FileMaker Pro 9: The Missing Manual

Same Database, Multiple Windows

So far, you’ve spent all your time in the same Contact Management window. If you’re feeling a little claustrophobic, fear not. At any time, you can get yourself another window by choosing Window → New Window. You’ll get an exact copy of the window you were just looking at. What’s the big deal, you ask? The big deal is that you can switch to another record or do almost anything else in the new window, without affecting what’s displayed in the first one.

When you have multiple windows open, you can change most of the settings you’ve seen so far for each window. For example, if you want to compare two contacts side by side, you can show one contact in each window.

You can even zoom one window in and another one out, or show the status area in one window but not the other (if that’s your idea of fun). Another time multiple windows are useful is when you’re working with one set of found records (see FastMatch) but need to do another search. You can perform a find in a new window without disrupting your work in the original window. Say you’ve been fiddling with the Find command to come up with all your contacts with superpowers, and then suddenly get the paperwork you need to edit the detail on another record. Although you could enter data on the list layout, all the fields you need may not be available. Just create a new window and look up the record you want to edit (see Figure 1-20). Your super-power group is safe and sound in the first window. See the ...