Setting up container fields to store data externally
When you create a container field, data is by default embedded in the field.
You can set up a container field to store data externally. Data that’s stored externally is by default encrypted, using secure storage, and can only be read by the FileMaker Pro application. FileMaker Pro manages the encrypted files automatically. However, you can use the open storage option, which removes encryption and keeps the files in their native formats.
You can set up different storage options (embedded or stored externally) for individual container fields in a database. Also, you can store container data externally in different folders on the file system.
To set up external storage:
1.
With the database open, choose File menu > Manage > Database.
Note  To set options for fields in Table View, right-click the column heading for the field, choose Field > Field Options from the shortcut menu, then skip to step 6.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Click Options (or double-click the field name).
6.
7.
In the Container area, select Store container data externally.
8.
For relative to, choose a base directory from the list.
You can store container data in a different directory. See Managing external storage of container data.
9.
 
Secure Storage (the default)
You can type a different path or click Specify to specify a calculation.
10.
Click OK to close the Options for Field dialog box.
Notes
 •
If the database contains one table, then the database in the base directory path and the table in the default open storage path will have the same name. For example, “Properties” in the base directory [database location]/Properties is the database filename, and “Properties” in the open storage path Properties/Photo is the table name.
 •
 •
 •
 •
 •
If you have FileMaker Pro Advanced, you can encrypt database files to protect them while they are being stored on disk. See Encrypting database files (FileMaker Pro Advanced).
Related topics 
Working with formulas and functions