As of FileMaker 18, the Import Dialog has been redesigned to be more user-friendly, flexible and fast. Some of the new features include the ability to select the target fields in a list that can be filtered and the ability to perform auto-enter options individually for each field.
What Is New?
User-friendly interface
Ability to select the target field from a list that can be filtered
A custom row can be used as the "Field Names" row in the source file for certain data types
Auto-enter options are independent for each field
Ability to import data from files using a custom character to separate values
User Friendly Interface
The way information is presented makes it easier for the users to understand how the import process works. For example the use of colors to define if the field will be imported or not, or if it will be used to find a match conveys what is going to be done in a very efficient and natural way.
In addition FileMaker provides diagrams in a pop-up window of the different operations that could be performed when importing.
Search Target Field
FileMaker now allows us to choose the target fields from a list that can be filtered, decreasing the time needed to map fields, especially when including a considerable amount of fields.
Use Custom Record As Field Names
You can now select any row in the import file as the header row (the row containing the field names). All rows in the file before the header row will be omitted.
Independent Auto-Enters
You can choose which auto-enters to fire when importing by clicking on the red gear button located on the right side of each field with auto-enter options.
Custom Character Separators
You have now the ability to import files that have separators other than commas and tabs, getting rid of the need to preprocess the file before importing.
Conclusion
FileMaker greatly improved importing with a more intuitive interface, a more efficient methodology, and more flexible functionality. Contact us if you would like help importing data into your FileMaker application.
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