FileMaker: Inspector Keyboard Shortcuts

I used to use the keyboard shortcut in previous versions of FileMaker Pro to get to the "object info" window. One of the things I didn't like about FileMaker Pro 11 is not being able to get to the inspector without using the mouse. Well, I just found out how to get to it without the mouse. You may have already known this, but if you did shame on you for not telling me :-)

FileMaker: Let's GO Mobile

Recently, Skeleton Key made an internal decision to do more development for mobile platforms because our customers are demanding it. They're identifying a clear business reason and expected return on investment.

This morning, FileMaker made it easy...

We love FileMaker.

Working in a Live FileMaker Database

'We work in the live database.'

We hear that all the time but don't believe most people understand the ramifications. In fact, they've probably never even heard of schema locking.

FileMaker Pro SQL statement length limits

In a previous article, we shared some of the significant changes in ODBC-related features in FileMaker 11. This article digs deeper into the specific length limits of SQL statements when using the Execute SQL script step in various versions of FileMaker Pro.

Script Debugger in FileMaker Pro 11 Advanced : Part II

Script Debugger is a great feature of FileMaker Pro 11 Advanced. Part 2 of Alan Kirtlink's video series demonstrates how to find errors using this tool. He also shows you how to ensure scripts will work for users who don't have full access to the database.

FileMaker EDI with Excel: Getting data in and out of Excel using FileMaker Pro

There are several ways to get your FileMaker data into a format that can be used by excel. First, the Export Records script step – also available under File->Export Records – allows you to create a new file containing the found set in a format that Excel can open. Then there is the Save as Excel script step, also available under File->Save/Send Records As, which is similar to exporting but provides controls that are more like printing than exporting in that it allows you to save the found set or just the current record. Both of these options allow you to create a new file that can be opened in Excel.

But what if the file you want to put the data into already exists? You might have a file already prepared with a lot of time invested in creating formatting, formulas, charting etc. You might just want to add a few fields of data to a part of that file. None of the options mentioned above will help you. It seems, at first glance, that you would have to do it manually.

Script Debugger in FileMaker Pro 11 Advanced : Part I

Script Debugger is a great feature of FileMaker Pro 11 Advanced. This video tours the interface and demonstrates how you can use this tool to see the effect of script triggers.

The Log That Time Forgot

Ladies and gentlemen: the story you are about to read is true. Only the names have been changed to protect the innocent.

I had a conversation yesterday with a customer who we'll call Joe. A few months ago, we saved Joe's bacon when a failing server brought his business to its knees.

Joe has developed a FileMaker application to manage almost all of the data and information that are pertinent to his business. He developed this application twelve years ago in FileMaker Pro 3. Over time, he's upgraded, extended, fed and watered his FileMaker application - keeping it healthy.

Joe's a pretty savvy guy. He's never asked for professional advice with his FileMaker application. He's also never sought expert counsel regarding his IT infrastructure which consists of a couple Apple Xserves and six to 10 workstations. It's nothing extravagant, just enough to keep his business moving forward.

Perfect...Until I received a frantic call from Joe.

FileMaker Training Series : Let's Take it to 11!

We are proud to announce that all FileMaker Training Series (FTS) curriculum and courses will cover FileMaker 11!

Skeleton Key is the only FileMaker Authorized Training provider in the central Midwest. We are one of 11 companies in the United States to be both FileMaker Authorized Trainers and FileMaker Business Alliance Platinum member. We know FileMaker and we know how to teach it to your team.

Start Small

Have you ever started a huge project and not known where to begin? We all have. It's not a comfortable position. What can compound the discomfort is the "help" you'll be offered by so called "experts." You've got some really heavy choices to make.