Hi, I've got a database with container field that stores images. Is
there any posibility to export/import those images to/fromfiles with
filenames given from record_id of from any other field in record? I'm
using FM8.5 on Mac.

Adam

I don't quite know what you want, but filemaker is not a very good image
storage device. You can actualy import and export pics, but only they will
keep the name you have given the pic when it was a file on the harddisk.
With image storing filesize will explode dramaticaly, since filemaker will
reformat the files into filemaker-raw format. Which is huge.

You can use calculated containers to show your pics. And you could write an
applescript to rename / copy / move the pics you need.

Depending on what you want, I suggest you rethink your strategy.

Ursus

"adam.skilech" <adam.skilech (AT) gmail (DOT) com> schreef in bericht
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Ursus,

You've mentioned this file-size exploding aspect multiple times in the
newsgroup, but I just don't find any evidence for it in FileMaker 7 and
later. The poster is using FileMaker 8.5.

Using "referenced" images is often a better choice -- but not always. And
certainly not for the reason you state.

"Ursus" <ursus.kirk (AT) wanadoo (DOT) nl> wrote

Thanks Bill for this.

I guess I just asumed this had never changed. I will now amend my reasoning
to include only versions prior to 7. Still I do think that filemaker is a
good program for lot of things. But to my humble opinion just isn't so good
to store and transport and export and other handling of imbedded pictures
(other then small custom GUI items)

Ursus

"Bill Marriott" <wjm (AT) wjm (DOT) org> schreef in bericht
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YW.. The main issue is this: File paths for referenced images can break real
easy and it's often cumbersome to rebuild them. I've mentioned issues with
saving images within FileMaker files in previous posts, but sometimes it is
a really sensible idea... especially if you segregate the images into a
separate FileMaker file for ease of backup and keeping your "logic"
firewalled from potential corruption issues.

.....Now to answer the original poster's question:

Yes. You need to have a script with two steps:

1) Use the Set Variable[] script step to construct an appropriate file name
2) Use the Export Field Contents[] script step to export the graphic to a
file, using the variable as the "Output file path"

Search in Help under "using variables" for more information on how variables
work as file paths in FileMaker export and import operations.

"Ursus" <ursus.kirk (AT) wanadoo (DOT) nl> wrote

Bill,

I have had breaking of paths when referencing to a file with a calculation.
And I know we can never predict what a user may do to their files. Therefore
I often include a setup layout. Containing some basic preferences, including
the path to these files. Stored in a global and then used the global in the
calc, It is up to the user (who needs to have some level of knowledge) where
to put the files. Then just entering the path once in the preferences.

For both xp and os it is possible to write a script (VBscript or
applescript) to provide the user with an interface to select a file,
returning the path.

Ursus

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