FileMaker Reporting Fundamentals

Introduction

• Instructor: Matt Petrowski
• Website: isofilemaker.com
• Focus: Fundamentals of FileMaker Reporting
• Example Dataset: Monthly page views to cdc.gov from data.gov

Importing Data into FileMaker

• Downloaded dataset as a CSV file
• Preview CSV data (Quick Look on Mac, Text Editor on Windows)
• Drag-and-drop CSV file into FileMaker
• FileMaker converts CSV to database, suggesting field names from column headers
• Initial file/table setup with default naming
• Import Dialog: Choose to use first row as field names
• Naming imported table (e.g., cdc_data)

Prepping the Data

• Additional setup in Manage Database (e.g., adding fields like notes)
• Understanding Layouts: Default Layout (Form View, List View, Table View)
• Switched to Layout Mode to create a new layout or report
• Simultaneously view raw data and report data using New Window
• Editing layout name and settings (e.g., report layout)

Sorting and Field Types

• Sorting data by year and month for report clarity
• Importance of field types:
  • Year field should be numeric for correct sorting
  • Month field text sorting would sort alphabetically (incorrect for months)
• Using the sort field to correct order (numeric sort value for months)

Value Lists

• Creating value lists for sorting
• Example: Creating a month_names value list through export/import tricks
• Custom Value Lists can specify exact order for sorting (e.g., January, February,...)

Layout Parts

• Types of Layout Parts:
  • Top Navigation, Title Header, Header
  • Leading Grand Summary, Body, Sub Summary, Trailing Grand Summary
  • Footer, Title Footer, Bottom Navigation
• Setting header, removing body if not needed
• Adding and configuring Sub Summary parts (e.g., above and below data)

Creating the Report Layout

• Adding fields (Year, Month, Page Views, Notes) with customized style (e.g., report_fields)
• Summary Fields:
  • Creating a Field Type Summary
  • Example: summary_total_page_views
  • Checking correct field types for accurate summaries

Aggregate Functions

• Adding and placing summary fields in sub summary parts
• Ensure correct visualization by adjusting part colors and adding lines for separation
• Formatting numbers (e.g., adding thousands separators)

Dynamic Layout Adjustments

• Importance of Sliding and Visibility:
  • Adjust fields to slide up/left as needed
  • Auto-resize parts to shrink unused space
• Using Preview Mode to see final report adjustments

Conclusion

• Ensuring proper sorting, value lists, and layout parts for accurate reporting
• Utilizing dynamic adjustments for long texts and accurate prints
• Example report setup for clear year and page view summary

As always, good luck with your FileMaker development and happy filemaking!