Creating New Layouts in Databases

Not all the information stored in a database has to be displayed to the user at any one time. Depending on who is using the database, a lot of the information may not be relevant to them. Another advantage of computerised databases, is that it allows different layouts to be created, where only the required information fields are placed.

FileMaker Pro provides a variety of different layouts that the user can then adapt so that the data is presented in exactly the way they want it to be.

The following exercise involves creating a new layout in the FOOTBALL TEAM KITS database that lists the:

1. The team name.
2. The type of strip and;
3. The price of the strip.

The list will appear in the form of a table to allow many records to be viewed at the same time, rather than the single record that the current layout shows.

 

What you have to do! - Creating a New Layout.

How to Create a New Layout! Click to Go Larger Screen

1. Open the FOOTBALL TEAM KITS database file, watch Video 11 and:
2. Follow the steps shown in the video to create a new layout.
   1. Notice that whatever appears in the Header (or Footer) will only be displayed once per page, at the top (or bottom) of the page.
   2. What ever appears in the body will appears for every record displayed in the database.
3. Tidy up the layout by changing the format of cost to currency (no decimal place) and narrow the width of the type and cost fields to better fit the data typed in these fields.

 

 

Mark off Exercise 19 in your Progress Grids

 

 

What you have to do! - More Practice with Layouts

1. In the MOVIE database create a new layout showing:
   1. The film title
   2. The year,
   3. The Rating, and;
   4. Video ID
• The layout should be in a list.
2. Create a new layout to display the information stored in the PAINTINGS database. You may decide for yourself
   1. What information to include,
   2. What type of layout to use, and;
   3. Any other features you see fit to add to the layout.
   4. Find all painting by Joos Helder and show it to your teacher

 

Mark off Exercise 20 in your Progress Grids

 

Note:

1. The Standard layout is a form type layout that automatically includes all database fields (you can delete fields you don't want from the layout later)
2. The Blank layout is a form type layout with no fields included. You have to choose the appropriate fields you wish to see in this layout.
3. Apart form Columnar report, the other layouts listed are probably of little use to you.

 

 

What you should be able to do now!

• Explain the difference between a FORM and LIST layouts.

• How to create a new layout and choose the fields that you want to display in the layout.

 

Continue to Section 11: Creating a New Database.