FileMaker Pro features by version
This topic lists the features introduced in previous versions of FileMaker Pro and FileMaker Pro Advanced starting from version 8.0. For details about each feature, download the product documentation at http://www.filemaker.com/downloads.
For information about when script steps, functions, and script triggers were introduced, see the individual Help topics.
FileMaker Pro 8.0
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Import data from another file into a new table in the current file. This allows you to consolidate data previously stored in separate databases.
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New Field/Control Setup dialog box makes it easier to create and edit checkbox sets and other controls that display data from a value list.
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By default, fields on the current layout are listed first when you sort records, replace field contents, export records, or send email.
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Improved Instant Web Publishing. For example, create and use your own home page instead of the default Database Homepage.
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FileMaker Pro 8.0 Advanced
FileMaker Pro 8.5
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Use web viewers to access websites such as FedEx® or GoogleTM from a layout.
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Web Viewer Example database with sample records and data to show you how you can use web viewers. You must have an internet connection to use this database.
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Assign names to layout objects (such as buttons, portals, and tabs in a tab panel) using the Info palette (formerly known as the Size palette).
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FileMaker Pro 8.5 Advanced
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Updated example plug-in and API for XCode 2.2 that work on either PowerPC-based or Intel-based Macintosh computers.
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FileMaker Pro 9.0
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Supplemental fields – Add unstored calculation fields and summary fields to SQL (ODBC) data source tables within FileMaker Pro. Then use these fields in FileMaker Pro layouts, scripts, finds, sorts, joins, and exports without changing data from an external table. This feature lets you extend SQL tables.
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Email links to shared databases – Choose the new File menu > Send Link menu item to send an email with URL links to FileMaker Pro shared databases. Use this feature with shared peer-to-peer or FileMaker Server hosted databases.
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Increased number of peer-to-peer file sharing users – Share files with up to nine concurrent users with FileMaker Pro Network Sharing.
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Conditional formatting – Set formatting rules based on conditions you specify with the new Format menu > Conditional menu item, and apply conditional formats to data in fields, layouts, or text-based buttons.
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Updated label support – Use new and updated Avery label sizes in the New Layout/Report assistant, including new, popular shipping labels.
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FileMaker Pro Quick Start Screen – Provides a central place where for creating files, opening existing files located on your computer or on remote networked computers, and accessing electronic FileMaker Pro documentation.
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Auto-resize layout objects – Specify how layout objects dynamically adjust to window resizing. As you resize windows, data contracts or expands on a form, in Preview mode, and in printing.
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Learn buttons – Link directly to context-sensitive Help topics from these dialog boxes to learn more about using them: Web Viewer Setup, Button Setup, Specify Calculation, and Create Layout/Report.
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Enhanced Help menu – Access product documentation, register or activate FileMaker Pro, transfer activation to another computer, send FileMaker your feedback, and more from the Help menu.
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Revised File menu – The File menu > Define command is now File menu > Manage, and the new Manage dialog boxes replace the Define dialog boxes.
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Enhanced toolbar – Use new and improved buttons on the toolbar, including Alignment (Layout mode), Save Records as Excel, and Save Records as PDF.
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Copy and paste scripts – Copy entire scripts and script steps from one file and paste them into the same or a different file.
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FileMaker Pro 9.0 Advanced
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Enhanced Script Debugger – Debug restricted-access scripts upon login and authentication from within the Script Debugger, select multiple script steps, view last script error results, and link directly to Help for more information with the Script Debugger.
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Enhanced Data Viewer – Use the new Current tab to view field or variable data in the current script, and view restricted data in Data Viewer upon login and authentication.
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PHP Site Assistant link – Choose Tools menu > Launch PHP Assistant to link directly to PHP Site Assistant.
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Enhanced Database Design Report – Document your database solution, including new features such as script groups, external SQL data source tables, new functions, and more.
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FileMaker Pro 10.0
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Status toolbar – Use the redesigned status area, which now appears as a toolbar at the top of the FileMaker Pro window, to perform most tasks.
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Saved finds – Save complex find requests for use in future FileMaker Pro sessions and access recent finds using buttons on the status toolbar.
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indicates the fields you can use to search your |
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Layout object tooltips – Use FileMaker Pro to add descriptive text that appears when users move the pointer over layout objects in Browse or Find modes.
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FileMaker Quick Start Screen – Create a FileMaker Pro database from an Excel or Bento 2 (or a later supported version) file. Access instructional materials, such as videos and the FileMaker Tutorial, from the Learn More panel.
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Improved Starter Solutions – Create a database from an updated Starter Solution template to take advantage of the new FileMaker Pro features.
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Advanced recovery options – Perform a consistency check on files you suspect might be damaged, select specific file components to be recovered, and view information about the file’s status. View a detailed file recovery log both during and after the file recovery process.
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Dynamic subsummary reports – See recalculated summary values in real time in Browse mode when data changes.
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More layout themes – Choose new layout themes in the New Layout/ Report assistant to enhance your reports.
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Additional support for ODBC data sources (also known as external SQL sources or ESS) – Display, access, and use data from SQL tables in Microsoft SQL Server 2008, Oracle 11g, and MySQL 5.1 Community Edition. Define value lists using fields in ODBC data source tables. Use Windows authentication (single sign-on) to access ODBC data from Microsoft SQL Server. Accurately access SQL-supported timestamp data from ODBC data sources.
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Better support for importing data from Bento 2 (Mac OS) – Use standard import procedures in FileMaker Pro to transfer information from a Bento 2 (or a later supported version) data source to a FileMaker Pro file.
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SMTP-direct email support – Choose File menu > Send Mail or use a script to send email directly from FileMaker Pro files without using email client software.
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Script triggers – Specify that a script runs when a specific event occurs, such as when a user or script enters, changes, or exits a field; when a key is pressed; when a field is modified; or when a record is committed.
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Scripting user interface improvements – Use the Manage Scripts feature (formerly ScriptMaker) to display a default script you can use as a starting point for writing your own scripts, see whether individual script steps are supported in web publishing or in FileMaker Server schedules, and more. The Manage Scripts dialog box no longer opens in a maximized state when the FileMaker Pro window is maximized.
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Error reporting improvements – Control script steps no longer clear the last error condition reported by FileMaker Pro.
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FileMaker Pro 11.0
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FileMaker charts – Compare and contrast data graphically in bar, line, area, and pie charts using an integrated charting tool.
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Layout folders – Create folders to group layouts; rename, duplicate, and delete layouts; and choose to display layouts and folders in the Layout pop-up menu — all in the Manage Layouts dialog box.
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Default layout view – Set the default view (Form, List, Table) that you want to appear when you first open a layout.
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Enhanced New Layout/Report assistant – Offers a more streamlined approach for grouping data and creating summary reports.
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Recurring import – Automatically import data from Microsoft Excel or other data sources, such as Tab and CSV, into FileMaker Pro 11. Updates in the source file are reflected in the FileMaker Pro table.
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Enhanced support for Bento data import (Mac OS) – Import Bento date and timestamp formats into FileMaker Pro and then reformat the data as a FileMaker Pro date or timestamp. Import encrypted and simple list fields from a Bento data source.
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Instant Web Publishing – Databases published on the web through Instant Web Publishing include a status toolbar similar to the one you use when you work with databases in FileMaker Pro. FileMaker charts can be published using Instant Web Publishing.
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Work with data in a spreadsheet-like format – Add fields and records in Table View using a familiar, spreadsheet-like format. Sort, delete, and hide fields; change a field’s data type; and set field options. Create a quick report by adding a leading or trailing group by field, all from Table View.
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Inspector – Most editing tasks that you do in Layout mode can be done with the Inspector, which allows you to view and modify object settings in one convenient place.
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Snapshot link – Capture and preserve a found set of record IDs — including the layout, view, and sort order — exactly as it was when you performed the original find request, and email it to another person.
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Enhanced Quick Start Screen – Quickly create, convert, open, and manage local, remote, and favorite files. Access tutorials and other helpful resources, such as the FileMaker Forum.
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Refined security – Control whether other FileMaker Pro files are permitted to access the schema (including the tables, layouts, scripts, and value lists) in a file in your secured solution, and prevent versions of FileMaker Pro earlier than version 11 from opening the file.
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Use variables in scripted find requests – Include local and global variables in scripted find requests that you create or edit.
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Merge variables on layouts – Create a merge variable that displays values from local or global variables. Use merge variables for some tasks in place of global fields or unstored calculation fields.
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TLS (Transport Layer Security) support for sending mail via SMTP – When you send email via SMTP, you can choose TLS encryption to allow both secure and nonsecure connections over the same port.
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In Windows, move the scripting windows outside the FileMaker Pro application window. Menus inside these scripting windows allow you to manage and edit your scripts.
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Origination information in Help – Each script step, script trigger, and function description includes the version of FileMaker Pro in which it was created.
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Enhanced user interface (Mac OS) – The appearance and behavior of Mac OS dialog boxes have changed in order to better reflect Mac OS X standards.
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“Available menu commands” setting in default privilege set – To further refine security, the setting for “Available menu commands” in the default privilege set (used when creating a new privilege set) is now Minimum.
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FileMaker Pro 11.0 Advanced
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Custom menu user interface improvements – The user interface was enhanced in order to make creating and managing custom menus and custom menu sets easier and more intuitive.
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Custom function copy/paste/import – Copy, paste, and import custom functions in the custom functions list; and copy, paste, and import custom functions between files.
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