Quick Find searches records across multiple fields on a layout. This provides quick and easy searches of a FileMaker table much like Google searches work. This search method will often be sufficient for most user requests.
Using Quick Find (Browse mode)
Unlike standard searches in FileMaker Pro, Quick Find operates in Browse mode.
The user simply types their search criteria into the Search box in the status toolbar and presses Return/Enter to search. Matching records are found instantly.
The Quick Find operation searches all fields on the current layout except for summary, container and global fields. Quick Find will also search fields that are on the layout as merge fields (in a text object). Quick Find will search fields that are placed to the right of the explicit right edge of the layout (and therefore not visible or accessible in Browse mode).
FileMaker Pro provides access to recent Quick Finds via the down arrow in the search box:
Field indexing
The default indexing option for new fields in any table is None and Automatically create indexes as needed. This means that when Quick Find is first run, all fields on the layout will be indexed and will continue to maintain a field index. This can have consequences for file size where tables have large numbers of records and where fields have large indexes.
Search Operators
If you type more than one word in the search box, this perform a logical AND search for records that have all of the words typed. The only search operator supported by Quick Find is the match phrase operator (” “). This enforces a search for a specific string of text from the start of a word.
For example, searching for leichhardt street will find all records containing both the words leichhardt and street across any fields on the layout (not necessarily in the same field). Searching for “leichhardt street” will only find records with the exact phrase in any field.
Configuring Quick Find
Configuration is specific to a layout. When in Layout mode, choose Layouts > Layout Setup….
The checkbox at the bottom of the General tab in the dialog allows you to Enable Quick Find (uncheck to disable). If Quick Find is disabled, the Search box in the status toolbar is not accessible for that layout.
In Layout mode, show the Quick Find badges for fields on the layout by enabling View > Show > Quick Find. A small badge next to each field shows the Quick Find status.
A green badge shows the field is searchable. In the above screenshot, the First field and the text object containing Group merge field show green badges.
A yellow badge shows the field is searchable but that the search may take longer. The Title field above has indexing set to None. The Full Name field is an unstored calculation field. The yellow badge would also be shown for related fields on a layout.
The Photo Container field has no badge because it is not supported for Quick Find. The Last field has no badge because it has been excluded from Quick Find in the Data tab of the Inspector.
In summary, FileMaker Pro provides control of Quick Find for the entire layout and for individual fields on the layout. Use this to fine tune the behaviour of Quick Find for the user experience.
Scripting Quick Find
The Perform Quick Find script step allows you to craft a script to provide customised access to Quick Find. This may be via a global field on the layout rather than using the search box in the status toolbar. The user interface may be neatly presented in a popover or a card window.
One Response
Thanks for the thorough explanation. I almost skipped this article, thinking that I pretty much knew how to use Quick Find. After all, I have been using it forever… But it was extremely helpful and added a lot to my ability to use it.