Find Records

Find Records in the Data Grid

1. Open the module you want to use.

Note: If it is the first time you have used the module in this FIMS session, the Data Grid automatically opens. If you have already used the module in this session, the last tab you were using opens. Click the Search button (looks like binoculars) on the toolbar or press the F3 key on your keyboard to open the Data Grid.

2. Click the arrow in the Search by drop-down box and select the field you want to base your search on.

• If you are working with an Optimized view, the available Search By fields are limited to primary indexed fields (for example, ID Code, Gift Number, Grant Number, or Sort Name).
• If you are working with a Full view, you can Search By any field that is currently available in the Data Grid (except hidden fields).

3. In the Find Record field, enter the first few characters associated with the desired record (based on the field you selected in the Search By field). The system automatically scrolls through the list as you type, and when it finds a match for your entry, it highlights it in the Data Grid.

4. To open the record, either double-click it, or select the desired record and then click one of the module tabs.

Tip: Additional Search Methods

• If you are working with a Full view, you can use asterisks to run wildcard searches. For example, if you select Sort Name as the Search By field, and then type *smith* , FIMS will find any name that includes smith (John Smith, Smithsonian Institute, etc.)
• Type the record ID (for example, ID Code, Gift Number, Grant Number, or Pledge Number) and navigate to that record regardless of the Search By field.
• Use the scroll buttons to browse the list.
• Select a row and then use either your arrow keys or the Page Up and Page Down keys on your keyboard to move quickly through the list.
• To view more records on the screen at one time without scrolling, click the corner of the FIMS window and drag to the desired size. You can also place your cursor on the line between columns (or rows)  in the Data Grid and drag to change the column (or row) size. This allows you to view more columns (or rows) in the existing window.