I am planning to create biological databases for mutants, bacterial, strains and plasmids. I want to use FileMaker pro but I am a new user and I do not know how to create my first file. A template would be of great help to see how modifying it and adding entries. Thanks to everyone.
Hi, Damien.
I don't have any file of FileMaker database of the type you look for, but I've done a lot of things in FM (populational studies and reagent databases primarily).
To start learning it, just export any simple Excel .xlsx file into FM. You will see how FM considers data. Then you can go to Layout mode and see what your tools are (they are quite simple), what Layouts you have (these are generally Simple Form, Table and automated Report plus additional secondary variants). Then go to File -> Manage -> Database menu, which is the primary instrument of data storage in FileMaker Pro.
Please remember, that, in contrast to Excel, FileMaker stores Cases, not rows or columns of data. If you create a Case (e.g. a strain as you consider it), FM assigns it a set of attributes, including strain name, growth requirements, etc. FM will then store all your data deep inside, and it doesn't matter whether you work with a Table or a Form, so you can create just any type of layout according to your needs. This means that your data are protected from being mixed up (as it happens in Excel due to shifts of rows or columns or erroneous sorting) while remain available for intra-case calculations (e.g. if you have variables of weight and height, you can create a variable automatically calculating the weight-to-height ratio). Inter-case calculations are not this easy, but this is obviously not your primary goal.
Dear Kristoffer, yes I am still interested by this template and it would be very nice from you. Thanks in advance. Damien
Hello guys! I am looking for the same!! Could anyone help me with that?
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