program.
> Life should be a lot simpler after that.

I doubt it. At the level you are using it, FileMaker Pro is about as
easy to use as any of the various simpler database applications, all of
which would need a similar set of actions if you wanted to add a field
to an existing table and add the new field to the current view.

Some simple database applications don't have a way to store the same
value in a field for every record, or a set of records (e.g. I can't
spot anything like that in Bento), so going to another database may make
that operation harder.

One more point which might simplify things:

If you are using Table view, you can avoid my steps 1 and 2 above,
because you can just click the + button to the right of the column
headings to add a new field (column) to the table definition and layout
at the same time.

That just leaves the issues of finding the right records (rows), which
you say you already know how to do, and using the Replace Field Contents
command in the Records menu, which Ursus and I have described (my steps
4 and 5).

If you don't understand the meaning of basic terms like "field",
"record" or "table" then reading the tutorial which comes with FileMaker
would be a good idea. Most database packages use the same terms.

The documentation is also available via the Help menu.

FileMaker Pro has a lot of features, but you can ignore the ones you
don't need.

-- 
David Empson
dempson@actrix.gen.nz

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#1999

SNIP*

>
> I doubt it. At the level you are using it, FileMaker Pro is about as
> easy to use as any of the various simpler database applications, all of
> which would need a similar set of actions if you wanted to add a field
> to an existing table and add the new field to the current view.
>
> Some simple database applications don't have a way to store the same
> value in a field for every record, or a set of records (e.g. I can't
> spot anything like that in Bento), so going to another database may make
> that operation harder.
>
> One more point which might simplify things:
>
> If you are using Table view, you can avoid my steps 1 and 2 above,
> because you can just click the + button to the right of the column
> headings to add a new field (column) to the table definition and layout
> at the same time.
>
> That just leaves the issues of finding the right records (rows), which
> you say you already know how to do, and using the Replace Field Contents
> command in the Records menu, which Ursus and I have described (my steps
> 4 and 5).
>
> If you don't understand the meaning of basic terms like "field",
> "record" or "table" then reading the tutorial which comes with FileMaker
> would be a good idea. Most database packages use the same terms.
>
> The documentation is also available via the Help menu.
>
> FileMaker Pro has a lot of features, but you can ignore the ones you
> don't need.
>

Somehow I get the feeling the OP is not quite willing to even try what 
we are suggesting. Filemaker is not a pot-o'-noodles where you just add 
water.

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#2007

On Wednesday, February 18, 2015 at 8:25:48 PM UTC-8, David Empson wrote:
> ihp98230 <viking.1943@hotmail.com> wrote:
> 
> > On Wednesday, February 18, 2015 at 7:08:36 PM UTC-8, David Empson wrote:
> > > ihp98230 <viking.1943@hotmail.com> wrote:
> > > 
> > > > On Wednesday, February 18, 2015 at 3:51:25 PM UTC-8, Ursus wrote:
> > > > > ihp98230 schreef op 19-2-2015 om 00:29:
> > > > > > On Wednesday, February 18, 2015 at 3:03:49 PM UTC-8, Ursus wrote:
> > > > > >> ihp98230 schreef op 18-2-2015 om 23:41:
> > > > > >>> I have several hundred different data base files in Filemaker
> > > > > >>> format. I would like to merge many of them so I am down to only a
> > > > > >>> handful of large files but still retain the ability to work within
> > > > > >>> any one of them when that is more convenient.
> > > > > >>>
> > > > > >>> I am contemplating establishing a new field in each file, and
> > > > > >>> merge all of the old files into this larger file. However I
> > > > > >>> would still like to retain the old file names but as a field
> > > > > >>> heading so if I want to look up one specific section I can still
> > > > > >>> do so quickly and easily.
> > > > > >>>
> > > > > >>> It is easy to add an additional field to every Filemaker file,
> > > > > >>> the question is how can I do that quickly when there will be
> > > > > >>> nothing in that field initially. Some files can have thousands
> > > > > >>> of individual records but i cannot find any way to create a new
> > > > > >>> field and then put the same thing in each of those records
> > > > > >>> quickly and easily. Doing it one file at a time could easily
> > > > > >>> take days simply using copy and paste, but doing it 50,000
> > > > > >>> times.
> > > > > >>> 
> > > > > >>> Does anyone know a quick and easy way to do this?
> > > > > >>>
> > > > > >>> Any help would be appreciated.
> > > > > >>>
> > > > > >> create field, put it on a layout, type something in it, use
> > > > > >> ctrl-shift-= and click yes in the dialog.
> > > > > >>
> > > > > >> or create calculated field with fixed text-contents
> > > 
> > > [...]
> > > 
> > > > > > Can you translate that into English? I have no idea what you are
> > > > > > talking about. I do not speak or understand programmer languages or
> > > > > > terminologies.
> > > > > >
> > > > > it is English. All these are very basic filemaker steps you should
> > > > > recognise. If you don't recognise them I would strongly advice to make
> > > > > yourself familiar with the basic workings of filemaker. Otherwise you
> > > > > might do more harm then good to your files. And really this is not being
> > > > > pedantic or overly harsh. But I don't see any point in 'go here, then
> > > > > there, do exactly this.' That would be writing a completely new HowTo,
> > > > > which is easily found on the web. And please learn it, the basics of
> > > > > Filemaker or not very complicated to learn.
> > > > > 
> > > > > work on a copy of your file.
> > > > > 
> > > > > create a field, if you can't do that look it up. One of the most common
> > > > > things to do.
> > > > > put the field you just made on a layout.
> > > > > Go to the field and type something in it (whatever it is you need)
> > > > > Three things that belong in any lesson one or two of 'how to: filemaker"
> > > > > 
> > > > > Don't leave the field but
> > > > > hit three keys in one go: CTRL and SHIFt and =
> > > > > that brings up a replace dialog. Accept it and sit back and wait while
> > > > > the file automagically fills all the records in the current found set.
> > > > > Only slightly lesson three.
> > > > > 
> > > > > And please state your version of filemaker next time. While these
> > > > > functions are the same almost throughout all versions, others might be
> > > > > version-specific.
> > > > 
> > > > I am not a programmer and have no interest in becoming one. I use
> > > > filemaker as a data base to keep files and records. I can understand most
> > > > of the commands needed to add, delete, modify, sort, etc., and have been
> > > > doing so for several years. The program I am using is version 11. Perhaps
> > > > there is some other program I should be using.
> > > 
> > > This method is not "programming" by any stretch. These are basic
> > > concepts which are mostly covered by chapters 1-3 of the User Guide
> > > included with FileMaker Pro, or by the Tutorial (both of which are
> > > normally in the "English Extras" folder alongside the application).
> > > 
> > > The only one not mentioned in the user guide is the "Replace Field
> > > Contents" command, which is what Ursus is describing via its keyboard
> > > shortcut. (This command is documented in FileMaker's help.)
> > > 
> > > These are the steps you will need to do to add the field to your
> > > database and have all relevant records set to the same value in that
> > > field.
> > > 
> > > 1. Add the field to the definition of the table in your database. This
> > > is done via File > Manage > Database.
> > > 
> > > 2. Add the field to the layout you are using, so you can see and edit
> > > it. (This might happen automatically, depending on how you have set up
> > > one of FileMaker's preferences.) See below for further details.
> > > 
> > > 3. Find the set of records which should end up with the same value in
> > > that field. By the sound of what you want to do, this would either be
> > > all of the records in the table (Find All), or the set of records you
> > > have just imported (which would be the found set immediately after the
> > > import).
> > > 
> > > 4. Enter the desired value into the field of any one record in the found
> > > set. Don't press Enter/Return or otherwise leave the field after
> > > entering the value.
> > > 
> > > 5. Use the "Replace Field Contents" command, which is in the Records
> > > menu. This shows a dialog explaining what it is about to do. If the
> > > details are right, confirm it, and every record in the found set will be
> > > set to the same value in that field.
> > > 
> > > The keyboard shortcut for this command is CTRL SHIFT = on Windows; on
> > > the Mac it is Command =
> > > 
> > > 
> > > For step 2: if your use of FileMaker is extremely limited, you might not
> > > be particularly aware of FileMaker's concept of a "Layout".
> > > 
> > > A layout is used for viewing, finding or editing the data in a table. It
> > > lets you pick which fields from each record are visible, and how they
> > > are arranged and formatted. A layout can be set to the simple "Table"
> > > view which looks like a spreadsheet, which is handy for mass editing of
> > > data, or can be in "Form" or "List" view. (These are selected via the
> > > View menu, or icons in the toolbar next to View As.)
> > > 
> > > Every table in the database has one layout by default, and you can add
> > > additional layouts if you want, e.g. you can set up multiple layouts
> > > with different subsets or arrangements of the fields for editing and for
> > > printing various reports.
> > > 
> > > When you first create a table, FileMaker automatically creates a layout
> > > for you, with all the fields from the table. That layout has the same
> > > name as the table.
> > > 
> > > If you add a field to an existing table, to view or edit the contents of
> > > that field, you also need to add the new field to one or more of the
> > > layouts used by that table. FileMaker has a preference for whether that
> > > happens automatically:
> > > 
> > > Preferences > Layout > Add newly defined fields to current layout.
> > > 
> > > If you are using very simple layouts and have that preference enabled,
> > > the field will appear automatically once you've added it to the table
> > > definition.
> > > 
> > > Otherwise you would need to know how to use Layout mode and add the
> > > field to your existing layout.
> > 
> > This is getting more confusing with every posting and I do not understand
> > what most of you have said, obviously Filemaker is not a simple program
> > and it appears it is not designed to be used for simple tasks like keeping
> > track of data either. It looks like one viable and simple option is find
> > another data base program and import the files from here to that program.
> > Life should be a lot simpler after that.
> 
> I doubt it. At the level you are using it, FileMaker Pro is about as
> easy to use as any of the various simpler database applications, all of
> which would need a similar set of actions if you wanted to add a field
> to an existing table and add the new field to the current view.
> 
> Some simple database applications don't have a way to store the same
> value in a field for every record, or a set of records (e.g. I can't
> spot anything like that in Bento), so going to another database may make
> that operation harder.
> 
> One more point which might simplify things:
> 
> If you are using Table view, you can avoid my steps 1 and 2 above,
> because you can just click the + button to the right of the column
> headings to add a new field (column) to the table definition and layout
> at the same time.
> 
> That just leaves the issues of finding the right records (rows), which
> you say you already know how to do, and using the Replace Field Contents
> command in the Records menu, which Ursus and I have described (my steps
> 4 and 5).
> 
> If you don't understand the meaning of basic terms like "field",
> "record" or "table" then reading the tutorial which comes with FileMaker
> would be a good idea. Most database packages use the same terms.
> 
> The documentation is also available via the Help menu.
> 
> FileMaker Pro has a lot of features, but you can ignore the ones you
> don't need.
> 
> -- 
> David Empson
> dempson@actrix.gen.nz

Is there anyone out there who can do some programming and write something that will enable me to do something that the basic Filemaker program apparently does not have any provision for?

I want to establish a new field, that is not a problem, but the only present way to put information in that field is to type it in, so if there are 50,000 records it has to be done 50,000 times. Very impractical. I would like to be able to do it with one command, such as replace '    ' with 'abcd' next xxxx number of lines. 

In Filemkaer now you can go to the edit command and then go to "find, replace" and this can be accomplished. HOWEVER you need to have something to find for it to be replaced. I want to be able to enter something where nothing presently exists only I want to do it many times.  

Doug

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#2012

In article <e235bb69-7dae-4489-8e89-8dd0c5c9c2bc@googlegroups.com>,
<viking.1943@hotmail.com> wrote:
> 
> Is there anyone out there who can do some programming and write something
> that will enable me to do something that the basic Filemaker program
> apparently does not have any provision for?
> 
> I want to establish a new field, that is not a problem, but the only present
> way to put information in that field is to type it in, so if there are 50,000
> records it has to be done 50,000 times. Very impractical. I would like to be
> able to do it with one command, such as replace '    ' with 'abcd' next xxxx
> number of lines. 
> 
> In Filemkaer now you can go to the edit command and then go to "find, 
> replace" and this can be accomplished. HOWEVER you need to have something to
> find for it to be replaced. I want to be able to enter something where 
> nothing presently exists only I want to do it many times.  


1.  Create the new field as a Calculation field and set the 
    calculation as whatever text you want.
    i.e.
            NewField     (Calculation, Text Result)
                = "MyTextHere"

2.  Click the OK buttons to close all of the create field 
    windows until you are back at your usual FileMaker layout
    window. FileMaker will create the field with and 
    automatically enter the "MyTextHere" data for each
    record.

3.  Go back into the create fields window and change
    NewField to be a normal Text field (instead of a 
    Calculation field).

4.  Click the OK buttons to close all of the create field
    windows until you back at your usual FileMaker layout
    window. FileMaker will retain the calculated data 
    "MyTextHere" in NewField in each record.


Helpful Harry  :o)

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#1994

In article <89ec3722-5afd-4f2a-8a25-80fe64981d82@googlegroups.com>,
ihp98230 <viking.1943@hotmail.com> wrote:

> I have several hundred different data base files in Filemaker format. I would
> like to merge many of them so I am down to only a handful of large files but
> still retain the ability to work within any one of them when that is more
> convenient. 
> 
> I am contemplating establishing a new field in each file, and merge all of
> the old files into this larger file. However I would still like to retain the
> old file names but as a field heading so if I want to look up one specific
> section I can still do so quickly and easily. 
> 
> It is easy to add an additional field to every Filemaker file, the question
> is how can I do that quickly when there will be nothing in that field
> initially. Some files can have thousands of individual records but i cannot
> find any way to create a new field and then put the same thing in each of
> those records quickly and easily. Doing it one file at a time could easily
> take days simply using copy and paste, but doing it 50,000 times. 
> 
> Does anyone know a quick and easy way to do this?
> 
> Any help would be appreciated.

Probably the safest and easiest way is to initially make the new field
as Calculation field that is set to be whatever text you want.
i.e.
     NewField    Calculation, Text Result
       = "FileName"

where Filename is really whatever the name of the file is.

Click out of all the Define Fields windows and FileMaker will create
the new field with that data. Then go back into the Define Field window
and change the NewField to be an ordinary Text field - it will retain
the calculated data.


Helpful Harry   :o)

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#2013

Helpful Harry explained :
> In article <89ec3722-5afd-4f2a-8a25-80fe64981d82@googlegroups.com>,
> ihp98230 <viking.1943@hotmail.com> wrote:

>> I have several hundred different data base files in Filemaker format. I 
>> would like to merge many of them so I am down to only a handful of large 
>> files but still retain the ability to work within any one of them when that 
>> is more convenient. 
>> 
>> I am contemplating establishing a new field in each file, and merge all of
>> the old files into this larger file. However I would still like to retain 
>> the old file names but as a field heading so if I want to look up one 
>> specific section I can still do so quickly and easily. 
>> 
>> It is easy to add an additional field to every Filemaker file, the question
>> is how can I do that quickly when there will be nothing in that field
>> initially. Some files can have thousands of individual records but i cannot
>> find any way to create a new field and then put the same thing in each of
>> those records quickly and easily. Doing it one file at a time could easily
>> take days simply using copy and paste, but doing it 50,000 times. 
>> 
>> Does anyone know a quick and easy way to do this?
>> 
>> Any help would be appreciated.

> Probably the safest and easiest way is to initially make the new field
> as Calculation field that is set to be whatever text you want.
> i.e.
>      NewField    Calculation, Text Result
>        = "FileName"

> where Filename is really whatever the name of the file is.

> Click out of all the Define Fields windows and FileMaker will create
> the new field with that data. Then go back into the Define Field window
> and change the NewField to be an ordinary Text field - it will retain
> the calculated data.


> Helpful Harry   :o)

You  all are all making this too too hard.

Create a new field on whatever layout or use existing field.
Place Cursor in the field and then press Ctrl= and follow the 
diections.
Note it is NOT Ctrl Shift = as suggested by Ursus

If using Apple then it is "funny four legged thing" = and follow the 
directions.

If you only want to replace a field in some records FIND that set of 
records and proceed as above.
See how important it is to tell us the Platform and the version of FM 
you are using.

Filemaker is the greatest for small to one man enterprises and seems to 
be used by big ones too. A little patience and you can work wonders 
with it. :')

-- 
John G Sydney.

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#2014

In article <XaOdnZAaSIxo8HfJnZ2dnUU7-aGdnZ2d@westnet.com.au>, John G
<john.g@green.com> wrote:
> Helpful Harry explained :
> > In article <89ec3722-5afd-4f2a-8a25-80fe64981d82@googlegroups.com>,
> > ihp98230 <viking.1943@hotmail.com> wrote:
> >> 
> >> I have several hundred different data base files in Filemaker format. I 
> >> would like to merge many of them so I am down to only a handful of large 
> >> files but still retain the ability to work within any one of them when
> >> that 
> >> is more convenient. 
> >> 
> >> I am contemplating establishing a new field in each file, and merge all of
> >> the old files into this larger file. However I would still like to retain 
> >> the old file names but as a field heading so if I want to look up one 
> >> specific section I can still do so quickly and easily. 
> >> 
> >> It is easy to add an additional field to every Filemaker file, the question
> >> is how can I do that quickly when there will be nothing in that field
> >> initially. Some files can have thousands of individual records but i cannot
> >> find any way to create a new field and then put the same thing in each of
> >> those records quickly and easily. Doing it one file at a time could easily
> >> take days simply using copy and paste, but doing it 50,000 times. 
> >> 
> >> Does anyone know a quick and easy way to do this?
> >> 
> >> Any help would be appreciated.
> >
> > Probably the safest and easiest way is to initially make the new field
> > as Calculation field that is set to be whatever text you want.
> > i.e.
> >      NewField    Calculation, Text Result
> >        = "FileName"
> >
> > where Filename is really whatever the name of the file is.
> >
> > Click out of all the Define Fields windows and FileMaker will create
> > the new field with that data. Then go back into the Define Field window
> > and change the NewField to be an ordinary Text field - it will retain
> > the calculated data.
> 
> You  all are all making this too too hard.
> 
> Create a new field on whatever layout or use existing field.
> Place Cursor in the field and then press Ctrl= and follow the 
> diections.
> Note it is NOT Ctrl Shift = as suggested by Ursus
> 
> If using Apple then it is "funny four legged thing" = and follow the 
> directions.
> 
> If you only want to replace a field in some records FIND that set of 
> records and proceed as above.
> See how important it is to tell us the Platform and the version of FM 
> you are using.
> 
> Filemaker is the greatest for small to one man enterprises and seems to 
> be used by big ones too. A little patience and you can work wonders 
> with it. :')

That Replace command can be dangerous if not used carefully. The above
Calculation field method should be safer (you also missed a step of
typing in the data in the field before using Replace).

Helpful Harry  :o)

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#2015

Helpful Harry pretended :
> In article <XaOdnZAaSIxo8HfJnZ2dnUU7-aGdnZ2d@westnet.com.au>, John G
> <john.g@green.com> wrote:
>> Helpful Harry explained :
>>> In article <89ec3722-5afd-4f2a-8a25-80fe64981d82@googlegroups.com>,
>>> ihp98230 <viking.1943@hotmail.com> wrote:
>>>> 
>>>> I have several hundred different data base files in Filemaker format. I 
>>>> would like to merge many of them so I am down to only a handful of large 
>>>> files but still retain the ability to work within any one of them when
>>>> that 
>>>> is more convenient. 
>>>> 
>>>> I am contemplating establishing a new field in each file, and merge all of
>>>> the old files into this larger file. However I would still like to retain 
>>>> the old file names but as a field heading so if I want to look up one 
>>>> specific section I can still do so quickly and easily. 
>>>> 
>>>> It is easy to add an additional field to every Filemaker file, the 
>>>> question is how can I do that quickly when there will be nothing in that 
>>>> field initially. Some files can have thousands of individual records but i 
>>>> cannot find any way to create a new field and then put the same thing in 
>>>> each of those records quickly and easily. Doing it one file at a time 
>>>> could easily take days simply using copy and paste, but doing it 50,000 
>>>> times. 
>>>> 
>>>> Does anyone know a quick and easy way to do this?
>>>> 
>>>> Any help would be appreciated.
>>> 
>>> Probably the safest and easiest way is to initially make the new field
>>> as Calculation field that is set to be whatever text you want.
>>> i.e.
>>>      NewField    Calculation, Text Result
>>>        = "FileName"
>>> 
>>> where Filename is really whatever the name of the file is.
>>> 
>>> Click out of all the Define Fields windows and FileMaker will create
>>> the new field with that data. Then go back into the Define Field window
>>> and change the NewField to be an ordinary Text field - it will retain
>>> the calculated data.
>> 
>> You  all are all making this too too hard.
>> 
>> Create a new field on whatever layout or use existing field.
>> Place Cursor in the field and then press Ctrl= and follow the 
>> diections.
>> Note it is NOT Ctrl Shift = as suggested by Ursus
>> 
>> If using Apple then it is "funny four legged thing" = and follow the 
>> directions.
>> 
>> If you only want to replace a field in some records FIND that set of 
>> records and proceed as above.
>> See how important it is to tell us the Platform and the version of FM 
>> you are using.
>> 
>> Filemaker is the greatest for small to one man enterprises and seems to 
>> be used by big ones too. A little patience and you can work wonders 
>> with it. :')

> That Replace command can be dangerous if not used carefully. The above
> Calculation field method should be safer (you also missed a step of
> typing in the data in the field before using Replace).

> Helpful Harry  :o)

Sorry! yes you are correct  you need the new data in the first record

-- 
John G Sydney.

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#2020

On Sunday, February 22, 2015 at 8:39:24 PM UTC-8, John G wrote:
> Helpful Harry pretended :
> > In article <XaOdnZAaSIxo8HfJnZ2dnUU7-aGdnZ2d@westnet.com.au>, John G
> > <john.g@green.com> wrote:
> >> Helpful Harry explained :
> >>> In article <89ec3722-5afd-4f2a-8a25-80fe64981d82@googlegroups.com>,
> >>> ihp98230 <viking.1943@hotmail.com> wrote:
> >>>> 
> >>>> I have several hundred different data base files in Filemaker format. I 
> >>>> would like to merge many of them so I am down to only a handful of large 
> >>>> files but still retain the ability to work within any one of them when
> >>>> that 
> >>>> is more convenient. 
> >>>> 
> >>>> I am contemplating establishing a new field in each file, and merge all of
> >>>> the old files into this larger file. However I would still like to retain 
> >>>> the old file names but as a field heading so if I want to look up one 
> >>>> specific section I can still do so quickly and easily. 
> >>>> 
> >>>> It is easy to add an additional field to every Filemaker file, the 
> >>>> question is how can I do that quickly when there will be nothing in that 
> >>>> field initially. Some files can have thousands of individual records but i 
> >>>> cannot find any way to create a new field and then put the same thing in 
> >>>> each of those records quickly and easily. Doing it one file at a time 
> >>>> could easily take days simply using copy and paste, but doing it 50,000 
> >>>> times. 
> >>>> 
> >>>> Does anyone know a quick and easy way to do this?
> >>>> 
> >>>> Any help would be appreciated.
> >>> 
> >>> Probably the safest and easiest way is to initially make the new field
> >>> as Calculation field that is set to be whatever text you want.
> >>> i.e.
> >>>      NewField    Calculation, Text Result
> >>>        = "FileName"
> >>> 
> >>> where Filename is really whatever the name of the file is.
> >>> 
> >>> Click out of all the Define Fields windows and FileMaker will create
> >>> the new field with that data. Then go back into the Define Field window
> >>> and change the NewField to be an ordinary Text field - it will retain
> >>> the calculated data.
> >> 
> >> You  all are all making this too too hard.
> >> 
> >> Create a new field on whatever layout or use existing field.
> >> Place Cursor in the field and then press Ctrl= and follow the 
> >> diections.
> >> Note it is NOT Ctrl Shift = as suggested by Ursus
> >> 
> >> If using Apple then it is "funny four legged thing" = and follow the 
> >> directions.
> >> 
> >> If you only want to replace a field in some records FIND that set of 
> >> records and proceed as above.
> >> See how important it is to tell us the Platform and the version of FM 
> >> you are using.
> >> 
> >> Filemaker is the greatest for small to one man enterprises and seems to 
> >> be used by big ones too. A little patience and you can work wonders 
> >> with it. :')
> 
> > That Replace command can be dangerous if not used carefully. The above
> > Calculation field method should be safer (you also missed a step of
> > typing in the data in the field before using Replace).
> 
> > Helpful Harry  :o)
> 
> Sorry! yes you are correct  you need the new data in the first record
> 
> -- 
> John G Sydney.

Thanks to some very welcomed assistance I have finally found out how to accomplish this task in Filemaker. Too bad the Filemaker people don't make it more obvious and clearer. Doug

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