Starting a database from scratch

About this task

If you need a unique application, start from scratch. To do this, begin by creating a blank database, based on the -Blank- template. A blank database contains no design elements such as pages or forms. Blank databases have one default view. You must create all of the elements you need for the application.

Procedure

  1. Choose File - Application - New.

  2. In the Server field do one of the following:
    • Leave Local selected to store the new database on your computer.
    • Select or enter a server name to store the new database on a server. This allows multiple people to work on the database design.
  3. In the Title field, enter a title for the new database. The title can have a maximum of 96 characters.
    Note: As you type a title, Domino® Designer adds the name to the File Name field. You can accept this database file name or change it. Database file names can be any number of characters long (within the limits of your operating system). If you want the database to appear in the Database Open dialog box, it must end with the file extension NSF. If you plan to use the database you are creating as a template, use the file extension NTF rather than NSF.
  4. Optional: Click Encryption, select "Locally encrypt this database using," and select an encryption type. For information on encrypting a database, see the topic "Notes® and Domino® encryption" in the chapter "Security in an Application."
  5. Optional: If you are developing an application for use with Notes® and Domino® 4.x or if the application will be on a Domino® 4.x server, click "Size Limit" and select a size (in gigabytes).
  6. Select -Blank- as the template.
  7. Click OK.

Results

You are now ready to begin creating the design elements for your application.