Installing plug-ins

Database developers can insert plug-in files in container fields, then use scripts and calculations to install and update plug-ins.

Note If you are concerned that unwanted plug-ins might be installed when you use solution files on a trial basis, you can disable the Allow Solutions to Install Files option in the plug-in preferences. However, be aware that the solution file may not behave as intended if you don’t allow required plug-ins to install. See Setting plug-in preferences.

•In Browse mode, select the container field, choose Insert menu > Insert File, select a plug-in file, then click Open.

•Write a script and use the Insert File script step to place the plug-in in the container field. See Creating and editing scripts and Insert File.

3. Create a script and use the Install Plug-In File script step to specify the container field as the target field.

Operating system	Product	Plug-ins are installed in this folder
Windows	FileMaker Pro	C:\users\user_name\AppData\Local\FileMaker\FileMaker Pro\16.0\Extensions\
Windows	FileMaker Pro Advanced	C:\users\user_name\AppData\Local\FileMaker\FileMaker Pro Advanced\16.0\Extensions\
macOS	FileMaker Pro	Macintosh HD/Users/user_name/Library/Application Support/FileMaker/FileMaker Pro/16.0/Extensions
macOS	FileMaker Pro Advanced	Macintosh HD/Users/user_name/Library/Application Support/FileMaker/FileMaker Pro Advanced/16.0/Extensions

Tip You can use the Get(InstalledFMPlugins) function to identify the version of the installed plug-in and compare it with the version of the plug-in stored in the container field, then update the plug-in by reinstalling, if necessary. See Updating plug-ins and Get(InstalledFMPlugins).

•FileMaker Pro can only install plug-ins that match the FileMaker Pro application’s architecture. For example, the 64-bit version of FileMaker Pro can only install 64-bit plug-ins. Use the Get(ApplicationArchitecture) function to determine the current application's architecture.

•If your solution requires a specific plug-in version that cannot be shared with other versions of FileMaker Pro, instruct users to manually place plug-ins in the Extensions folder inside the FileMaker Pro, FileMaker Pro Advanced, or FileMaker runtime folder.

•If a plug-in is intended for all installed versions of FileMaker Pro, you must manually install the plug-in in each user’s AppData\Local\FileMaker\Extensions (Windows) or Application Support/FileMaker/Extensions (macOS) folder.

•The search order for loading plug-ins starts with the Extensions folder inside the FileMaker Pro application folder, followed by the folder that the Install Plug-In File script step uses. The last location checked is the AppData\Local\FileMaker\Extensions (Windows) or Application Support/FileMaker/Extensions (macOS) folder.