Quick Tips: Commenting Your Value Lists

Pretty much everything in FileMaker comes with some form of comment box to let you add more information - such as fields, menus, custom functions, calculations, scripts, and the graph. However the one area lacking in a comment box is value lists, unless that is, you think a little outside of the box:

Where is the comment box?

If you are anything like me, then you are an obsessive commenter of anything and everything in FileMaker. So when it comes to value lists, the lack of a dedicated comment box is somewhat annoying. Fear not, FileMaker graciously gave us a large comment box, they just got the name wrong.

"Custom Values"

If you use "custom values" value lists often, then it's pretty obvious what they are for given you can see the values right in front of you.

However sometimes a "custom values" list is simply not going to cut the mustard, especially when dealing with values from records, related data, conditional value lists and so on. So why not just use the custom values box as a comment box in this situation? Well fortunately you can.

It's Easy

Just choose the "Custom Values" option, type in your comment, and set your value list option back to its original type. Your comment be left greyed out, but still clearly visible

Final Thoughts;