Good idea, and one I may use on DBs, especially at work. BUT, how do you suggest changing a 3000+ database, such as Family Tree Maker, where you only have access to forms, and would have to change one to three+ dates per form. Oh, for the ability to make such into a datasheet! Pat in Tucson -----Original Message----- From: Lance [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Tuesday, October 10, 2000 6:01 PM To: [email protected] Subject: [Clooz] Record numbers -another tip A handy article to read on a system for utilising dates in an all-numeric fashion can be found on: http://www.tlcdelivers.com/tlc/crs/arch0854.htm Incorporating this system with any other labels for files, i.e. Census, Births, Deaths, Marriages, Deeds etc., will make sorting so much simpler (for your computer!). Try it, and you will see how all dates come out in strict chronological order. Lance in Australia