Installing plug-ins
Database developers can insert plug-in files in container fields, then use scripts and calculations to install and update plug-ins.
Note  If you are concerned that unwanted plug-ins might be installed when you use solution files on a trial basis, you can disable the Allow Solutions to Install Files option in the plug-in preferences. For more information, see Setting plug-in preferences. However, be aware that the solution file may not behave as intended if you don’t allow required plug-ins to install.
To install a plug-in file:
1.
Create a container field. See Defining container fields.
2.
Do one of the following:
 •
In Browse mode, select the container field, choose Insert menu > Insert File, select a plug-in file, then click Open.
 •
Write a script and use the Insert File script step to place the plug-in the container field. See Creating and editing scripts and Insert File.
3.
Create a script and use the Install Plug-In File script step to specify the container field as the target field. See Install Plug-In File.
4.
Run the script to install the plug-in.
FileMaker Pro installs plug-ins in the following locations:
 
On this
operating system:
Store the plug-in in this folder:
Windows XP
C:\Documents and Settings\user_name\Local Settings\Application Data\FileMaker\Extensions\
Windows Vista
or
Windows 7
C:\users\user_name\AppData\Local\FileMaker\Extensions\
Mac OS X
Macintosh HD/Users/user_name/Library/Application Support/FileMaker/Extensions
Tip  You can use the Get(InstalledFMPlugins) function to identify the version of the plug-in stored in the container field, then update the plug-in by reinstalling, if necessary. For more information, see Updating plug-ins and Get(InstalledFMPlugins).
Notes
 •
For plug-ins to install or update, the Allow Solutions to Install Files option must be selected in the client’s Plug-in preferences. See Setting plug-in preferences.
 •
If a plug-in has been disabled in the client’s plug-in preferences, it will install but will not be accessible to FileMaker Pro until it is manually enabled by the user.
 •
You cannot install multiple versions of a plug-in to support multiple versions of FileMaker Pro.
 •
If your solution requires plug-ins and specific plug-in versions are required, instruct users to manually place plug-ins in the Extensions folder inside the FileMaker Pro, FileMaker Pro Advanced, or FileMaker runtime folder.
 •
If plug-ins are intended for all users on a client computer, you must install plug-ins manually. All plug-ins with the same plug-in IDs in each user’s Application Support folder need to be deleted manually. Otherwise, multi-user plug-ins will not load properly.
 •
Mac OS: Plug-ins stored in container fields are compressed by default.
Related topics 
Creating custom plug-ins
Was this topic helpful? Send feedback.