Selecting fields for export

[ZC1ifi]

Hi,

I need to export a selection of records from the database to use in a Filemaker database and I haven't the time to retype everything. Bookends will happily export this selection but, as far as I can see, gives me no control over what exactly it exports. Is there a way around that, so I can select only the fields I need?

One other problem I ran into is that I need to separate last names from first names. can that be done, and if so, how would I go about that?

Actually, I would be even happier if I could link the Filemaker database directly to my Bookends records so that no export would be necessary at all. Is that perhaps something Jon has ever considered?

[Jon]

You can export using a format -- we have an RIS format, for example, for that purpose. You can configure it as you like (but there is no option to separate last from first names -- that's something you could possible do yourself on the exported file with a script).

You can insert hypertext links into a document from any application that understands URIs (for example, TextEdit or DevonTHINK Pro). I don't have Filemaker, but if it understands them you could do this. Please see the User Guide for how to user hypertext links.

Jon
Sonny Software

[ZC1ifi]

Hi Jon,

I'll investigate the RIS options, that sounds promising, but your second solution sounds ideal ... except that it does not look as if Filemaker supports this. When I drag a reference from Bookends to a text field I end up with something like {Underwood, 2004, #51382}.
If I highlight the reference and use "Copy Hypertext Link" the paste option in Filemaker is greyed out. On what does the ability of a program to accept Bookends links depend?

[Jon]

Try dragging into FIleMaker with the Option and Command keys held down -- you're just dragging in a temp citation. Please refer to the user guide.

Jon
Sonny Software

[ZC1ifi]

I know RTFM! I did and I did try the Option and Commands key drag too. I tried container fields and text fields and asked around on the Filemaker forum (no reply yet). When I drag a ref to any of the above mentioned fields, I can see there is supposed to be something I am dragging but it will not copy or "stick". hence my earlier question on what it depends on the target application before it can accept such a link. Knowing that might make it easier to ask a question about it in the FM forum.

[Jon]

But you didn't say you had tried it -- the Option-Command drag won't insert the temp citation that you say was inserted.

Not all application support URLs, which is why I mentioned two that did (you can confirm that you're doing it correctly with TextEdit). If you are, and FileMaker won't accept it (which sounds likely), then it would seem FileMaker doesn't have that capability. Although a quick Google search shows that it supports the opposite (responding to a URL):

http://www.filemaker.com/help/12/fmp/ht ... .16.7.html

See what you learn on their forum (or from their tech support).

Jon
Sonny Software

[ZC1ifi]

Thanks Jon. I know it supports the opposite, I use it quite a lot. I am hoping perhaps there is a plug in. If not, I can just pretend it is a wordprocessor and insert citations which I could later export and format as required.