FileMaker 17 certification video training course by prepaway along with practice test questions and answers, study guide and exam dumps provides the ultimate training package to help you pass.

FileMaker 17 Essentials: Full Training Course

Course Overview

This course is designed to provide a complete and structured path for learning FileMaker 17. FileMaker is a powerful platform for building custom apps that work seamlessly across desktop, mobile, and web. With the release of FileMaker 17, many new features and enhancements were introduced to make building solutions faster and more intuitive. This course covers everything from the absolute basics to advanced features, guiding learners step by step through real-world examples and hands-on practice. The course is divided into five parts, each focusing on a core area of FileMaker development, with Part 1 laying the foundation for everything that follows.

Purpose of the Course

The goal of this training is to make you confident in using FileMaker 17 to create, customize, and deploy applications. By the end of the course, you will not only understand the technical aspects of FileMaker but also how to think about problem solving, data organization, and workflow automation using the platform.

Why Learn FileMaker 17

FileMaker 17 is widely used by businesses, non-profits, educators, and freelancers to streamline processes. It allows you to design apps without deep coding knowledge while still offering advanced functionality for experienced developers. Learning FileMaker opens career opportunities in database development, IT support, and business process automation. It is especially valuable for organizations that want custom tools without the high costs of traditional software development.

Requirements of the Course

You do not need prior experience with FileMaker or databases to join this course. A basic understanding of computers and common productivity applications such as spreadsheets will be helpful. You will need access to FileMaker Pro 17 installed on your computer. A willingness to practice what you learn and experiment with the tools is essential, since FileMaker is best mastered through hands-on experience.

Who This Course is For

This course is for absolute beginners who have never used FileMaker before. It is also for professionals who may have touched FileMaker in the past but want to learn systematically. Small business owners looking to build their own apps will benefit, as will IT managers who want to extend their systems. Freelancers and consultants who want to offer FileMaker services can also use this course to sharpen their skills.

Part 1: Foundations of FileMaker 17

Introduction to FileMaker

FileMaker is a cross-platform relational database application that allows you to create custom solutions without needing to write complex code. It has been evolving for decades, and FileMaker 17 introduced important new features such as a redesigned layout mode, improved starter apps, and better development tools. At its core, FileMaker lets you organize data, build forms, create reports, and automate processes.

Understanding Databases

To fully appreciate FileMaker, it is important to understand what a database is. A database is simply an organized collection of information that can be searched, sorted, and managed. Unlike a spreadsheet, which stores data in flat tables, a relational database can connect different sets of data. For example, you can connect customers to orders, products to suppliers, and students to courses. FileMaker makes these relationships easy to set up.

FileMaker as a Low-Code Platform

FileMaker is often called a low-code platform because it allows you to build apps quickly using visual tools. You do not need to learn programming languages like Java or C++. Instead, you can drag and drop fields, design layouts visually, and use simple scripting commands. This lowers the barrier to entry while still giving you the ability to build powerful applications.

Installing FileMaker 17

Before we begin building, you need to install FileMaker Pro 17. Once installed, open the application and explore the welcome screen. You will see options to create a new solution, open an existing one, or explore sample files. This welcome screen is your gateway to starting projects.

Exploring the Interface

When you open FileMaker, you are greeted with a clean interface. The top menu contains commands for managing files, editing layouts, and running scripts. On the left side, you may see navigation panels for layouts and scripts. The center is where your data and layouts are displayed. Getting comfortable with this interface is the first step in learning how to build effectively.

Starter Apps

FileMaker 17 comes with starter apps that give you a quick way to begin. These include templates for managing contacts, assets, inventory, and projects. Exploring these starter apps will help you understand how FileMaker organizes data and layouts. They are also useful as a base for building your own solutions.

Creating Your First Database

Let’s walk through creating your first database. Open FileMaker and select “New Solution.” Give your file a name such as “MyFirstApp” and choose a location to save it. Once created, you will be prompted to add a table. A table is where data lives, much like a worksheet in Excel. Name the table “Contacts.”

Adding Fields

Within your Contacts table, you can add fields such as Name, Email, Phone, and Address. Each field has a type, such as text, number, date, or container. FileMaker allows you to specify field options, such as validation rules, auto-enter values, and indexing for faster searches. Setting up fields correctly is crucial to ensuring your data is reliable and useful.

Entering Data

Once fields are created, you can switch to Browse mode and begin entering data. Try adding a few contacts manually. FileMaker immediately saves everything you type, so there is no need for manual saving. This immediate saving feature ensures data integrity and prevents accidental loss.

Layout Mode

FileMaker uses layouts to determine how data is displayed. A layout can show your data in a form view, a list view, or a table view. In Layout mode, you can customize the appearance of fields, add labels, change colors, and insert images. Layouts give you full control over how users interact with the data.

Switching Between Modes

FileMaker has different modes for different tasks. Browse mode is where you enter and view data. Layout mode is for designing how your data looks. Find mode is for searching your data. Preview mode shows how reports will look when printed. Switching between these modes is an essential part of daily FileMaker work.

Understanding Records

A record in FileMaker is a single entry in your database. In the Contacts table, one record might be a person with their name, email, and phone number. Records are the building blocks of your database. Learning how to add, edit, and delete records is one of the first skills to master.

Sorting Records

FileMaker allows you to sort records easily. You can sort contacts alphabetically by name or chronologically by date added. Sorting helps you view data in meaningful ways and prepare it for reporting. You can save sort orders for repeated use.

Finding Records

Searching in FileMaker is powerful and flexible. In Find mode, you can search for specific values, partial matches, or ranges. For example, you can find all contacts with a phone number starting with a certain area code. Learning the different find operators will make you much more efficient in locating data.

Using Layout Views

FileMaker layouts can be switched between Form, List, and Table views. Form view shows one record at a time. List view shows multiple records in a scrolling list. Table view shows data in rows and columns, similar to a spreadsheet. Each view serves different purposes and helps you interact with data in different ways.

Introduction to Relationships

One of the key strengths of FileMaker is its ability to relate tables together. Instead of keeping everything in one giant table, you can separate data into logical groups. For example, you can have one table for Contacts and another for Invoices, and then link them. FileMaker uses relationship graphs to visualize these connections.

Security and Accounts

Even at the beginner stage, it is important to understand security. FileMaker allows you to create accounts with passwords, define privilege sets, and control what each user can see or do. This ensures that sensitive data is protected and that users only have access to what they need.

Saving and Backing Up Files

FileMaker databases are stored as files on your computer or server. It is important to back up these files regularly. FileMaker automatically saves as you work, but backups protect you from corruption or accidental deletions. Always store backups in safe locations and test them to ensure they work.

What Tables Represent

Tables are the containers that hold your data. Each table represents a specific type of information. For example, in a business solution you may have tables for Customers, Orders, and Products. In a school solution you may have tables for Students, Courses, and Teachers. Creating clear and logical tables prevents duplication and improves accuracy.

Fields as Data Points

Fields are the individual pieces of data stored in each table. A Customer table might have fields for First Name, Last Name, Email, and Phone. A Product table might have fields for Name, Price, and Stock Quantity. Choosing the right field types is very important. FileMaker allows text, number, date, time, container, calculation, and summary fields. Each serves a different role.

Field Options

When you create a field, FileMaker allows you to set options that control how data behaves. You can define auto-enter values, such as serial numbers or creation dates. You can set validation rules that prevent invalid entries. You can also control whether fields are indexed for faster searches. Thoughtful use of field options ensures cleaner and more reliable data.

Primary Keys

Every record in a table should have a unique identifier. In FileMaker this is often called a primary key. Primary keys are essential for creating relationships between tables. FileMaker can generate serial numbers or UUIDs automatically to serve as keys. Using keys consistently makes your database more stable and easier to expand later.

Understanding Relationships

Relationships connect data between tables. Instead of storing everything in one massive table, you separate information and then link it together. For example, a Customer can be linked to multiple Orders. This one-to-many relationship is the backbone of relational databases. FileMaker uses the Relationship Graph to visually show how tables are connected.

The Relationship Graph

The Relationship Graph is a powerful tool in FileMaker 17. It displays tables as boxes and relationships as lines between them. By dragging from one field in one table to another field in a different table, you create a relationship. FileMaker then allows you to use related data across layouts, portals, and reports. Learning how to read and manage this graph is a key skill.

One-to-Many Relationships

The most common type of relationship is one-to-many. For example, one Customer may place many Orders. In FileMaker, this is managed by linking the Customer ID field in the Customer table to the Customer ID field in the Orders table. Once this link is made, you can display all orders for a customer directly in a portal on a Customer layout.

Many-to-Many Relationships

Sometimes data does not fit neatly into a one-to-many structure. For example, a Student can enroll in many Courses and a Course can have many Students. This requires a join table, sometimes called a bridge table. The join table contains fields for Student ID and Course ID, linking the two sides together. FileMaker makes this process clear and manageable.

Using Portals to Display Related Data

Portals are one of the most useful layout objects in FileMaker. A portal allows you to display a list of related records within a layout. For example, on a Customer layout you can show a portal listing all orders that belong to that customer. Portals can also allow data entry, meaning you can create new related records directly through the portal.

Filtering Portals

FileMaker 17 allows you to filter portals, giving you even more control. Instead of showing all related records, you can filter by criteria such as date, status, or category. For instance, on a project layout you might filter a portal to show only tasks that are incomplete. Portal filters are defined using calculations, making them extremely flexible.

Global Fields

Global fields are special fields that can hold a value accessible across the entire file. They are not tied to any specific record. Global fields are useful for temporary storage, user preferences, or search filters. For example, you might create a global field to hold a start date and another for an end date, then use those values to filter a report.

Calculation Fields

Calculation fields are fields whose values are generated dynamically based on formulas. For example, in an Orders table you might create a calculation field that multiplies Quantity by Price to get the Total. FileMaker offers a rich set of functions for text, numbers, dates, times, and logic. Calculation fields update automatically whenever the underlying data changes.

Summary Fields

Summary fields are used to calculate totals, averages, counts, and other aggregates across groups of records. For example, in an Orders table you might create a summary field that totals all order amounts. When used in reports, summary fields allow you to group data and see meaningful results without exporting to another tool.

Container Fields

Container fields are unique in that they can store files such as images, PDFs, or videos. In FileMaker 17, container fields are improved with support for interactive content and external storage options. This makes them ideal for managing assets like product photos, employee documents, or scanned receipts.

Auto-Enter Fields

Auto-enter fields save time by automatically generating values. You can set fields to auto-enter serial numbers, creation dates, modification dates, or default values. You can also auto-enter calculations, such as combining first and last names into a full name field. Auto-enter fields help ensure consistency across records.

Validation Rules

Validation rules protect data integrity. For example, you can set a field so it cannot be left empty, or so it must contain a unique value. You can restrict values to a range or to a set of allowed options. Validation prevents mistakes and enforces rules that are important to your business logic.

Lookup Fields

Lookup fields allow a field in one table to automatically pull data from a related table. For instance, when you create a new Order record, you might want to automatically bring in the Customer’s address from the Customers table. Lookups can save time but must be used carefully, since they copy values rather than update dynamically.

Indexing and Performance

FileMaker uses indexing to speed up searches and sorts. An indexed field has a hidden list of values that makes operations faster. However, indexing increases file size. Understanding when to enable or disable indexing can help you balance performance and storage. FileMaker usually manages this automatically, but advanced developers may fine-tune it.

Practical Example: Building a Customer-Orders System

Let’s apply what we have learned. Create a Customers table with fields for Customer ID, Name, Email, and Phone. Create an Orders table with fields for Order ID, Customer ID, Order Date, and Total. Define a relationship between Customer ID in Customers and Customer ID in Orders. On a Customer layout, add a portal that shows related Orders. Now you have a functioning system where each customer record displays its associated orders.

Expanding the Example

Once your basic system works, you can add more details. Add a Products table and an Order Line Items table. Each order can have multiple line items, and each line item links to a product. This creates a many-to-many relationship between Orders and Products. With this structure, you can build invoices, inventory reports, and sales summaries.

Thinking Ahead

Proper table and field design is not just about today’s needs but also tomorrow’s. When planning a solution, think about how the business might grow. Will you need to add more product categories? Will you need to track more customer details? By planning carefully at the start, you save time and avoid major redesigns later.

Introduction to Layouts

Layouts are how users see and interact with your data. In FileMaker 17, layouts are flexible canvases where you can arrange fields, text, buttons, and other objects. A single table can have many layouts, each serving a different purpose. For example, one layout may focus on entering data while another may be designed for printing invoices. Understanding layouts is critical for creating user-friendly solutions.

The Role of Layouts

Layouts do not store data themselves. Instead, they provide windows into your tables and records. When you add a field to a layout, you are placing a representation of that field. The actual data is always stored in the table. This separation between structure and presentation gives FileMaker its power and flexibility.

Layout Modes

FileMaker offers different modes for working with layouts. Browse mode shows you the finished layout with data. Layout mode allows you to design and edit layouts. Find mode lets you search data, while Preview mode shows how a layout will look when printed. Switching between these modes is an essential skill for any developer.

Layout Themes

FileMaker 17 includes a collection of themes that determine the overall look of your layouts. A theme controls fonts, colors, spacing, and styles. Using themes ensures consistency across your solution. You can also customize themes to match your organization’s branding. Choosing the right theme early saves time and improves user experience.

Layout Parts

Layouts are divided into parts that control how data is displayed. The most common parts are Header, Body, and Footer. The Body displays the main records, while the Header and Footer provide context such as titles or navigation. You can also use Subsummary and Trailing Grand Summary parts for reports. Mastering layout parts is essential for building professional reports.

Adding Fields to Layouts

Placing fields onto a layout allows users to view and edit data. FileMaker gives you control over how fields appear, including size, font, color, and alignment. You can also format fields differently based on type. For example, a date field may show a calendar picker, while a number field can display currency. Clear field design improves accuracy and usability.

Using Text Objects

Text objects are used for labels, instructions, or static information. Adding clear labels next to fields helps users understand what data is required. Text can also be styled with different fonts, colors, and sizes. In reports, text objects can be used for titles, subtitles, and summaries. Effective use of text makes layouts easier to understand.

Buttons and Navigation

Buttons allow users to take actions such as creating new records, running scripts, or moving between layouts. FileMaker 17 makes creating buttons easier with built-in icons and styles. Navigation is critical in larger solutions. Adding buttons for Home, Back, or Next improves workflow and reduces confusion. Designing navigation thoughtfully is one of the marks of a polished application.

Tab Controls and Slide Controls

FileMaker offers tab controls and slide controls to organize information within a single layout. Tab controls let you group related fields under different tabs, while slide controls allow users to swipe between panels. These tools help reduce clutter and make complex layouts easier to use. They are especially useful when displaying related data.

Portals on Layouts

In Part 2 we discussed portals for displaying related records. On layouts, portals can be customized with fields, buttons, and conditional formatting. You can choose how many rows to display and whether users can add new records through the portal. Portals are one of the most powerful layout tools for managing relationships.

Popovers and Dialogs

FileMaker 17 includes popovers, which are floating panels that appear when triggered. Popovers are useful for displaying extra information without leaving the layout. Dialogs, on the other hand, are small windows that prompt users for input or confirmation. Using popovers and dialogs effectively keeps layouts clean while still providing necessary detail.

Conditional Formatting

Conditional formatting changes the appearance of fields or objects based on rules. For example, overdue invoices can appear in red, or high-priority tasks can appear bold. Conditional formatting draws attention to important information without requiring users to read every record carefully. FileMaker provides a flexible calculation engine for defining conditions.

Hiding and Showing Objects

FileMaker allows you to control when objects are visible. You can use conditions so that certain fields or buttons appear only in specific situations. For example, a Print button might be visible only in Preview mode, or a manager-only field might be hidden for regular staff. This dynamic control helps tailor the user experience to different roles.

Using Grids and Guides

Designing layouts is easier when using grids and guides. FileMaker provides snapping tools that align objects precisely. Consistent alignment improves readability and professionalism. Grids also help maintain balance when adding new objects to existing layouts. Small details in design can make a big difference in user satisfaction.

Grouping and Locking Objects

When designing layouts, you may want to group objects together so they move as one. FileMaker lets you group and ungroup objects easily. You can also lock objects to prevent accidental movement. Grouping and locking are essential when building complex layouts with many elements.

Designing for Printing

Some layouts are intended for on-screen use, while others are meant for printing. FileMaker provides tools to design layouts specifically for printed reports, invoices, or forms. In Preview mode you can check how layouts will appear on paper. You can also control page breaks, margins, and orientation. Careful design ensures that printed documents look professional.

Designing for Mobile Devices

FileMaker 17 supports solutions that run on iPads and iPhones through FileMaker Go. Designing for mobile requires special consideration. Layouts must be touch-friendly, with larger buttons and simplified navigation. Screen size is smaller, so layouts should be focused and uncluttered. Testing on actual devices is essential for success.

Designing Dashboards

Dashboards summarize key information in one place. In FileMaker, dashboards can include charts, summary fields, and buttons for navigation. A sales dashboard might show monthly revenue, number of new customers, and outstanding invoices. Dashboards help decision makers see important information quickly without searching through data.

Using Charts

FileMaker 17 includes built-in charting tools. You can create bar charts, line charts, pie charts, and more. Charts can be tied to summary fields or calculation fields, updating automatically as data changes. Adding charts to layouts provides visual insights that numbers alone cannot convey. They are especially useful for presentations and dashboards.

Improving User Experience

User experience is about more than just functionality. A good FileMaker solution feels intuitive and pleasant to use. This requires attention to layout design, navigation flow, and responsiveness. Always think from the perspective of the user. What will they need most often? How can you reduce steps? Improving user experience makes solutions more valuable.

Testing Layouts with Users

Even the best design benefits from feedback. After creating layouts, test them with real users. Observe how they interact with the system. Do they find the buttons they need? Do they understand the labels? Use their feedback to refine the design. Iterative testing ensures your layouts meet real-world needs.

Accessibility Considerations

Accessibility means making solutions usable by as many people as possible. In FileMaker, this can include clear text labels, high-contrast colors, and logical tab order. Providing keyboard shortcuts can also help users with limited mobility. Designing with accessibility in mind ensures inclusivity and improves usability for everyone.

Maintaining Consistency

Consistency across layouts builds familiarity and reduces training time. Use the same fonts, colors, and button styles throughout the solution. Place navigation buttons in the same position on every layout. Consistency is not just about appearance but also about predictable behavior. Users should always know what to expect.

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