Bento: Making Databases Has Never Been Simpler

If you have ever tried to use something like FileMaker Pro for making a simple and small database, you know how clunky and complicated it is. Maybe you’ve wanted to make a database, but didn’t want to spend $300+ on FileMaker Pro. Well, there is another option: FileMaker’s Bento.

Bento is a simpler and more Mac-like version of the FileMaker software. It works in the same way, so it’s not that big of a switch from FileMaker Pro. However, as I said, it’s simpler; it does not have all the features of FileMaker Pro, so if you need some of FileMaker Pro’s more advanced features, or if you are using databases professionally, I suggest you stick with FileMaker Pro.

When you first open Bento there will already be four databases in your Source List. These databases are Address Book, iCal Events, iCal Tasks, and Projects. The first one automatically syncs with Address Book, and the second and third automatically sync with iCal, so you never need to add a new item when you add a new task, event, or person. You may ask, “Why do I need a database for these things when they are already stored in their own applications?” Well, with Bento, you can add custom fields for things like Nickname, Middle Name, or anything you want to contacts! Or you can add things like URLs and pictures to iCal Events. If you want more options for these things, then you will just love these pre-made databases.

One of the most interesting features of Bento is its templates. When you go to File>New Library, or click the [+] in the lower left-hand corner, you will be prompted with a Template dialogue. This is where you can choose a pre-made template. It has ones for projects, contacts, to-dos, and many other common databases. In that same dialogue, you can also enter a name for your database. They have enough templates to get you started, but when you really get into Bento, you will probably just want to use the Blank template as a starting point.

Once you have created a database, you will probably want to add some custom fields. In the Fields panel, there will be many common fields that you can drag onto your database, or you can create your own! Just hit the [+] in the lower right-hand corner and you will be prompted with a dialogue. You first have to choose a field type, such as Text. Then you have to add a name, and options based on what you choose. Once you have chosen all that information, just just click Create, and the field will appear in the Field list. All you have to do is drag it onto your form where you want it to be, and you’re off!

For each database, you have things called Forms. For instance, if you have a database for issue tracking, you can have one form for basic information, and then another for the details. It will keep your database clean and uncluttered. When you create a blank database (or use most other templates) there will be only one form. You can rename it by right-clicking on the top bar and clicking Rename <the current name of the form>. You will then be prompted with a dialogue where you choose a new name for the form. To edit the contents of a form, select it in the top bar, and then click the hammer and wrench toolbar icon. You can also right-click on the form, and click Customize Form. To add a new form, just click on the (+) in the top bar and you will be prompted with a dialogue where you choose a name for it. When I first learned about forms, they sounded complicated, but once you get used to them, you will find that they are very useful.

FileMaker’s Bento retails for only $49 for a single license or $99 for a 5-license family pack. You can pick up a free 30-day trial from their site. It is a great tool for making simple databases, and even some advanced ones. I suggest you download it out and check out all the ways in which you can use it. You may be surprised how useful it can be; I know I was.

share permalink ping 1 Comment