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Allan62

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Filemaker Pro as a document manager

Hello:

We'd like to be able to view documents (i.e. pdf, MS Word docs, etc.) from within Filemaker Pro.  i.e. data and image are displayed side-by-side.  The "container" field only allows for the storage of a document and requires the user to click to open or download the file.

Does anyone know of any solutions?

Thanks!
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ThomDroz

Allan62

There is a plugin for a filemaker call "super container"  that might be what will meet your needs
http://www.360works.com/supercontainer/

Thom Droz
Droz-Consulting.com
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Thanks!  I've tried that plug-in and it seems overly complicated.
Allan62

I am not aware of another solution, that is the most widely used in the filemaker communtiy for displaying word docs & pdf files

good luck!
I've used FMP and I'm so relieved I don't have to use it anymore. Even Access is better, in so many ways, but particulary in ease of use and reliability.

David
dspector

Filemaker is known for its ease of use.  Like any program the more you are familiar with it the easier it seems.  Filemaker is an Apple product and it shares the great programming that has made Apple the market leader in intuitive and useful software


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Tocacar
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Tocar:

Excellent!  Is there a way for the user to insert a different file link for every new record they create? I was only able to create a link to one specific url in the layout mode.

Thanks!
If you store the filename in a field, you can create a calculation for the URL which concatenates the path to your webserver folder and the filename for the particular record you are on.  That way the web viewer will show you the correct document for each record.

If I have misunderstood your question at all, just let me know.
The file attachment system I developed works in parallel with filemaker using php.

Each Filemaker record has a webviewer which sends it's unique identifier to a php page that displays a list of files uploaded for that record. It's easiest to make folders for each Filemaker record. Obviously you'll need a php upload form also.  The documents are stored on a web server. You can still have quite a lot of customisation by sending variables in the webviewer url calculation.

PDFs display the best as <embed src="">
@Allan62
Glad to see that TomDWallace has joined the question - if you manage to get this working (and it definitely does work), please award all points to TomDWallace.  As I mentioned earlier, this is his solution (unless of course another expert steps in with a better solution for you!).
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Thanks folks!  

I did this in the web-browser view (layout mode)

"file:///C:/Documents and Settings/Allan S/Desktop/"  & Document Library::File Path

It pulls the name of the file entered in the field and everything looks fine.  However, how would I be able to click on the "file path" field and select a document by browsing for it?  As opposed to manually typing the file address of the document into this field?

Thanks again!

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Partially sovled