Chapter 12. Working with Objects in Layouts

Whether it's text, a field, a field name, or a graphic, FileMaker treats each as a separate object that can be selected, moved, rearranged, and grouped. Most of these functions reside under the Arrange menu, which appears only when you're in Layout mode. These objects also can be graphically embellished with shading, borders, and fills via the tools in the Layout status area. For more information on using graphics with objects, see Working with Graphics on page 212.

Tabbed layouts, a new FileMaker layout object, makes it easy to present data in an easy-to-read fashion (Figure 12.1). See Using Tabbed Layouts on page 191.

Figure 12.1. FileMaker's new tabbed layouts make it easy to present lots of information in an easy-to-read format.

While FileMaker makes it easy to move individual objects around a layout, it also allows you to group objects and then treat them as a single object. By creating groups of groups, you can organize pieces of a layout into units that speed your work.

By default, FileMaker displays objects in the order they were created, with the most recent atop (or in front of) the earlier objects. Sometimes in designing a layout, it's useful to stack objects atop each other to create a special effect, such as the appearance of a three-dimensional object. While each object remains a separate object, rearranging the stack order changes the overall appearance.

To make it easier to build layouts, FileMaker comes with built-in rulers, T-Squares, and grids. For more information, see Using Layout Guides on page 186.

Tip

• You may find it faster when arranging and grouping objects to use FileMaker's Arrange toolbar (Figure 12.2). To turn it on, choose View > Toolbars > Arrange.

Figure 12.2. Use the Arrange toolbar, turned on by choosing View > Toolbars > Arrange, to speed your layout work.