Using advanced tools

FileMaker Pro includes features that help you develop and deploy FileMaker Pro custom apps faster and more efficiently. These features are available when the Use advanced tools general setting is selected.

The advanced tools include:

  • Custom Functions utility – for creating custom functions for use anywhere within the custom app (see About custom functions)

  • Custom Menus feature – for creating customized menus for a custom app (see Defining custom menus)

  • Script Debugger – for systematic testing and debugging of FileMaker scripts (see Debugging scripts)

  • Data Viewer – for monitoring fields, variables, and calculations (see Using the Data Viewer)

  • Save a Copy as XML and Database Design Report features – for comprehensive documentation on structures or schemas of databases (see Documenting database schemas)

  • Importing table schemas – for consolidating tables from a multifile custom app into one file (see Copying or importing table schemas)

  • Developer Utilities – for encrypting and decrypting database files, removing admin access, and enabling Kiosk mode (see Using the Developer Utilities)

  • Copying and pasting layout themes – for easily copying themes between custom apps (see Managing layout themes)

  • Tools > Tools Marketplace – takes you directly to the Developer Tools category in Claris Marketplace.

To use advanced tools:

Note  In order to use the advanced tools, you must restart FileMaker Pro after selecting the Use advanced tools setting. You must also restart FileMaker Pro if you deselect the setting to stop using the tools.

  1. Windows: Choose Edit menu > Settings.

    macOS: Choose FileMaker Pro menu > Settings.

  2. In the General tab, select Use advanced tools.

  3. Restart FileMaker Pro.

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