Open File

Opens a FileMaker Pro file or connects to an ODBC data source.

See also 

Options 

  • Open hidden opens or hides the specified database.
  • Add FileMaker Data Source specifies a FileMaker Pro database to open.
  • Add ODBC Data Source specifies an ODBC data source to open.
  • Manage Data Sources allows you to modify or remove external data sources you have added. See Editing FileMaker data sources and Editing ODBC data sources.

Compatibility 

Product Supported
FileMaker Pro Yes
FileMaker Go Yes
FileMaker WebDirect No
FileMaker Server No
FileMaker Cloud No
FileMaker Data API No
Custom Web Publishing No

Originated in version 

6.0 or earlier

Description 

For ODBC data sources, this script step reestablishes a link to the ODBC data source.

Script steps after Open File perform in the FileMaker file that contains the script, not the file opened by the script.

If you don't specify a file, FileMaker Pro displays the Open File dialog box when the Open File script step performs so that the user can specify a file. The Open File dialog box will also be displayed if the file used in the script has been moved, deleted, or renamed.

Notes 

  • If new database creation has been disabled in your installation of FileMaker Pro, it will not be possible to convert file types such as Microsoft Excel or tab delimited files into FileMaker Pro databases. However, you can still import the data from other file types into FileMaker Pro (if you open the database with a password that allows you to import). If you need more information, contact your system administrator.
  • This script step is unable to open a file from an unauthorized file.
  • If the specified file is opened and then hidden by FileMaker Pro, scripts that are set to run upon opening are still run.

Example 1 

Exports records from the current database, opens the Invoices Backup database, and runs the Import Invoices script from the Invoices Backup database.

Copy 
Export Records [With dialog: On ; Create folders: Off]
Open File [Open hidden: Off ; "Invoices Backup"]
Perform Script [Specified: From list ; "Import Invoices" from file: "Invoices Backup" ; Parameter: ]

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