- Getting Started
- Understanding FileMaker Pro Features
- Using the Status Toolbar
- Working in FileMaker Pro
- Working with Records
- Working with Fields
- Working with Related Data
- Finding Data with FileMaker
- Sorting
- Printing
- Importing and Exporting Data
- Using the Web Viewer
- Troubleshooting
- FileMaker Extra: Becoming a FileMaker Pro Power User
Importing and Exporting Data
Having to manually type every bit of data into a database can be an excruciating experience. Fortunately, FileMaker has excellent capabilities for importing data from a wide variety of sources. Later chapters cover integration with other systems. For now, keep in mind that there are options other than spending all day at the keyboard.
Importing data moves data from one environment to another in a batch mode, and that is what the following sections summarize. FileMaker Pro now also provides a number of ways to share data in real time. You can use ODBC to access external SQL data sources in real time. You can also add SQL tables to your database graph, and you can even add supplemental fields to the external tables—your FileMaker database stores the supplemental fields.
- To explore how to bring data, including a directory of images, into your FileMaker Pro solution, see Chapter 22, “Importing Data into FileMaker Pro.”
- To learn about ODBC connectivity and exporting, see Chapter 23, “Exporting Data from FileMaker.”
Saving PDF and Excel Documents
Often you will want to prepare a report in FileMaker and create an electronic document you can then share with your colleagues. From the File menu, you can now save directly to PDF or Excel without having to use any third-party software.
Notice that you can automatically attach your documents to an email or even use FileMaker to compose an email message from data within your database. This function depends on your having an email client installed on your computer or having access to an SMTP server.
- For more information on saving PDF documents and sending email from FileMaker, see “Delivering Reports,” p. 309.