Apple AppleWorks 5 : Windows 95/NT 4.0 - Manual (Page 175)

Database 8-7
Defining database fields
Once you plan the design of a database, the next step is to define the fields
to store the data. When you define a field, you give it a name and then select
a field type to determine what kind of data (for example, numbers or a date)
can be stored in the field. When you open a new database document, you see
the Define Database Fields dialog box, where you set up database fields.
Note You can also change the appearance of text and the format of numbers,
dates, and times for existing fields. For more information, see “Changing the
appearance of data” on page 8-32.
Adding fields to an existing database
To add fields to an existing document, choose Define Fields from the Layout
menu. When you create new fields, AppleWorks automatically adds them to
the layout you have chosen.
Assigning field types
To assign a field type to a field, choose from the Field Type pop-up menu in
the Define Database Fields dialog box. Field types affect the way you enter
and use your data.
Tip Use a text field (or a field that holds text, such as a pop-up menu) for
postal codes so you can sort addresses by postal code number. If the postal
code is a number field, AppleWorks ignores leading zeros. As text, the codes
are sorted properly and retain any leading zeros.
* Choose Index from the Help menu and type the first few letters of the entry. Double-click the
entry and then double-click a topic.
In the Help index, * see:
E
fields, defining
Field names and field
types appear in a list
Type a field name
Select a field type
Click to set up entry
options for a field
In the Help index, * see:
E
fields, types