Multiple output files based on the first character of a field

[TroyM68]

I'm trying to create separate output files based on a field value. Actually...Part of a field value. They only way I've been able to get this to work is by creating an additional field in the datafile.


I am trying to use the first character in the Field "endorse" so I created this variable.

var tray =(Field("endorse").charAt(0));



Here is where it obviously doesn't work because "tray" is a var not a Field.
if (FieldChanged("tray"))
{
FusionPro.Composition.OpenNewOutputFile(("Trays-") + tray) + ".pdf"
};





Created a new Field called "Trays" and sure enough I get exactly what I want...several different output files ready to print. Problem is...I need to be able to do this Without creating the new Field "Trays" in the datafile.




This one works fine but I needed to make a new Field in the datafile to get it to work.

var tray =(Field("endorse").charAt(0));

if (FieldChanged("Trays"))
{
FusionPro.Composition.OpenNewOutputFile(("Trays-") + tray) + ".pdf"
};


Any help would be much appreciated!!! Thanks


FYI I'm using FP 11.2.1 with Acrobat DC 2020.013 on Mac OS 10.7.2 Catalina.

[Dan Korn]

In JavaScript Globals:

var oldTray = "";

In OnRecordStart:

var tray = Field("endorse")[0];
if (oldTray != tray)
{
    FusionPro.Composition.OpenNewOutputFile(("Trays-") + tray) + ".pdf"
}
oldTray = tray;

[TroyM68]

Dan,
Worked perfectly, as always.....Thank you!!!