FileMaker 18 was released on May 22nd, 2019 and you can read the official announcement from FileMaker Inc. here. You can also test drive the trial version.

New Features of FileMaker 18

FileMaker 18 is a great release and has features everyone can benefit from. We look forward to building innovative custom applications using the new tools for mobile, web and desktop.

New Features of FileMaker 18 Server

FileMaker Server 18 is compatible with Windows Server 2016 Standard Edition, Windows Server 2012 R2 Standard with Update Microsoft KB2919355, macOS High Sierra 10.13, and macOS Sierra 10.12. If you’re on Windows Server 2008 it’s a good time to think about moving to FileMaker Cloud. Also worth noting the release of a Spanish FileMaker Server support.

WebDirect desktop browser support includes Safari 12.x, IE 11.x, Microsoft Edge 44+, Chrome 72+, and mobile browser support includes Safari on iOS 12.x minimum and Chrome 72 on Android 7.x. Note that Firefox is not on the list of supported browsers.

FileMaker 18 For Desktop and iOS

FileMaker Go for iPad and iPhone has all the features provided in FileMaker Pro Advanced plus specific iOS features. You will need FileMaker Pro Advanced on the desktop to build your custom application.

1. Ability to append a new PDF to an existing one via the Save Records as PDF script step’s append option on Go.
2. Using the script step Insert from Device you can now read PDF417 (IDs), ITF-14 (packages), Aztec (mobile), and Data Matrix (labels, letters, food) barcode types.
3. Using the FileMaker iOS SDK you can use MDM (Multi Device Management) to authenticate your application with the same OAuth providers supported in regular FileMaker applications: Amazon, Google, and Microsoft Azure.

FileMaker Server 18

FileMaker Server is known for its ease-of-use and ability to run without any problems.

The newest version focuses on performance improvements, FileMaker Server Admin Console interface enhancements, security updates, FileMaker Data API enhancements, and the Official FileMaker Admin API.

1. FileMaker has enhanced the performance of FileMaker Server’s database engine, speeding up finds when many users are connected to the server.
2. Unfortunately servers do go down unexpectedly due to hardware failure or power outages, but with the new Startup Restoration feature, FileMaker Server will automatically fix corrupt files after the server is restarted.
3. FileMaker Server has been updated to work better with Zabbix, an open-source server monitoring software. You can monitor users, memory, cpu, disk space, network traffic, and processes, and you can trigger events on stats.
4. The future of FileMaker Custom Web Publishing is the FileMaker Data API and it is now in parity with the functionality provided by the FileMaker PHP API.
5. The FileMaker Server Admin API allows administrators to create their own interfaces to manage servers. 

Summary

The FileMaker platform continues to be the leader in creating innovative, powerful custom applications for organizations all around the world and works seamlessly across Windows, Mac, iPad, iPhone, and the web.

FileMaker Go gives the platform a competitive edge and this version continues to build off its strong foundation. Organizations can create innovative and rapid custom applications for iOS with great ROI.

Contact Us for FileMaker 18 Services

FMDBSolutions is a team of custom FileMaker app experts that have performed projects for companies in the US, Canada, Australia, Europe, and Asia. Just take a look at our FileMaker portfolio and see for yourself.

Provide us with the details of your FileMaker problem(s) / specifications and we will analyze your situation and come up with a solution. We thoroughly evaluate and discuss customer requirements to ensure that the solution we provide matches the customer’s needs and desires. Our Sales, Marketing, and Project Management are all handled by our Texas office in the United States. 

Our developers have gained certification in FileMaker 18 and we know all the ins and outs of the software. Contact us to discuss with one of our certified FileMaker experts and get a free FileMaker consultation (or click the yellow box down under) – This initial consultation is at no charge! 

You can also leave us your email below for receiving new updates regarding FileMaker and our company.

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Overview:

First, we need to create an Account in Dropbox (https://www.dropbox.com) using this we can we can upload file to dropbox from FileMaker using cURL, This can be achieved through the following steps.

Step 1: Creating an Account in Dropbox to Generate Access Token.

• Go to the Dropbox (https://www.dropbox.com) and create a Dropbox Account.

• Click “Sign In” button and it will redirect to login page. There we have “create an account” button after clicking it will redirect to create account page, here need to  enter the details and if we click “Create an account” button, then the dropbox account has been created.

• Go back to the Dropbox (https://www.dropbox.com) and Login into the Account. After Login, use the url(https://www.dropbox.com/developers/apps/create), it will redirect to “Create a new app on the DBX Platform” page, here we need to implement the following steps
  • Choose an API: Here need to select “Dropbox API” radio button.
  • Choose the type of access you need: Here need to select “Full Dropbox” radion button.
  • Name your app: Please enter some name and Please click check I agree checkbox and then click “Create app” button.
• Finally it will redirect to settings page, here we have “Generated access token” label, below to this we have “Generate” button, after click this button, it will generate access token, please see below image and note it the access token.

Step 2: Create a new script in FileMaker Database.

• In the FileMaker database create container field and store the file in container field that you want to send. Also create text field and store access token that we have noted.
  • Create a new script to Upload File to Dropbox.
  • Store the container field value in variable, please see below image

• We are using the “Insert from URL” script step. In thatwe need to specify the urlto upload file to dropbox as given in the following image.
• In the Specify cURL options, we need to provide the access token that we have stored in the field and also need to provide the Filename and File that we have stored in variable. The content of the message as given in the following image.

• After “Insert from URL” step executed, the File will be uploaded to the Dropbox.

Our team knows all about transitioning, migrating, converting, and upgrading for FileMaker. Companies that require FileMaker Integration can also use our services. We have worked with clients from the USA, Australia, and Singapore and will complete your FileMaker assignment in the best possible way at a lower price but the same or higher level of excellence.

If you want solutions to your FileMaker database, we can help. Click the below box for a free FileMaker consultation

You can also leave us your email below for receiving new updates regarding FileMaker and our company.

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Overview:

First, we need to create an Account in Nexmo (https://nexmo.com/) using this we can Send SMS from FileMaker, This can be achieved through the following steps.

Step 1: Creating an Account in Nexmo to Generate API Key.

• Go to the nexmo (https://nexmo.com) and create a Nexmo Account.
• Click “Sign Up” and enter the details. After clicking “Sign Up” it will send the Verification code to the entered Phone Number. We need to enter the Verification code and Submit. Once, we submit it will send the activation link to the registered Email address. When we click the Activation Link the Account gets activated.
• Go back to the nexmo (https://nexmo.com) and Login into the Account. After Login, use the url to go dashboard (https://dashboard.nexmo.com/getting-started-guide).In the Dashboard we can able to see the Key. When we click “eye” icon we can able to see the Secret. Please note the Key and Secret.

Step 2: Create a new script in FileMaker database.

• In the FileMaker Database create a new script to Send SMS.
• We are using the “Insert from URL” script step. In that we need to specify the URL to send the SMS as given in the following image.

• In the Specify cURL options, we need to provide the Key and Secret that we have noted and we have to provide the receiver phone number and we can provide the “NEXMO” or the registered phone number in the Nexmo Account and the content of the message as given in the following image.

• After “Insert from URL” step executed, the SMS will be send to the specified phone number.

Our team knows all about transitioning, migrating, converting, and upgrading for FileMaker. Companies that require FileMaker Integration can also use our services. We have worked with clients from the USA, Australia, and Singapore and will complete your FileMaker assignment in the best possible way at a lower price but the same or higher level of excellence.

If you want solutions to your FileMaker database, we can help. Click the below box for a free FileMaker consultation

You can also leave us your email below for receiving new updates regarding FileMaker and our company.

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Overview:

Initially, there is an XML file already available on the system where the FileMaker 17 software is installed. It is named as “DefaultFields.xml”. This file will create 5 default fields when creating a table in the FileMaker 17 database. We are able to modify the XML code in that file, which will help to add more fields when creating a table in the FileMaker database. In this post we are going to show how to add more fields.

Step 1:

1. If you are using a mac machine then you can get the xml File from the following location.
   “Applications/FileMaker Pro 17 Advanced/FileMaker Pro Advanced.app/Contents/Resources/en.lproj/DefaultFields.xml”
2. If you are using Windows machine then you can get the xml File from the following location.
   “<drive>:\Program Files\FileMaker\FileMaker Pro 17 Advanced\Extensions\English\DefaultFields.xml.”

Step 2: 

In that XML file, already there will be a XML code to generate five default fields. Now I am going to modify the XML code to add new Field.

If we want to add a new Field then we need to add the “Field tag” in the file. Inside the “Field tag” we can specify the Field Name, Field Type and also Datatype of the field.

Now I am going to create a Calculation field which stores the value “1” as Default. For that inside the “Field tag” we need to enter the code as given below,

1. For Field Name, “name=”Field Name””.
2. For Field Type, “fieldtype=”Field Type” “.
3. For Datatype of the field, “datatype=”Datatype””.
4. For Comment, “comment=”Comment””.
5. For Calculation formula, we need to enter the calculation as given below. Here I have given the value as “1”.
6. For Field Storage, we need to enter the storage values as given below. here i have mentioned “global” as “False”, “autoIndex” as “True” and “maxrepetition” as “1”.

Step 3:

After modifying the XML Code, Save the XML file with the same name as “DefaultFields.xml” in the same location.

Now if we create a table in FileMaker, then it will create a default fields and the calculation field with the value of “1” as default and named as “Id_Constant”.

FMDBSolutions is a team of well-qualified experts that have a lot of experience with the many versions of FileMaker Pro and the FileMaker Go app too.

Our team knows all about transitioning, migrating, converting, and upgrading for FileMaker. Companies that require FileMaker Integration can also use our services. We have worked with clients from the USA, Australia, and Singapore and will complete your FileMaker assignment in the best possible way at a lower price but the same or higher level of excellence.

If you want solutions to your FileMaker database, we can help. Click the below box for a free FileMaker consultation

You can also leave us your email below for receiving new updates regarding FileMaker and our company.

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Overview:

First, We need to convert FileMaker records as JSON formatted text and then add the JSON text into the html code which has been generated and stored in the calculation using this we can show FileMaker records as accordion view.

Step 1: Convert FileMaker records as JSON Formatted text.

• Initially, We have created calculations to convert FileMaker records as JSON Formatted text.
• So, If we create a new record then the JSON formatted text will be created automatically for that record as per the given image below.

Sample JSON Format:

Step 2: Insert a web viewer in layout

• First, we have to generate HTML code for the accordion view and store it in the database.
• In that HTML code, we have replaced “JSON” formatted text of the FileMaker records in the“Var JsonObj” as per the given image below.

• In FileMaker database we have created layout to display the records as accordion view using the web viewer.
• In the web viewer, we called the HTML code. it will display the records as accordion view as per the given image below.

• If we follow the above steps we can able show FileMaker records as accordion view in FileMaker database.

Our team knows all about transitioning, migrating, converting, and upgrading for FileMaker. Companies that require FileMaker Integration can also use our services. We have worked with clients from the USA, Australia, and Singapore and will complete your FileMaker assignment in the best possible way at a lower price but the same or higher level of excellence.

If you want solutions to your FileMaker database, we can help. Click the below box for a free FileMaker consultation

You can also leave us your email below for receiving new updates regarding FileMaker and our company.

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FileMaker 17 Kicks Off

FileMaker 17 was released on May 15th, 2018 and you can read the official announcement from FileMaker Inc. here. You can also test drive the trial version.

With the current launch, the company is doubling back on the principles that have contributed it to some million active readers who currently use the support across businesses, and in the small and midsize businesses, in addition to large businesses.

What’s Different in FileMaker 17?

In the previous release (FileMaker 16), the business included a number of programs that assisted professional programmers bring in external information through APIs along with other more pro-oriented capabilities.

The FileMaker 17 launch builds on this, but concentrates on the “lower-end of the tech acumen spectrum,” as Andrew LeCates, Director Platform Evangelism at FileMaker Inc. has said. He did notice, however, the firm doesn’t actually think of the distinction between the specialists and the more casual users.

FileMaker 17 starts using a renewed focus on the fundamentals

FileMaker is great because even professional programmers frequently use it to instantly get a project off the floor and it offers rapid app development. With the launch of the 17th version, FileMaker goes back to the basics. This doesn’t mean there’s nothing new, however.

New Features of FileMaker 17

This upgrade was a step up from FileMaker 16. There are several new features that were added in FileMaker 17. We are going to separate them by system / type.

FileMaker 17 for Desktop

For the FileMaker desktop version (FileMaker Pro) on both Mac and Windows, there were 4 major features that were added. Here they are:

1. You can send multiple attachments directly using the native send mail option.
2. Lock the application for a particular user for 5 minutes after 5 failed login attempts.
3. Data migration tool helps the user to migrate the data from one database to another much faster.
4. Building the master/detail view in a single layout is much more easier compared to the previous versions.

FileMaker 17 for iOS

There were also features that were added in FileMaker Go 17, which is an app through which you can access FileMaker. Here are the 2 FileMaker 17 features:

1. It allows the user to drag and drop data between any other applications.
2. Notifications could be exhibited in-house display utilizing the iBeacon or even the configured geo-fence.

FileMaker Server 17

FileMaker Server 17 wasn’t without its features, either. Here are the new improvements.

1. New UI for the FileMaker Server 17 that is similar to the FileMaker Cloud.
2. Set Using the Command Line Interface

The following settings have been removed from Admin Console, but can be set using the CLI command fmsadmin set server-config:

• Host password-protected databases only
• Limit number of FileMaker Pro client connections
• Maximum number of files to host
• Maximum simultaneous script sessions
• RAM reserved for database cache
• Statistics collection interval
• Progressive backup save interval
• Log file size limit

Those were the key features of FileMaker 17 explained by our experts. Be sure to follow the FileMaker best practices while you’re at it.

Contact Us for FileMaker 17 Services 

FMDBSolutions is a team of custom FileMaker app experts that have performed projects for companies in the US, Canada, Australia, Europe, and Asia. Just take a look at our FileMaker portfolio and see for yourself.

Provide us with the details of your FileMaker problem(s) / specifications and we will analyze your situation and come up with a solution. We thoroughly evaluate and discuss customer requirements to ensure that the solution we provide matches the customer’s needs and desires. Our Sales, Marketing, and Project Management are all handled by our Texas office in the United States. 

Our developers have gained certification in FileMaker 17 and we know all the ins and outs of the software. Contact us to discuss with one of our certified FileMaker experts and get a free FileMaker consultation (or click the yellow box down under) – This initial consultation is at no charge! 

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FileMaker Development Best Practices

The FileMaker software is used to create custom solutions for several companies. There are some best practices for FileMaker development that one must consider and implement in order to create accessible and robust solutions with FileMaker. Here they are, divided into sections for easy reference.

1. Designing Layouts: Sketch Your Layouts

FileMaker recommends you sketch your layouts on paper or onscreen before creating them in FileMaker Pro. Sketches can help resolve design problems, communicate ideas, and save time.

Identify the Devices That Will Access Your Layout

Here are some points to keep in mind while identifying devices:

• Devices vary by hardware, screen size, and resolution. If you identify which devices will access the layout, you can better design the layout to work with those devices. For example, a layout designed for a desktop computer may not work well on an iOS device.
• To provide an optimal solution for users, design your layout to adapt to each device. Design each layout for a range of device sizes, and configure the auto-resize options for layout objects based on the layout’s height and width. This ensures that the layout expands to fill the entire screen for each device.
• You can direct users to the appropriate layouts with the On Layout Enter script trigger, the Get ( System Platform ) function, and the Go to Layout script step.

Use the Screen Stencils and Positioning Tools

Click the arrow on  in the layout bar to display screen stencils that help you design layouts optimally for iPad, iPhone (via FileMaker Go), and several common desktop resolutions. Also note that you can have multiple screen stencils visible at the same time.

Use a Theme that Suits the Purpose of Your Layout

Optimizing Layout Performance 

To improve the overall performance of your layout, remember the following practices:

• In List View and Portals, minimize the number of layout objects displayed simultaneously.
• Minimize the number of portals and tabs in layout.
• Minimize the size and number of shadows.
• Minimize the use of unstored calculations and script triggers.
• Create several layouts with fewer objects rather than one layout with many objects.
• Create custom themes and custom styles rather than overriding existing themes and styles.

2. Creating Tables and Fields

Table Naming

Tables are named using a single word in Title case.

Field Naming 

There are two kinds of field names:

1. Pascal case ( ex: Contact First Name)
2. Underscore case (ex: Contact_First_Name)

Global Fields / Global Variables 

All GLOBAL fields are UPPERCASE and one single word.

Summary Fields

Summary fields should have the prefix “Summ”.

Calculation Fields

Differentiate stored and unstored calculation in field name.

Layout Name

Prefix the layout name with Module / Base Table.

Layout Object 

Layout objects are prefixed by their corresponding reserved name (Ex: Field.Customer Name)

Default Auto-Enter Fields

These are the Auto-Enter fields already present by default:

1. Primary keys with the prefix of “PK”
2. Foreign keys with the prefix of “FK”
3. Creation Date
4. Creation Time
5. Creation Account Name
6. Creation Timestamp
7. Creation User
8. Modification Date
9. Modification Time
10. Modification Account Name
11. Modification Timestamp
12. modification User
13. Creation Host Timestamp (Optional)
14. Modification Host Timestamp (Optional)

3. Scripts

While developing scripts, make sure you do the following:

• Add comments on what a script does and add comments for each functionality.
• Specify the Server side script as different in script name and add numbering.

a. Single Comment Steps Within Scripts

* CustomFunction ( parameter1 ; parameter2 )
*
* PARAMETERS:
*      @parameter1 (text) Input string
*      @parameter2 (num) Numerical value
* RETURNS:
*      (bool) True or False based on proper 
*      evaluation
* DEPENDENCIES:
*      none
* PURPOSE:
*      Use this function in order to accomplish
*      most wonderful things possible!
* NOTES:
*      none
* REVISIONS:
*      10/23/18 - Initial release
*      10/27/18 - Modified to fix issue
*      10/31/18 - No returning Boolean result
*
===================================================== */

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