Validation options

Follow steps 13 in To set field entry options on page 98 to reach the Validation options (Figure 9.11). These options ensure that data entered in the fields you select is correctly formatted.

• Strict data type: Use this checkbox and its related drop-down menu to automatically create a Numeric Only, 4-Digit Year Date, or Time of Day type of field. The 4-Digit Year Date choice, which uses the format 2000 instead of 00, is intended to avoid Y2K problems. If FileMaker encounters a 2-digit year date, it uses this rule: numbers in the 9099 range are converted to 19901999; numbers in the 0010 are converted to 20002010.

• Not empty, Unique value, Existing value: Use the first checkbox to make sure a field isn't skipped during data entry. The other two checkboxes work in opposing waysUnique ensures that a record contains a one-of-a-kind value while Existing ensures that the value is the same as that of another field.

• Member of value list: Use this checkbox and its related drop-down menu to present the user with a predefined list of entry choices. Value lists may be the single best tool in speeding data entry and preventing typos in records. See Using Value Lists on page 107.

• In range: Use this checkbox to ensure that the data entered falls within the range of the text, numbers, dates, or times you specify in the two entry boxes.

• Validated by calculation: Use this checkbox and the Specify button to double-check a value against a chosen formula.

• Maximum number of characters: Use this checkbox and the text window to control how many characters will be displayed.

• Display custom message if validation fails: This checkbox controls what users see if the data they enter doesn't meet the criteria you've already set in the Validation dialog box. Create a custom message in the text window below the checkbox that explains why the entry was not acceptedand what users might do to conform to the field's requirements. The message can contain up to 255 characters.

  Figure 9.11. The Validation panel's checkboxes ensure that data entered into selected fields is correctly formatted.