Menu Options: At the top of the window you should see a list of words that contain lists of functions, i.e. File, Edit, Mode, Select, Format, Script, Window, and Help. Under the option "Mode" the first four functions are Browse, Find, Layout, and Preview. For purposes of this tutorial you will likely use these the most frequently.
Browse Mode: You enter new records and modify existing records only while in "Browse Mode." When you open the database it will already be in Browse Mode.
Find Mode: Find Mode means pretty much what it sounds like, you can find certain records based on given criteria. For instance, if you wanted to find a certain student's record you would go into this mode and enter the student's name in the field "name."
Layout Mode: This mode allows you to move your field and change the format you present them. For instance, you can change the format of a number field so that it has a dollar sign in front of the number entered. Also, you can modify the font and add color. Most importantly, in Layout Mode you can create new layouts to contain only specific fields. You will use this mode the most for the purposes of this tutorial.
Another thing to notice is that the functions under some of the Menu Options have changed. This is important to remember when trying to create your own layouts.
Preview Mode: You can only view all the records in preview mode. You cannot add or modify records in this mode. This mode is used mostly for printing. You can see what your layout will look like when printed out.
Status Area: FileMaker Pro defines this as the area along the left side of the FileMaker Pro window, it contains controls for working with your database. The status area displays different controls and information depending on what mode you're using. "FileMaker Pro Help" includes informative pictures of what is defined as the status area if this is still unclear.
Layout Pop-up Menu: This is located on the upper far left corner in the Status Area. You can use this menu to switch between layouts that you have created. If you go to the "template.FP3" database you will see I have created 10 layouts to view.
Tool Panel: Once in Layout Mode the status area should now contain many different tools that will help to create and modify objects in your database. "FileMaker Pro Help" includes pictures and definitions of each of the tools. The "button tool" is helpful in switching back and forth between layouts if you anticipate others using the database. The first layout "Student Information" shows how buttons can be used. I created all these buttons in layout mode with the button tool.
Next, learn how to create new layouts