4.5  Different types of field - links to files and websites ('Resources')

Another very useful field type is the "Resource". This can be a link to a file on disk, or a weblink.

If you include a link to a file in a catalog, the file itself is not stored with the catalog - just the link.

What if I move the file? You can fix up broken links using the Resource link dialog. This allows you to change the path if you move the data from one disk to another, or to a network drive. The menu option is Edit : Resources..., and the dialog is described in the section on the Find Resources Dialog

How do I view the file? Click the Preview button to the right of the resource.

How do I link to web databases? You can use a resource field to store a URL (just copy / paste the http:// address from your web browser).

What if the file is on CD, not on hard disk? You can use catalogs to search and browse for data even if the data files are on a CD on a shelf. To access the file itself you'll need to slot in the CD, but the catalog contains enough information (and thumbnails) to let you find the CD to insert.

See also the reference pages on adding Resource fields.