If you find yourself using certain specific settings and searches repeatedly, it may benefit you to save these formats so that you can quickly return to them. You may have one format for data entry and another for searching and yet another for printing. There are four elements that you can save as a database format.

• Queries - both the contents of the Quick Search Box and the Full Boolean Query can be saved.
  
  
• Sorting - the field that your search results are to be sorted by can be saved within your format.
  
  
• Column Layout - the layout of your column view, everything from what columns are visible to the width and order of those columns, can be saved.
  
  
• Print Formats - You can save your preferred margins, headers, footers, font preferences and other print formatting items.
  
  
• Write Settings - As part of your saved format, Summation will keep track of your write preferences, your preferred delimiters, if you wish to write your column headers, etc.

To save a database format, arrange the components of the database in the manner in which you wish to save them. For example, if you want to structure a query and save it, click on the Query tab of the database and build the Full Boolean Query in the dialog.

When you are ready to save your format, click on 'Case' then select 'Save Format'. In the dialog that appears, type a descriptive name of your saved format (cannot be longer than 40 characters, so don't be too descriptive). From this dialog you will also select the components that you want to save. Descriptions of each of these components are listed above. If you want to review any existing database formant names, click on the 'More' button. If you would like to see the definitions saved within an existing format clicking on 'Inspect' will bring those up in text form. When you are finished selecting your options for your format, clicking 'OK' will save them.

If you want to rename or remove a format from your list, just highlight it from the Save Format dialog under the 'More' section and select either delete or rename.

To retrieve a saved format, click on 'Case' then select 'Retrieve Format', highlight the format you prefer and click on 'Retrieve' and any existing settings in your database will be replaced by your preferred saved settings.

If you have an idea for Summation's Tip of the Week, or would like clarification on specific procedures contact us, we welcome your suggestions. Should you require assistance with an issue, contact our Technical Support Staff.