Merge Fields vs. Field Objects

Beginner

Know when to use FileMaker merge fields vs. standard field objects -- understanding the trade-offs in editability, appearance, and use in mail-merge-style layouts.

What you'll learn

The syntax for merge fields and how to insert them
How merge fields behave differently from field objects
When merge fields are appropriate and when field objects are required
How merge fields work with variable-length text via sliding

FileMaker offers two ways to display field values on a layout: field objects (boxes that the user can click and edit) and merge fields (inline text tokens that display the value seamlessly within surrounding text). Merge fields look polished in print layouts and read-only displays; field objects are required for data entry. Understanding when each is appropriate prevents common layout design mistakes.

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Inserting merge fields

In Layout mode, place a text object. To insert a merge field token, use Insert -> Merge Field (or type two open angle brackets << in the text object). The syntax is <<TableName::FieldName>>.

TEXT

// Insert merge field in a text object:
// Layout mode -> Insert menu -> Merge Field -> choose field

// Or type directly in a text object:
<<Contacts::FirstName>> <<Contacts::LastName>>
<<Contacts::Title>>, <<Contacts::Company>>
<<Contacts::Address1>>
<<Contacts::City>>, <<Contacts::State>> <<Contacts::Zip>>

// In Browse mode, this renders as:
// Jane Doe
// VP of Sales, Acme Corp
// 123 Main St
// San Francisco, CA 94105

Layout Object Layer Order Button Bars