Articles, Tips, Techniques & Samples
FMT Member contributions including articles, tips, tricks & techniques. Please provide links to previously posted threads and demo or sample files.
528 topics in this forum
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Connect to Claris FileMaker Server from Xojo via Data API
by Monkeybreadsoftware- 1 follower
- 0 replies
- 12 views
With MBS Xojo Plugins 20.4 we include a new MBS Xojo FMAPI Plugin part with a few new classes to connect to a Claris FileMaker Server: class FMAdminMBS class FMDataMBS class FMConnectionMBS class FMDataSourceMBS class FMRequestMBS class FMResponseMBS class FMContainerUploadMBS The FMDataMBS class does a Data API connection while the FMAdminMBS class provides methods for the Admin API. Both have FMConnectionMBS as base class for the core functionality to connect. Connect Lets connect to a server via Data API using user name and password: // connect Dim connection As New FMDataMBS connection.Password =…
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Version Tracking in FileMaker with help of MBS Plugin
by Monkeybreadsoftware- 1 follower
- 0 replies
- 18 views
We show you our Split DDR example to prepare your DDR for better tracking changes in version control systems like GIT: Version Tracking in FileMaker with help of MBS Plugin The Split DDR example file is included with download of MBS FileMaker Plugin. All our FileMaker videos Watch on Youtube.
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Import images from cameras on MacOS with FileMaker
by Monkeybreadsoftware- 1 follower
- 0 replies
- 47 views
We got a few new ImageCapture functions to import images from camera on Mac. So if you can import in Photos.app or Image Capture.app, you can also import them in FileMaker. For version 10.4 of our MBS Plugin we got a new function ImageCapture.SetItemsAddedScript to define which script to trigger when a new picture is there. So you first use ImageCapture.OpenDevice to connect to camera, then use ImageCapture.RequestEnableTethering to ask for tethering, later call ImageCapture.RequestTakePicture to take a picture. Once the picture is taken, you get the script triggered and there you get a JSON like this: [ { "orientation" : 0, "parentFolder" : …
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Using TLS when connecting to MySQL server
by Monkeybreadsoftware- 1 follower
- 0 replies
- 25 views
If you like to connect to MySQL or MariaDB from FileMaker with MBS FileMaker Plugin, you can set SSL options to connect through an encrypted connection. The options are named SSL, but nowadays it's all TLS v1.2 or newer. Here is a sample script we build with a client to get this FileMaker solution to connect to a MySQL server to download data, e.g. from a web shop. # Query parameters for connection Set Variable [ $$SQL.DB ; Value: Test SSL::_DBName ] Set Variable [ $$SQL.Server ; Value: Test SSL::_Host ] Set Variable [ $$SQL.Account ; Value: Test SSL::_User ] Set Variable [ $$SQL.Pwd ; Value: Test SSL::_Passwort ] # …
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- 1 follower
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FM Quickstart, the premier free CRM app for FileMaker, has been updated for FileMaker 19. Several new features and modules have been added including Task Lists, Calendar, and more. FM Quickstart Implementation Plans have also been added to our services offered in order to assist with setup and customization of FM Quickstart. Learn more about these new features and download the app here: https://dbservices.com/articles/fm-quickstart-19/ dbservices.com
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Dark Mode in FileMaker
by Monkeybreadsoftware- 1 follower
- 0 replies
- 30 views
With latest MBS FileMaker Plugin 10.3 we tuned our dark mode support for FileMaker. While Filemaker's Script Workspace comes with some syntax highlighting features built-in, our MBS FileMaker Plugin can add more for macOS users: On the left is pure FileMaker and on the right side is with MBS FileMaker Plugin. Below in light mode: You may notice that our plugin applies coloring rules, e.g. to highlight broken script lines in red. The plugin colors comments based on tags, highlights blocks and shows errors for undefined variables being used. Learn more about Syntax Coloring If you run in the screens below, the colors are not right and you sh…
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Using DebugBar in FileMaker for IE WebViewer
by Monkeybreadsoftware- 1 follower
- 1 reply
- 42 views
We heard the cries for an inspector for Windows and looked around for help. Recently we found Firebug, but that only works if you install it on the same domain. Our search continued and we found DebugBar, an extension for Internet Explorer and it still works in Windows 10, so we worked on an integration into FileMaker as DebugBar doesn't do that as is.For MBS FileMaker Plugin 10.3 we add the new WebView.ShowDebugBar function. Our plugin will look for the web view in the FileMaker window, then create a new window and host there the DebugBar component. Looks like this:We have four tabs there. The first one allows you to inspect the DOM and you can use the green picker to se…
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Split XML for DDR into files for GIT
by Monkeybreadsoftware- 1 follower
- 0 replies
- 21 views
Did you know you can use XML functions in MBS FileMaker Plugin to split your Database Design Report XML files into smaller XML files and put them in a GIT repository?First you can use FM.RunDatabaseDesignReport function in our plugin to trigger FileMaker to create a DDR by script. Or you use AppleScript for GUI scripting as you can see in this older blog post: Automate creation of Database Design Reports in FileMaker. For FM.RunDatabaseDesignReport, here is an example line:MBS( "FM.RunDatabaseDesignReport"; 1 /* XML */; "/Users/cs/Desktop"; 0; "Anlagen.fmp12" )First parameter is 1 to enable XML. Second parameter is folder path, but that is ignored on Windows or macOS Cata…
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What is new in the MBS FileMaker Plugin Version 10.3
by Monkeybreadsoftware- 1 follower
- 0 replies
- 46 views
In this article I want to introduce you the new functions from the MBS FileMaker Plugin in version 10.3. LibXL Let's start with a few innovations with LibXL, that allows you to edit Excel files. You now have functions with which you can identify the area of the table where data is filled in. You can determine the first row or column in an existing Excel document and which one is the last row or column that is filled. This simplifies your work. For example, you want to enter data in an existing table. You first determine the last filled row and then you enter the new values in the next row There is the new XL.Sheet.CellWriteTextAsNumber functio…
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Using Sharing Services in MacOS with FileMaker
by Monkeybreadsoftware- 1 follower
- 1 reply
- 36 views
With next MBS FileMaker Plugin (already in 10.3pr7 to try), you are able to trigger the sharing services in macOS from FileMaker. You can pass images, URLs, styled text and native file paths to various services. Not just one value, but several, e.g. Send text and image to Messages Send files, text, images, URLs, subject and recipients to Apple Mail Send pictures to Photos application Send text and URLs to reminders or notes applications Send files via AirDrop to other users Send URLs to reader list in Safari Send PDF to Books application Send picture to make it the desktop background More services are available, for exam…
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MBS FileMaker Plugin Presentation
by Monkeybreadsoftware- 1 follower
- 1 reply
- 93 views
For the upcoming virtual dotfmp conference, we prepared a presentation video to show you what MBS FileMaker Plugin can do: MBS FileMaker Plugin, Presentation from June 2020 All movies Watch on Youtube. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have questions.
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FileMaker with ZUGFeRD 2.0 and Factur-X
by Monkeybreadsoftware- 1 follower
- 1 reply
- 46 views
With the last DynaPDF update we got new support for ZUGFeRD 2.0 and Factur-X, two standards to deliver invoices as PDF files with embedded XML data. We supported ZUGFeRD 1.0 before and now upgraded code to support version 2, too. So here is a little FileMaker script to convert an existing PDF into a ZUGFeRD 2.0 document. Before you start, please assemble the XML for the invoice and know whether it's Minimum, Basic, Comfort or Extended level. So the script here initializes DynaPDF library if needed and then creates a new PDF environment. We set import flags to import all content and prepare for PDF/A. If needed, you could skip some content like annotations dire…
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The FileMaker.PerformScript function in FileMaker 19
by Monkeybreadsoftware- 1 follower
- 0 replies
- 55 views
You may have read the documentation about the new JavaScript integration in FileMaker 19. Let's take a look on this in detail. For every website you load, FileMaker injects automatically a little JavaScript when the page is finished loading. The JavaScript for the PerformScript script in the FileMaker namespace looks like this: As you see for MacOS (and iOS), they use the MessageHandler protocol offered by WebKit, which is the same we use for our WebView.AddScriptMessageHandler function in MBS FileMaker Plugin. The message handler is quotes the given parameters, builds a JSON text and passes this to the message handler. If you need, you can use MBS FileMaker Plugi…
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Checkout Machine Learning features in FileMaker
by Monkeybreadsoftware- 1 follower
- 0 replies
- 25 views
Have you seen the machine learning functions in FileMaker 19? Apple added CoreML framework in 2017 and presented it at WWDC that year. The framework allows to easily load a model for machine learning and call it with your input data. Examples include visual detection of things in pictures like image classification. Other examples include speech detection and sound analysis, text analysis or pattern matching. For example we saw models to take text and tell you the language or the mood of the writer. Also welcome are models to detect porn or violence to filter those. FileMaker 19 comes built-in with a new script step Configure Machine Learning Model to load a mod…
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Check out options for FileMaker JavaScript Integration
by Monkeybreadsoftware- 1 follower
- 0 replies
- 25 views
The just released FileMaker version 19 brings some welcome additions to use JavaScript with web viewer. You can now use a script step Perform JavaScript in Web Viewer to run JavaScript within the web viewer on the current layout. In MBS FileMaker Plugin, we have our own WebView.RunJavaScript function since version 1.3 from July 2007. That function has been upgraded as WebView.Evaluate end of last year for version 10.0 of our plugin to provide results back on MacOS, Windows and iOS. The built-in functionality has an advantage the plugin can't provide, which is is having it work in FileMaker Go or Web Direct. But you first need to upgrade everything to FileMaker v…
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FileMaker 19 Overview
by DB Services- 1 follower
- 0 replies
- 51 views
FileMaker 19 has arrived, with many exciting new features that everyone can benefit from! Check out our detailed overview of FileMaker 19, which includes links to learning materials for these new features: https://dbservices.com/articles/claris-filemaker-19-overview/ dbservices.com
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Custom Functions to Log Script Calls and maintain call stack
by Monkeybreadsoftware- 1 follower
- 0 replies
- 42 views
We have three handy custom functions for you to log function calls with MBS FileMaker Plugin: CountScriptCall LogFunctionCall LogFunctionResult And they can be used together to log function calls like on the screenshot here: CountScriptCall Now let's take a look on each function. Start of the script may just call the first two functions together in one Set variable script step: The CountScriptCall function is to check which scripts get called and how often. We can call it in each script on the start to log that this script is still in use. We use a global variable $$LogScriptCalls to turn this on/off as needed. In the cus…
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FileMaker Server Plugin Installation
by Monkeybreadsoftware- 1 follower
- 0 replies
- 119 views
You have a FileMaker Server installed, e.g. on Windows Server, and you need the MBS Plugin installed. Let us guide you though the installation process.We expect you have a current FileMaker Server running. If you have an older/newer one, the buttons may be on a different position. Copy Plugin FilesFirst in Admin Console, please stop the database server, so you can later enable it again. Only when server engine starts, it scan extensions folder and leans which plugins are available. Please use the "Stop Database Server" button:Now the browser changes and shows the server is off:Next go to explorer and locate two folders and copy the MBS.fmx64 (Windows 64-bit plugin) file t…
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Enable HiDPI aware web viewer for FileMaker
by Monkeybreadsoftware- 1 follower
- 0 replies
- 25 views
With latest pre-release we added the WebView.SetInternetExplorerHiDPI function to switch on the HiDPI aware more for FileMaker application (or runtime). See comparison picture:In your start script you can just call this function once to enable it:MBS( "WebView.SetInternetExplorerHiDPI"; 1 )When this option is active before web viewer is created, the web control will display the content high-dpi aware and zoom to 100% independent of the DPI of the display. In earlier blog post we recommended to use JavaScript to zoom the website:MBS( "WebView.RunJavaScript"; "web"; "document.body.style.zoom = \"200%\"; ")But this is no longer needed on Windows once the web viewer zooms cor…
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ODBC driver and MBS SQL Functions in FileMaker
by Monkeybreadsoftware- 1 follower
- 0 replies
- 33 views
We have made a ton of example code in the last decade showing how to connect to Microsoft SQL Server from MacOS or Linux using FreeTDS and our MBS FileMaker Plugin. And there are two ways to do it:1. With loading driver directlySet Variable [$result; Value: MBS("SQL.SetClient"; $Connection; "ODBC")]#Tell plugin where freetds library isSet Variable [$result; Value: MBS( "SQL.SetConnectionOption"; $Connection; "ODBC.LIBS"; "/Users/cs/Desktop/libtdsodbc.dylib")]#Connect to databaseSet Variable [$result; Value: MBS("SQL.Connect"; $Connection; "DRIVER={FREETDS};Server=192.168.2.32;UId=SA;PWD=test;Database=test;TDS_VERSION=7.2;Port=1433")]As you see, we point to the dylib as OD…
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Use formatted text in Excel files with FileMaker and LibXL
by Monkeybreadsoftware- 1 follower
- 0 replies
- 43 views
With the recent release of LibXL 3.9, we got new functions for working with styled text. For our MBS FileMaker Plugin, we added new functions for styled text: XL.Sheet.CellIsStyledText XL.Sheet.CellReadStyledText XL.Sheet.CellWriteStyledText Now you can pass directly styled text from a field in FileMaker to a cell in an Excel document. Or you build a styled text from scratch with text formatting functions in FileMaker like in the example below:# create sheetSet Variable [ $sheet ; Value: MBS( "XL.Book.AddSheet"; $book; "Styled Text Test") ] # Set Variable [ $row ; Value: 1 ] Set Variable [ $col ; Value: 0 ] Set Variable [ $text ; Value: TextColor ( T…
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Digitally signing PDF with DynaPDF and custom signature appearance
by Monkeybreadsoftware- 1 follower
- 0 replies
- 74 views
For some time now we can sign PDFs with DynaPDF functions automatically in a script in FileMaker. For next pre-release we add a new feature to add a custom signature appearance. You define in your script how the PDF draws the signature on the page and includes the validation icon. That validation icon is a special feature of the PDF reader where they draw a checkmark to let you know the signature is valid. Like this screenshot:We draw in the box there to show it's signed, write the name there and then tell the PDF viewer to place the icon left to the text. If the PDF viewer doesn't know or doesn't check, this should display a question mark. See picture on the right.To do …
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Using libPhoneNumber for phone number formatting
by Monkeybreadsoftware- 1 follower
- 0 replies
- 92 views
Recently a client asked whether we could integrate the libPhoneNumber library into the plugins. Well, it's a big C++ library with a lot of dependencies and it looks like building a static version for our plugin or a DLL version to load at runtime is a bit tricky. But we found the JavaScript port of the library on the same website. This one has a couple of dependencies, but it can be compiled into a single file version with all required libraries embedded in one JavaScript file. As you may know we introduced a JavaScript engine into our plugins last December for both FileMaker. This JavaScript engine is capable to load the standalone version of libPhoneNumber and exec…
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Tip: Query FileMaker records as JSON
by Monkeybreadsoftware- 1 follower
- 0 replies
- 181 views
When you need FileMaker records as JSON, you can just query them via MBS Plugin functions. Use FM.SQL.Execute first to run SQL and get reference number to result in memory. Then call FM.SQL.JSONRecords to get the records as a JSON array. This has high performance and may be faster than looping in a script to build the JSON in pure FileMaker functions. Once you have the JSON, you may just pass it to FileMaker's data API to move records to another server or pass them as payload for a web service. Within the SQL you can make adjustments to the data. For example you insert fixed values with putting them in the SQL (text in single quotes), you can use CONCAT to concat texts or…
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Looping over records in FileMaker with error checking
by Monkeybreadsoftware- 1 follower
- 1 reply
- 158 views
Recently I got a client complaining about a crash in FileMaker Server with a script using plugin functions. A look on the trace output from our plugin via MBS("Trace"; $path) function call to write a log file showed the problem. The loops where running endless. And an endless loop eventually causes trouble when some resource is limited, e.g. available memory. Looking on the script we basically found this a couple of times: Go to Layout [ “MyTable” (MyTABLE) ; Animation: None ] Perform Find [ Restore ] Go to Record/Request/Page [ First ] Loop # process record # # next Go to Record/Request/Page [ Next ; Exit after…
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New Examples 2020
by Monkeybreadsoftware- 1 follower
- 0 replies
- 107 views
We made a new video to show you a few newer examples for MBS FileMaker Plugin this spring. Later download the plugin to try the examples yourself. Watch on our website or on Youtube. 0:15 Signature Field 2:40 Barcode functions on MacOS 8:10 WebView.Evaluate on MacOS 11:20 Font in Script Workspace 13:50 WebView.Evaluate on Windows 14:40 Barcode functions on Windows 15:20 WebView.PostURL 17:35 Windows Media Player (WMPF functions) Please don't hesitate to contact us with your questions.
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New in the MBS FileMaker Plugin 10.1
by Monkeybreadsoftware- 1 follower
- 0 replies
- 81 views
In this article I want to introduce you to the new functions from the MBS FileMaker Plugin in version 10.1.JavaScriptIn the last plugin version we introduce the new JavaScript component. With those functions it is possible to use JavaScript without the help of a web viewer. In this version we have added some features, that simplify the work with JavaScript functions. Times and dates in JavaScript are passed as floating pointer numbers. The function “JS.Now” returns us the number of milliseconds since the 1st January 1970. So we can determine the current time in combination with the “JS.TimeToDateComponents” function. This function returns us a JSON object with the individ…
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Claris Connect Overview
by dbservices- 1 follower
- 0 replies
- 98 views
Claris Connect is a new no-code platform that allows anyone to connect apps and services together to automate and orchestrate workflows. Read our overview article to see the pricing, and which applications are available upon launch! https://dbservices.com/articles/claris-connect-overview/ dbservices.com
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MBS Syntax Colorizing saves the day!
by Monkeybreadsoftware- 1 follower
- 0 replies
- 67 views
We received an email today from Russell Watson and we like to share it with you: If you have stories to share, please let us know. PS: Syntax coloring is a free feature of MBS Plugins for FileMaker on MacOS.
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Merge PDF with table of contents
by Monkeybreadsoftware- 1 follower
- 0 replies
- 94 views
We got a new example database for MBS FileMaker Plugin to show how to merge PDFs. One of the feature beside adding page numbers is to build a table of contents for the document with clickable entries: Set Variable [ $pdf ; Value: MBS("DynaPDF.New") ] # # create dummy page for table Set Variable [ $r ; Value: MBS("DynaPDF.AppendPage"; $pdf) ] Set Variable [ $r ; Value: MBS("DynaPDF.EndPage"; $pdf) ] # # create table for index Set Variable [ $r ; Value: MBS("DynaPDF.SetPageCoords"; $pdf; "TopDown") ] Set Variable [ $table ; Value: MBS("DynaPDF.Table.Create"; $pdf; 10; 2; 500; 20) ] # Set Variable [ $r ; Va…
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