How to Create a Filemaker Pro Database
FileMaker Pro is a database program from FileMaker, a division of Apple. FileMaker Pro is a cross-platform relationship database that is easy to learn for beginners and has special additional features, like word processing and graphic design capabilities. To create a database using FileMaker Pro, follow these steps.
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Instructions
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Plan the database. Determine the purpose of the database and the information to be input into the database. Decide what specific fields are needed, what types of fields and how the database should look. Think about how the database may be used in the future and who should have access to the layouts, scripts and field definitions.
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Select the "File" menu and choose "New Database." If the "FileMaker Quick Start" screen appears, choose "Create Empty Database" and click "OK." Otherwise, the "New File" dialog box will appear.
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Type a file name in the "New File" box. Be certain to give it a unique name; otherwise, the file name could overwrite another database. Navigate to the folder where the file will reside. Click "Save." The "Manage Database" box will appear.
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Define a field by giving the field a name and determining any applicable options. Specify the field type, such as text or number. While FileMaker Pro will allow changing the type of field at a later date, there are restrictions on the type of information it will retain in the changed field. Continue defining the fields until all fields are entered.
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Click "Done" when all fields have been defined. A basic layout with all the fields will appear.
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Select "New Record" from the menu. This will create a record to begin input of data.
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Tips & Warnings
Customize layouts with color and graphic elements. This makes data input easier by quickly guiding the eye to the location.
Experiment with moving the fields around to make reading the information on-screen more logical. For example, if the layout contains city, state and zip code fields, arrange them close to each other. To move the fields, change to "Layout" mode and drag the field to its new location.
