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FileMaker Crash Course

FileMaker Crash Course - Contents

FileMaker Crash Course with gFM-Business Open Source

This introduction to FileMaker provides you with a comprehensive overview of the versatile platform that enables you to develop customized database solutions for different business requirements. Over the course of the following chapters, the basic functions and possible uses of FileMaker are explained in detail. 

We refer to our FileMaker-based gFM-Business Open Source basic ERP software, which you can use to download free of charge can. It covers both the practical application and the theoretical basics. Whether you are new to the world of databases or would like to deepen your existing knowledge - this introduction will provide you with the knowledge you need to work efficiently and successfully with FileMaker. In the following table of contents you will find an overview of the topics covered.

gFM-Business Open Source FileMaker Basis-ERP

The software for the crash course

Download for free
Open Source ERP based on Claris FileMaker

1. introduction to FileMaker and its basics

  1. Overview of the FileMaker platform
    • Overview of the FileMaker platform
    • History and development
    • Areas of application and advantages of FileMaker
    • Differences between FileMaker Pro, FileMaker Go and FileMaker Server
  2. First steps with FileMaker
    • Installation and initial setup
    • Overview of the user interface
    • Creating a new database
    • Import of data (CSV, Excel)
  3. Basics of database development
    • Introduction to relational databases
    • Data modeling: tables, fields and data records
    • Understanding and planning the database structure

2. working with layouts and user interfaces

  1. Introduction to layouts
    • What are layouts and what are they used for?
    • Overview of the layout mode
    • Create a simple layout
  2. Design and customization of layouts
    • Use of themes and styles
    • Working with objects: Fields, texts, buttons
    • Layout editing tools and techniques
    • Use of images and graphics
  3. Create interactive user interfaces
    • Creating navigation elements (menus, buttons)
    • User-defined dialogs and popovers
    • Tips for improving user-friendliness

3. data management and manipulation

  1. Enter and manage data in FileMaker
    • Creating and editing data records
    • Search functions and filter options
    • Sorting and grouping data
  2. Advanced data entry methods
    • Use of drop-down lists and checkboxes
    • Linked data entry through portals
    • Validation rules for fields
  3. Data export and import
    • Data export in various formats (PDF, Excel, CSV)
    • Data migration and synchronization between FileMaker files
    • Automation of import and export processes

Tips, instructions and interfaces for FileMaker and gFM-Business ERP

Tips & instructions
FileMaker tips and instructions

4. scripting and automation

  1. Scripting basics in FileMaker
    • Introduction to FileMaker Scripts
    • Scripting basics: loops, conditions, variables
    • Creating a simple script
  2. Automation of tasks
    • Use of triggers for automation
    • Creating and managing script buttons
    • Automated data updating and reports
  3. Advanced scripting techniques
    • Error handling in scripts
    • Debugging and script documentation
    • Create complex workflows with multiple scripts
    • Partial scripts and script parameters
    • Pass multiple script parameters

5. security, user administration and deployment

  1. Security basics in FileMaker
    • Introduction to user administration
    • Define roles and privileges
    • Securing databases through encryption
  2. User administration and access rights
    • Create and manage user accounts
    • Customization of access rights to layouts and data
    • Best practices for managing user access
  3. Deployment and hosting of FileMaker solutions
    • Introduction to FileMaker Server
    • Hosting options: On-premise vs. cloud
    • Maintenance and updating of FileMaker databases

6 Integration, extensions and advanced functions

  1. FileMaker and external data sources
    • Connection of SQL databases
    • Using FileMaker ODBC and JDBC
    • Integration with web services (REST API)
  2. Extensions and custom functions
    • Introduction to FileMaker Plugins
    • Creating and using custom functions
    • Use of JavaScript in FileMaker
  3. FileMaker Go and WebDirect
    • Mobile applications with FileMaker Go
    • Publishing FileMaker solutions on the web
    • Optimization of layouts for mobile devices and web

7. developer module of the gFM-Business ERP software

  1. gFM-Business ERP developer module
    • Automated logging of changes
    • Internal documentation
    • Advantages for companies and developers

Latest news on our X-Channel

A database book with a chapter on AI—that’s something you’d expect these days. But one about lithium? Probably not. 😉 That’s exactly why it’s called “The Slightly Different Database Book.” The focus isn’t on dry SQL commands, but on the question of how databases can help us better structure information, processes, and ultimately even our thoughts. From clean database design to FileMaker and gFM-Business to artificial intelligence, the book deliberately covers a broader range than traditional database literature.  #Database #FileMaker #KI #Software Development #Database Design #gFMBusiness #Specialized Book

A database book with a chapter on AI—that’s what you’d expect these days. But one about lithium? Probably not. 😉 That’s exactly why it’s called “The Slightly Different Database Book.” The focus isn’t on dry SQL commands, but on the question of how databases can help us better structure information, processes, and ultimately even our thoughts. From clean database design to FileMaker and gFM-Business to artificial intelligence, the book deliberately covers a broader range than traditional database literature. #Database #FileMaker #AI #Software Development #Database Design #gFMBusiness #Specialized Book…

Read more

August 25, 2026 · @goFileMaker
Are you working with an existing FileMaker solution and need support? We offer professional FileMaker assistance for troubleshooting, customizations, enhancements, and modernization—even for solutions we didn’t develop. Many tasks can be easily analyzed and resolved directly via remote support. We can also take over and further develop older FileMaker systems and custom databases that have grown over time. We bring more than 30 years of FileMaker experience to your solution.  #FileMaker #Database #Software Development #Claris #ITSupport #gFMBusiness

Are you working with an existing FileMaker solution and need assistance? We offer professional FileMaker support for troubleshooting, customization, enhancements, and modernization—even for solutions we didn’t develop. Many tasks can be easily analyzed and addressed directly via remote support. Even older FileMaker systems and custom databases that have evolved over time can be taken over and further developed. We bring more than 30 years of FileMaker experience to your solution. #FileMaker #Database #Software Development #Claris #IT Support #gFMBusiness

Read more

August 18, 2026 · @goFileMaker

Downloads for the FileMaker Crash Course

Below you will find download links to the free gFM-Business Open Source basic ERP software and to the current demo version of Claris FileMaker Pro if you do not yet have FileMaker installed on your computer.

FileMaker Crash Course - Contents

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