User manual

Table Of Contents
Chapter 2
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Using databases 21
When FileMaker Pro saves a file
FileMaker Pro saves a file whenever you perform an action such as modifying data. The following actions
do not cause the file to be saved:
1 Displaying a different record or layout (unless that record or layout has been modified)
1 Sorting records or modifying a sort order
1 Performing find operations such as Find, Show All Records, Omit Record, or modifying a find request
1 Changing the position and size of windows or hiding/showing the status toolbar
1 Changing layout object default settings
1 Changing ruler display settings
If you perform any of the above actions without also performing an action that does cause a save (such as
modifying data), the change won’t be saved when you close the file. FileMaker
Pro considers the above
actions to be minor changes, and they are not saved with the file unless the file is also modified in a more
significant way.
For example, if you open a file and perform a find, then close the file, FileMaker Pro does not save the found
set with the file. However, if you open a file, add a new record, perform a find, then close the file,
FileMaker
Pro saves the found set as well as the new record with the file.
For more information about saving files, see Help.
About modes
You work with data in FileMaker Pro in Browse, Find, Layout, or Preview mode. You can choose a mode
from the View menu or from the mode pop-up menu at the bottom of the document window.
Use this mode To
Browse mode Work with the data in a file. You can add, view, change, sort, omit (hide), and delete records. Browse
mode is where you’ll do most of your work, such as data entry.
Find mode Search for particular records that match a set of criteria. You can then work with this subset of your
records, called the found set. After you find a group of records, FileMaker
Pro returns to Browse mode
so you can begin working with them.
Layout mode Determine how information is presented on your screen or in printed reports, labels, and forms. Design
layouts for specific tasks, like data entry or printing invoices or envelopes. Select and arrange fields and
other objects to modify an existing layout or create new layouts.
Preview mode See how data in forms or reports will look before you print. Preview mode is especially useful for viewing
layouts with multiple columns (like mailing labels) and reports with
summaries.
Mode pop-up menu