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Setting up a field to auto-complete during data entry

You can set up a field to use auto-complete (type ahead) to help users quickly enter values in Browse mode or Find mode. FileMaker makes suggestions based on what the user has previously entered into the field, or based on values in a value list.

You can use auto-complete on text fields displayed as:

•	Edit boxes

•	Drop-down lists

•	Drop-down calendars

To set up a field to auto-complete during data entry:

1.	In Layout mode, double click the field, or select the field and choose Format menu > Field/Control > Setup.

2.	Choose Edit box, Drop-down List, or Drop-down Calendar from the drop-down list under Control Style. For more information, see Setting up a field to display a pop-up menu, checkbox set, or other control or Setting up a field to display a drop-down calendar.

Tip  To prevent suggestions from displaying in a list, choose Drop-down list, then select Include arrow to show and hide list. Only the best match appears in the field.

3.	Select an auto-complete option:

 

For	Select
Edit Box or Drop-down Calendar	Auto-complete using previously entered values The system makes suggestions based on the field’s index.
Drop-down list	Auto-complete using value list The system makes suggestions based on the value list specified.

4.

Click OK.

Notes

•	Only fields defined as Text fields can be set to use auto-complete. (Numerical, date, or any other type of textual data can be stored in a text field.)

•	Auto-complete is not supported in drop-down lists when the value list used is configured to use Also display values from second field, Show values only from second field, or Sort by second field. For more information, see Defining a value list for data entry.