FileMaker Pro Day 4: Layouts, Charts and Reports

In this class, you will build layouts for engaging on-screen and printed display of data, organize layouts into folders and learn the most efficient ways to place and format layout objects. You will make data entry easier and more consistent using dynamic drop-down and pop-up menus, use tab controls to maximize use of layout space, portals to display multiple related records and web viewers to show data-driven web content. You will also format multi-state buttons and fields, set tab order and auto-resize layout objects. You will also learn three advanced layout techniques: subsummary reports, charts and crosstab reports. Subsummary reports insert group headings and subtotals automatically in list-style layouts and allow summarization of data. Charts portray your data in full-color graphical presentation. Crosstab reports summarize data in a spreadsheet-style display. This class is taught by a FileMaker Business Alliance Trainer and is an excellent step in preparing for the FileMaker Certified Developer exam.

Course Outline
Managing and Organizing Layouts
- creating layouts
- applying layout themes
- understanding table occurrences and layout context
- organizing layouts into folders
- working with layout parts and layout area
- setting tab order

Field Control Style and Value Lists
- creating static value lists
- dynamic value lists based on existing records
- using two fields in a value list
- applying value lists to layouts as drop-down lists or pop-up menus

Special Layout Objects
- maximizing use of space using tab controls
- displaying related records in portals
- presenting web content using live data
- making layout objects adapt to changing window size

Subsummary Reports
- creating basic subsummary reports
- reporting only the subtotals
- sorting to create ranking reports
- multilevel subsummary reports
- automated sorting with script triggers

Charting
- understanding chart elements
- creating quick charts
- adding charts to layouts
- formatting charts

Crosstab Reports
- what is a crosstab report?
- understanding when to use crosstabs
- defining the needed calculation and summary fields
- creating a crosstab layout

Note: This class is designed for people who have attended up to Day 3 or have a year or more of experience building FileMaker Pro databases and want to create more functional layouts.