Overview:

While showing list of records in a report using list view, placing the fields at appropriate positions on layout with spaces, gives us the look and feel as that of neatly arrangement in columns. But what if we want to put those data fields in actual columns.

Can we create actual columns using line objects? But there are fields where the data for one record may contain one word and for some other record, it may be of 20 words.

Can we use Filemaker’s default sliding and visibility features, by checking the feature “Also resize the enclosing part” for the field along with the line objects? But that feature doesn’t work as long as any object for column creation is present. Illustrating the above problem using an example, we finally, reveal a simple solution.

Approaches to put the column and showing records on a list view report:

Approach 1:

• When we use Filemaker’s default sliding and visibility features, by checking the feature “Also resize the enclosing part” for the field on layout setup, they look like below.
• You can see that different records have text data of different lengths and accordingly, the space occupied by the field for that record is proportional to the size of the field data.  It is made possible by using Filemaker’s default sliding and visibility features, by checking the feature “Also resize the enclosing part” for the field on the layout setup.

Approach 2:

• As shown below, putting line objects between the fields doesn’t provide us a solution, because sliding features of the field, doesn’t work with the line object put between them.

Approach 3:

• Here, comes the hack, the fruit of the article, showing us the solution.
• By using the field, which we know, may contain the largest data, of the available fields, on the layout, and keeping under each field (using Arrange → Send to Back feature) in all columns – and by making it’s text color, such that the text cancels, itself against the body color, ( should become invisible on viewing in report ), we can solve this problem.
• For these field objects, we mark the border on the appropriate side such that it shows as columns as shown below. We also position them without any spaces between these objects, so as to form column lines vertically and have their height covering the entire body so that single horizontal line appears.

We will explain how to do that with an example.

The steps are:

1) Identify the field which is going to contain larger amount of data – requires more space on layout.

In our example, As you can see, the Full Address field is the one containing the largest text in each record. Also note that full address of different records are of different lengths.

2) Keep the field below to all the other field objects as shown below using Arrange   –> Send to back feature.

3) Make all the field objects containing the largest amount of data, with their Sliding features and visibility checked in as Sliding up based on, all objects above and mark the check box, Also resize the enclosing part.

4) Make the text color, body color such that the text inside the field objects, which were placed under all other field objects of the record, are invisible by using Graphic feature and Text feature.

5) Mark the border of the field objects on the appropriate side.

In our case, Full Address field object on the second column is marked its border on lower and right side.

Another ( full address) field object is marked on its left, right and bottom by using Appearance –> Graphic feature.

Note that we haven’t marked all the four sides of an object, otherwise, will appear thicker for the common – touching sides and robs the good look.

5) Position all the field objects without any space between them so that border marked will form as column lines between the different fields of a record. Also, the height of the field objects must occupy the entire body part.

Finally we can see them as though the field data are put in a neat column.

The team at FMDBSolutions hopes this article taught you how to put lines between the fields such that the records look like neatly arranged in columns. FMDBSolutions is a team of well-qualified experts that have a lot of experience with the many versions of FileMaker Pro and the FileMaker Go app too.

Our team knows all about transitioning, migrating, converting, and upgrading for FileMaker. Companies that require FileMaker Integration can also use our services. We have worked with clients from the USA, Australia, and Singapore and will complete your FileMaker assignment in the best possible way at a lower price but the same or higher level of excellence.

If you want solutions to your FileMaker database, we can help. Click the below box for a free FileMaker consultation.

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The post Show list of records with each row containing different fields, in neatly lined columns appeared first on FileMaker Database Solutions.

Hello and welcome to the first post of what will hopefully be many on our FileMaker Blog. In our first update, we will be tackling the problem related to displaying the PDF in FileMaker Preview Mode. Without further ado, let us begin.

What is FileMaker Preview Mode?

We’ll talk a bit about FileMaker now, so those in the know are welcome to skip ahead.

In a basic sense, there are four ways or ‘modes’ to work with data in FileMaker Pro – Browse, Find, Layout, and Preview. In Preview Mode, you get to see what the data in a form or report will look like before you print it out. It is essentially like the ‘Print Preview’ option in Microsoft Word. 

Viewing a PDF requires a document reader from Adobe which you can get here. Now, ideally, the data in FileMaker Preview Mode should show up in the portable document format (PDF). This is where things did not go according to plan.

About the System

We will get to the problem in a bit, but here are the specifics of the system we were using. Note that solutions can differ for different versions of FileMaker. 

Software: FileMaker version 14.0v1

Operating System: Windows 10

FileMaker Preview Mode PDF Problem 

This problem happened after our staff had finished their tasks and compiled all the data after a hard day’s work. Unfortunately, it was at this time that disaster struck. We tried to enter the Preview Mode on FileMaker 14, but only received the below error message in response:

“Combined size of the header plus the footer is longer than can fit on the page. To print, first make the header or footer shorter or use longer paper.”

We faced this issue after we recovered the database. Before that, we were able to view the PDF in Preview Mode in the same database. 

Fixing the FileMaker Preview Predicament

We recommend updating your FileMaker to the latest version, (14.0v6 currently). This version addresses many issues that have to do with PDFs. While they might not be directly related, it may impact your particular issue and it also saves you trouble later on. You can download the latest updates for FileMaker Pro from the official website. Also, be sure to keep checking for new updates.

FMDBSolutions Has the Answer

FMDBSolutions and our group of staff have come across numerous such problems in FileMaker and are battle-hardened to defeat any obstacle you face. We know how valuable the FileMaker software is and our experience will make sure you don’t lose time and money because of a silly mistake. We are certified FileMaker developers, and can be found under ‘India’ on the FileMaker Partners section of the site (Naethra Technologies Private Limited). 

Our company has performed work for people around the globe. You can view our FileMaker Portfolio to see how many clients from the US, England, Australia, and other countries place their trust in us. Our clients all got what they wanted and then some because we at FMDBSolutions go above and beyond to satisfy our customers. Contact us now to avail our services, or click below for a free FileMaker consultation.

The post Why is PDF Not Displayed in FileMaker Preview Mode? appeared first on FileMaker Database Solutions.