Each FileMaker Pro database file stores the date, time, and number formatting of the computer on which the database was created. These regional settings may be different from the system formats currently set on your computer.

When you use the current system formats, you don't change the formats saved with the file – you simply enter and view data in a format that's familiar to you. For example, if a database was created in Australia, where dates are usually written day-month-year, and you open it in the United States, where dates are usually written month-day-year, FileMaker Pro alerts you that the system formats are different.

A startup script that uses the Set Use System Formats script step can be used to control how FileMaker Pro handles date, time, and number formats for a file that has system formats that are different from the current system formats.

Checks the system language before using system formats. Started by the OnFirstWindowOpen script trigger.