Creating and Opening Databases

• If you are using FileMaker Pro for the first time you will have to begin by creating a new database file. First, launch the application by using the "Start" menu on a PC or the "Dock" icon on a Mac. After FileMaker finishes loading you will be taken to a welcome screen with several options. Select the "Create a new empty file" if you want to start building a database from scratch. If you would rather use a pre-made database structure, choose the "Create a new file using a template" and then select a template to use from the list on the right side of the window. Click "OK," then choose a name for the new database and determine where you want to save it on your hard drive.
  If you are using FileMaker to access a database that has already been created, close the welcome window, go to the "File" menu at the top of the screen and choose the "Open" or "Open Remote" command. The "Open Remote" command should only be used if the database you are working on is hosted from a FileMaker server.
  
  

Managing Accounts

• In order to protect the information in your database, FIleMaker requires you to enter a username and password when you attempt to open a file. If you expect others to use your new database you will have to set up separate accounts for each individual.
  All user settings are configured in the account management window. To get there, open the "File" menu, go into the "Define" submenu and choose "Accounts & Privileges." A window with a list of all the accounts currently set up in the database will open. You can create an account by clicking on the "New" button at the bottom of the window. Then enter the desired username, password and access level and click "OK" to save the account settings. Highlight an account in the list and hit the "Delete" button to permanently remove it from the database. Remember to click "OK" in the "Account Management" window when you are done configuring account settings.
  
  

Setting Up Fields

• The structure of your FileMaker database is determined by the fields you create in it. Each field is assigned a name and can be one of several types, including text, number, date or calculation.
  To get started organizing your file, open the database management window by going to the "File" menu, expanding the "Define" sub-menu and choosing the "Database" option. Then go to the "Fields" tab at the top of the pop-up window to see a list of all the fields that are currently set up in the database. Design a new field by entering a name in the "Field Name" section at the bottom of the window and selecting a field type from the drop-down menu. Then click "Create" to add it to the list of active fields. If you need to remove a field that was previously created, highlight it in the active field list and click the "Delete" button. Always remember to hit "OK" at the bottom of the database management window to save and confirm your field changes.