FileMaker Go 18 Help
Get started in FileMaker Go
Overview
FileMaker Go® runs FileMaker custom apps on iOS devices so you can easily manage and share information with other users anywhere you go. Build custom apps using FileMaker Pro Advanced, then use FileMaker Go to work with the data on an iOS device.
To tailor your custom apps for use with FileMaker Go, see FileMaker Go Development Guide. For additional FileMaker documentation, visit the Product Documentation Center.
Notes
- If you don't have FileMaker Pro Advanced installed on your desktop, visit www.filemaker.com for a free trial version.
- FileMaker Cloud is a service that provides access in the cloud to custom apps that use FileMaker Pro Advanced, FileMaker Go, and FileMaker WebDirect. FileMaker Cloud uses the FileMaker ID integrated sign-on system to authenticate users and is offered directly from FileMaker, Inc.
- FileMaker Cloud for AWS is a service that provides access in the cloud to custom apps that use FileMaker Pro Advanced, FileMaker Go, and FileMaker WebDirect. FileMaker Cloud for AWS runs on the Amazon Web Services (AWS) Cloud and is offered through AWS Marketplace.
Using FileMaker Go with a FileMaker ID account
If you use FileMaker Go with your FileMaker ID account, you can do the following additional tasks.
- To work with files hosted by FileMaker Cloud, see Connect to a file hosted by FileMaker Cloud.
- To change your account settings, sign in to your FileMaker ID account, tap your profile icon, then tap Edit Profile. See FileMaker Customer Console Help.
- To view notifications about your account, sign in to your FileMaker ID account, tap your profile, then tap Notifications. See FileMaker Customer Console Help.
Open files
Connect to files
There are two ways to work with a FileMaker Pro Advanced file on your iOS device:
- transfer and work with a file on a local device
- connect to a hosted file
You can transfer a file to an iOS device, then work offline with a local copy of the file on the device. When you make data changes to the local file, the remote file is not updated. See Transfer files.
Connecting to a hosted fileConnecting to a hosted file from an iOS device allows you to work with data interactively. When you change data on the device, the data is updated on the host computer, and vice versa, for the duration of a session. You can connect to files that are hosted by FileMaker Pro Advanced, FileMaker Server, FileMaker Cloud for AWS, or FileMaker Cloud and are shared over a Wi-Fi or mobile data network. For information about enabling FileMaker Network sharing, see FileMaker Pro Advanced Help.
For the following instructions, if you are working in a file, first tap , then tap Launch Center .
Connect to a file hosted by FileMaker Pro Advanced, FileMaker Server, or FileMaker Cloud for AWS
- Tap Hosts .
- For Local Hosts, choose a host.
To connect to a host that doesn't support encrypted connections or whose SSL certificate cannot be verified, see Manage permitted hosts.
- Choose a file.
To search for a file when you are viewing files in a list, use the search box (swipe down if it is not visible).
Connect to a hosted file from the Favorites or Recents tab
- Tap Favorites or Recents .
- Choose a file.
Connect to a file hosted by FileMaker Cloud
If you have a FileMaker ID account, you can connect to a hosted file from the My Apps tab.
- Tap My Apps .
-
Sign in to your FileMaker ID account.
Your teams are displayed in Locations.
- Tap a team folder, then choose a file.
Add a host
- Tap Hosts .
- Tap .
- Type an IP address or a fully qualified name. You do not need to type fmnet:/ .
- (optional) Enter a name for the host. It will appear in the hosts list.
- Tap Save.
Notes
- On iPad, Locations displays as a sidebar on the My Apps tab, and Local Hosts displays as a sidebar on the Hosts tab.
- To refresh files lists:
- on the Hosts tab, swipe down to refresh the list of available hosts and files
- with a FileMaker ID account, on the My Apps tab, swipe down to refresh the list of available files and the metadata of recently transferred files.
Transfer files
When you transfer a file to your iOS device, you create a copy of the original file. When you update the transferred file on your iOS device, the data entered in Go is not automatically synced to the original file. To import and update data, you must use FileMaker Pro Advanced. See FileMaker Go Development Guide.
Notes
- Back up your files before you transfer them.
- Close a file before transferring it. The file doesn't have to be shared and FileMaker Pro Advanced doesn't have to be running.
- To transfer a file that includes container fields that store data externally to your device, you must first embed the container data. In FileMaker Pro Advanced, use the Save a Copy As command and choose self-contained copy (single file). Then transfer the copy.
Transfer files using a sharing option
- If you are working in a file, tap , then tap Launch Center .
- Tap My Apps .
- Do one of the following:
- Depending on your device, tap On My iPhone, On My iPad, or On My iPod.
- If you're signed in to your FileMaker ID account, tap a team folder.
- Do one of the following:
- To transfer a file to your iOS device, tap , then choose the file to transfer.
- To transfer a file from your iOS device, touch and hold a file, then tap Share. Choose an option for transferring the file. See Choose a sharing option.
- To transfer one or more files from your iOS device, tap Select. Tap the files to transfer or tap Select All, then tap . Choose an option for transferring the files. See Choose a sharing option.
- macOS: To transfer a file directly to your iOS device, use AirDrop.
Transfer files using iTunes
-
Connect your device to your computer.
If the device is locked, enter the passcode.
- In iTunes, select your device, then click File Sharing.
- Select FileMaker Go from the list of apps.
- Do one of the following:
- To transfer files to your iOS device, drag the files from your computer to the FileMaker Go Documents pane.
- To transfer files from your iOS device to your computer, drag the files from the FileMaker Go Documents pane to your computer.
Work with files and hosts
For the following instructions, if you are working in a file, first tap , then tap Launch Center .
Open a local file on your device
- Tap My Apps .
- Depending on your device, tap On My iPhone, On My iPad, or On My iPod, then tap the file to open.
Rename a local file
- Tap My Apps , Favorites , or Recents .
- Touch and hold a local file, then tap Rename.
Delete local files from your device
- Tap My Apps , Favorites , or Recents .
- Do one of the following:
- Touch and hold a file, then tap Delete.
- Tap Select. Tap the files to delete or tap Select All, tap , then tap Delete Files.
Add a file as a favorite
- Tap My Apps , Recents , or Hosts .
- Do one of the following:
- Touch and hold a file, then tap Favorite.
- Tap Select. Tap the files to favorite or tap Select All, then tap .
Favorite files display in all tabs.
Remove a favorite file
- Tap a tab.
- Do one of the following:
- Touch and hold a file, then tap Unfavorite.
- Tap Select. Tap the files to remove as favorites, then tap .
The file isn't deleted from your device; it's only removed from the Favorites tab.
Remove recent files
- Tap Recents .
- Do one of the following:
- Touch and hold a file, then tap Remove.
- Tap Select. Tap the files to remove or tap Select All, tap , then tap Remove Recents.
The file isn't deleted from your device; it's only removed from the Recents tab.
Open files with different system formats
If you open a file that is created with different regional formats for dates, times, and numbers, you can either use the system format for your device or match the format used when the file was created.
- Open the file.
- Tap , then tap Settings .
- Tap Use System Formats to display the regional formats based on the settings for your device or the settings for the file.
Manage the keychain
To skip entering the password each time you open a file or connect to a host, use FileMaker Pro Advanced to configure the file to allow saving the password in the keychain, then save the password in FileMaker Go.
To allow saving the password:
- In FileMaker Pro Advanced, choose File > File Options.
- In the Open tab, select Allow Keychain Access to save password.
- To require users to authenticate with iOS before FileMaker Go can access its keychain, select Require iOS passcode.
To save the password for a file or host:
- In FileMaker Go, tap My Apps or Hosts .
- Tap , then tap Manage Keychain .
If you don't see , tap the tab again.
If one or more files are configured to require an iOS passcode, use iOS authentication to access the keychain.
- Turn on Save in Keychain.
- (optional) Turn on Require iOS Authentication before FileMaker Go can access its keychain.
Note:This option might be disabled or not available, depending on the device and the settings of the File Options dialog box in FileMaker Pro Advanced.
To delete a saved password from the keychain:
- In FileMaker Go, tap My Apps or Hosts .
- Tap , then tap Manage Keychain .
If you don't see , tap the tab again.
If one or more files are configured to require an iOS passcode, use iOS authentication to access the keychain.
- To remove the keychain entry for a file, swipe the entry, then tap Delete.
Manage permitted hosts
When you attempt to connect to a host that doesn’t support encrypted connections or whose SSL certificate cannot be verified, FileMaker Go may notify you before it connects. Examples of actions that may display this message are opening a file hosted by FileMaker Pro Advanced or FileMaker Server, or performing certain script steps.
If you see this message:
- To always connect to the host, select Always Permit Connection. FileMaker Go connects to the host and adds the host to your permitted hosts list. You will not receive another notification for this host for the same error.
- To connect without adding the host to the permitted hosts list, click Connect.
- If you are uncertain whether to permit the connection to the host, click Don't Connect and contact the custom app developer.
To remove a host from the list of permitted hosts:
- In FileMaker Go, tap My Apps or Hosts .
- Tap , then tap Manage Permitted Hosts .
If you don't see , tap the tab again.
- Swipe the host name, then tap Delete.
About the security lock icons
When you connect to a hosted file, you may see a lock icon, which indicates the encryption status of your connection to the host. Secure connections are encrypted using Secure Sockets Layer (SSL). If security is important in your environment, your server administrator must install a custom SSL certificate.
In the Opening File screen:
- means the connection is not encrypted.
- means the connection is encrypted, but the SSL certificate for FileMaker Server cannot be verified. You may be connected to a server pretending to be your actual destination, which could put your confidential information at risk.
- means the connection is encrypted with a verified SSL certificate.
After a hosted file is open, the title of the window shows the icons for encrypted connections.
Notes
- To open a file with a different account, touch and hold a filename in the files list, then tap Sign In.
- To open a file with an account stored by an OAuth identity provider such as Amazon or Google, choose the OAuth identity provider in the Opening File dialog. When the provider's webpage opens, enter your account credentials.
Manage windows
To manage windows, tap the title of the window, then:
- To open an additional window from an open file, tap in the window that you want to create a new window from.
- To switch between windows, scroll to move through windows, then tap the window to switch to.
- To close a window, scroll to the window, then tap .
Work with data
Add and delete records
Add a record
- Tap:
- iPhone:
- iPad:
- Tap Add Record .
- Tap a field to enter data.
Delete a record or found set of records
- Go to the record or find the records to delete.
- Tap:
- iPhone:
- iPad:
- Tap Delete Record or Delete Found Records .
Work with records
Work with data in a field
- Tap a field to make changes. FileMaker Go saves your changes when you:
- tap Done in the editing toolbar above the keyboard
- tap outside all fields in a record
- switch to Find mode
- switch to another record, view, or layout
- If you enter data incorrectly in a record, you can restore the original data as long as the information is not committed. To restore original data, tap in the editing toolbar above the keyboard, then tap Revert Record .
- To clear a value from a radio button, touch and hold the field. Then tap Delete.
- If a field is configured as a concealed edit box, the data is displayed as dots. See FileMaker Pro Advanced Help.
- If a field is set up to auto-complete, you can see a list of suggestions. For FileMaker Go on iPhone, tap in the field to switch between the keyboard and the list of values.
- Any changes you make are also made in the host file (unless you're working with a file you've transferred to your device).
Move from field to field
- Tap a field.
- In the editing toolbar above the keyboard, tap:
- iPhone: or
- iPad: Previous or Next
Insert current date, time, or user name into a field
- Tap the field, then tap in the editing toolbar above the keyboard.
- Tap an option:
- Current Date inserts the current date in a date, number, text, or timestamp field.
- Current Time inserts the current time in a time, number, or text field. (You can also choose Current Time to insert the current date and time in a timestamp field.)
- Current User Name inserts the current user name as specified in Settings.
Select multiple values from a drop-down list
- Tap the field, then choose a value.
- Tap the field again.
- Tap at the end of the selected value.
- Select multiple values.
Work with web viewers
If a layout contains multiple web viewers, FileMaker Go displays at the top of web viewers that are not active.
Tap a web viewer to make it active. Tap again to activate links, or drag to scroll.
Notes
- To turn off Auto-Correction, tap , then tap Settings .
- Some keystrokes behave differently on external keyboards. See FileMaker Go Development Guide.
Select FileMaker layouts and views
Select a layout
- Tap .
- Tap Layout .
- To go to another layout, tap its name.
You can display each layout in a new window. See Manage windows.
Change the view of the current window
- Tap , then tap Layout .
- For View As, tap Form, List, or Table.
Work with data in container fields
You can tap a container field to view or play media files, add or take photos, add or record videos, insert a signature, add or record audio, scan bar codes, view or add files, and replace or export data.
You can also use the Insert From Device script step to enter content into a container field. See FileMaker Pro Advanced Help.
Use gestures to work with media files
To work with media files inside containers:
- double-tap to switch between playing and pausing a media file
- pinch closed to stop playing the file
- pinch open to switch to full screen
- tap to show or hide the control bar
To work with media files in full screen:
- double-tap to zoom in or zoom out
- pinch closed to exit full screen
- tap to show or hide the control bar
Add and work with content in container fields
- Tap the container field in a record.
-
If there is content displayed, tap Replace .
To Do this Add a photo or video to a record Tap Photos . Tap Camera Roll or an album, then choose the photo or video. Take a photo or record a video Tap Camera . Take the photo or record the video, then tap Use Photo or Retake. Record audio Tap Audio . Tap Start to start recording. Tap Save to stop recording and save the file. Add a signature to a record Tap Signature , then enter your signature. Tap Accept to save the signature. Add an item from your iTunes library to a record Tap Music , then choose the item from your iTunes library. Import a file into a container field To import a file from: - your iOS device, tap Files , then tap a file to import into the container field.
- iCloud Drive or a third-party file provider, tap Locations , then tap a file to import into the container field.
Export the contents of a container field Tap Export , then tap Continue. Choose an option for exporting the file.
Notes
- You can't add audio files that are protected by digital rights management (DRM).
- To scan bar codes, see Scan bar codes.
Work with scripts
To run a script:
- Tap .
- Tap Scripts .
- Tap a script.
To stop a running script, tap the screen.
Notes
- If the Allow User Abort script step is set to Off, you can't stop the script.
Scan bar codes
You can scan a bar code into a container field or text field. You can also use the Insert From Device script step in FileMaker Pro Advanced to scan bar codes. See FileMaker Pro Advanced Help.
Scan a bar code into a container field
- Tap the container field.
- If you are replacing existing data in a container field, tap Replace .
- Tap Bar Code , then use the camera to scan the bar code.
Scan a bar code into a text field
- Tap the text field.
- Tap , then tap Bar Code .
- Use the camera to scan the bar code.
Tips for scanning bar codes
- Hold the iOS device 3 to 5 inches from the bar code in bright light.
- Avoid moving the device while FileMaker Go scans the bar code.
- When scanning bar codes that are close to each other, focus the camera on a single bar code at a time.
- If you use the camera to scan a bar code, you hear a beep after the bar code has been scanned.
Print data
FileMaker Go prints records using the selected layout.
- Tap , then tap Print .
- Choose Print Setup options.
- (optional) To add a new paper size, tap Paper Size, then tap Edit. Tap Add Custom Size . Enter the information for the new paper size. Tap Save, then tap Done.
Make sure the new paper size is selected.
- Tap Print.
- Choose printer options, then tap Print.
Sort and search
Sort records
To sort records by a single field, tap a column header in Table View.
Sort records by multiple fields
- Tap:
- iPhone: , then tap Sort Records
- iPad:
- In the Edit Sort Order screen, tap Select Fields , then select the fields to sort by, in the order that you want them sorted.
- Tap to go back.
-
Use the following options:
- To place a new or changed record that's in sorted order into the adjusted order after you commit the record, turn on Keep records in sorted order. When this option is turned off, new or changed records stay in the same position in the sort order until you perform a find or until you sort the records by different criteria.
- To change the order of a field in the sort list, tap and drag the field up or down.
- To remove a field from the sort list, tap the field in the sort order, tap , then tap Remove.
- To customize the sort order, tap the field in the sort list. Tap an option, then tap .
- If there is a summary field in the file and you want to reorder by summary totals, tap any field in the sort list. Turn on Reorder by summary totals. Choose the summary field, then tap .
- Tap Sort.
Return records to their creation order
- Tap:
- iPhone: , then tap Sort Records
- iPad:
- Tap Unsort.
Notes
- You can open another window to sort the same data differently.
- If you previously sorted by multiple fields, tapping a column header changes the sort criteria for the selected field but retains the previous sort order for the other fields.
- You can only sort fields that are on the current layout. Use a script to sort fields that are on another layout.
Search records
You can perform a quick find to search across fields in a layout. Or, you can perform a more complex find in Find mode.
You can create a new find request to specify data you want to find. You can also specify data you want to omit. For example, you can find all invoices except those created in the past 30 days.
Perform a quick find
- Tap .
- iPad: Tap Quick Find .
- Type one or more words in the search box, then tap Search.
Find records that match criteria
- Tap .
- Tap Create New Find .
-
In the find request, enter the criteria to search for in a field. For example, to find records where the City is New York, tap the City field and type New York.
See below for find operators that you can use to specify criteria.
- (optional) To perform an AND search, type additional criteria in other fields in the same find request. For example, you can perform a search where the City field is New York and the Last Name field is Smith.
- (optional) To perform an OR search, add a new find request:
- iPhone: Tap , then tap New Find Request
- iPad: Tap
- Tap Go on the keyboard or Search in the upper-right corner of the window.
Specify additional criteria. For example, you can perform a search where the City field is New York OR Paris.
Find records except those matching criteria
- Tap .
- Tap Create New Find .
- Tap , then tap Omit Matching.
- Enter the criteria to omit in a field, then tap Go on the keyboard or Search in the upper-right corner of the window.
The number in the magnifying glass icon indicates the number of find requests.
For information on advanced search options, see Modify a search.
View search results
After a search, swipe with two fingers or tap the arrows to scroll through the records.
- To see all records, tap , then tap Show All .
- To see hidden (omitted) records, tap , then tap Show Omitted .
- To switch between viewing the omitted records and the found set of records, tap , then tap .
Notes
- To navigate between find requests, tap the next and previous arrows at the bottom of the screen in Find mode.
- To delete a find request, tap at the bottom of the screen in Find mode, then tap Delete Find Request .
Find operators
You can use the following operators in Find mode. The only operator supported by quick find is double quotation marks (" ").
Operator | Description |
---|---|
= | match whole word (or match empty) |
== | match entire field |
! | find duplicate values |
< | less than |
<= | less than or equal to |
> | greater than |
>= | greater than or equal to |
... | range |
// | today's date |
? | invalid date or time |
@ | any one character |
# | any one digit |
* | zero or more characters |
\ | escape next character |
"" | match phrase (from word start) |
*"" | match phrase (from anywhere) |
~ | relaxed search (Japanese only) |
Modify a search
After you perform a find in Find mode, you can modify the find request.
Modify the last find request
- Perform a find in Find mode. See Search records.
- Tap , then tap Modify Last Find .
- Enter find criteria.
- Tap Search.
Constrain (narrow) your search
- Perform a find in Find mode.
- Tap , then tap Constrain Found Set .
- Type the criteria to narrow the search, then tap Search.
Extend (broaden) your search
- Perform a find in Find mode.
- Tap , then tap Extend Found Set .
- Type the criteria to broaden the search, then tap Search.
Hide records from a found set
All records that are not in the found set are omitted. You can omit additional records from the found set without performing a new find.
Omitted records are temporarily excluded from the found set. They still exist in the file.
- Perform a find in Find mode.
- If you're omitting a specific record, go to that record in the found set.
- Tap , then tap Omit Records .
-
To omit the current record, tap Omit. Or type the number of records to omit. Starting from the current record, the specified number of records are omitted from the found set.
Tip: If you aren't sure how many records follow the current record, type a large number. FileMaker Go displays the number of records you can omit.
To view the omitted (hidden) records, tap , then tap Show Omitted .
Share data
Save and send data
You can save or send a copy of a local file, the contents of a field, or a snapshot link file.
Save or send a copy of a file
- Open the local file.
- Tap , then tap Save/Send As .
- Tap Database.
- (optional) Change the filename.
- Tap Continue.
- Choose an option. See Choose a sharing option.
Save or send the contents of a field
- Go to the record that contains the field.
- Tap the field that contains the data.
- Tap .
- Tap Save/Send As .
- Tap Field Contents.
- (optional) Change the filename.
- (optional) For a container field with images, choose an image size.
- Tap Continue.
- Choose an option. See Choose a sharing option.
Save or send records as a snapshot link file
- Find the records to save as a snapshot link. See Search records.
- Tap .
- Tap Save/Send As .
- Tap Snapshot Link.
- (optional) Change the filename.
- Choose Records Being Browsed or Current Record.
- Tap Continue.
- Choose an option. See Choose a sharing option.
Save, send, and print records as PDFs
PDFs are created based on the settings in the Print Setup dialog.
To set up the Save Records as PDF script step for FileMaker Go, see FileMaker Pro Advanced Help.
- Find the records to save, send, or print. See Search records.
- Display the layout and view.
- Tap , then tap Print .
- Choose print setup options for creating the PDF.
- Tap PDF.
- (optional) Change the filename.
- Tap Continue.
- Choose an option. See Choose a sharing option.
Export records
- Find the records to export. See Search records.
- Display the layout.
- Tap , then tap Export .
- (optional) Change the filename.
- Choose a file type.
- Select the fields to export. Then tap Done.
- (optional) Turn on Use Layout Formatting to export number, date, and time data using the field formats specified on the current layout.
- Tap Continue.
- Choose an option. See Choose a sharing option.
Choose a sharing option
Choose one of the following options to share a copy of a file when you Export Records, Transfer Files, Save and Send Data, or Save, Send, and Print Records as PDFs:
- AirDrop, Mail, Messages, or another service
- iCloud Drive or a third-party file provider
- another app or a different version of FileMaker Go
You may need to scroll right or left to view some options.
Keyboard shortcuts (iOS)
About keyboard shortcuts
You can use keyboard shortcuts in FileMaker Go if you have an external keyboard connected to your iOS device or the Smart Keyboard connected to your iPad Pro.
To see a list of shortcuts for common commands, press and hold the Command key ⌘ on the keyboard.
General
Use these keyboard shortcuts to switch modes, edit or cancel operations, and display information in your custom app.
To | Press |
---|---|
Switch to Browse mode | ⌘-B |
Switch to Find mode | ⌘-F |
Stop a running script | ⌘-.(period) or Esc |
Close the current window | ⌘-W |
Close all files and windows | Option-⌘-W or ⌘-Q |
Open FileMaker Go Help | ⌘-/ |
Open the Recents tab in the Launch Center | ⌘-O |
Open the Hosts tab in the Launch Center | ⌘-Shift-O |
Open the My Apps tab in the Launch Center | ⌘-Option-O |
Perform one of the first ten scripts listed in the Scripts menu | ⌘-1 through ⌘-0 |
Create a record or find request | ⌘-N |
Delete a record or find request | ⌘-E |
Delete a record without confirmation | ⌘-Option-E |
Duplicate a record or find request | ⌘-D |
Modify the last find | ⌘-R |
Show all records | ⌘-J |
Sort records | ⌘-S |
Omit a record in Browse mode Omit or include records matching a specified set of criteria in Find mode |
⌘-T |
Omit multiple records | ⌘-Shift-T |
Print records | ⌘-P |
Print records without the Print Setup dialog Note: The FileMaker Go Print Setup dialog is not displayed, but the iOS Print dialog is displayed. |
⌘-Option-P |
Refresh a window | ⌘-Shift-R |
Navigation
Use these keyboard shortcuts to move through fields, records, and find requests.
To move to | Press |
---|---|
Next object (field, button, or tab) | Tab |
Previous object (field, button, or tab) | Shift-Tab |
Next record, find request, layout, or page | Control-Down Arrow |
Previous record, find request, layout, or page | Control-Up Arrow |
Insert or paste values
Use these keyboard shortcuts to enter values in fields.
To insert | Press |
---|---|
The current date | ⌘-- (hyphen) |
The current time | ⌘-; |
The current time and date in a timestamp field | ⌘-; |
The current user name | ⌘-Shift-N |
Information from the last visited record | ⌘-' (apostrophe) |
To paste | Press |
---|---|
Text without styles | ⌘-Option-Shift-V |
Text style
Use these shortcuts to style text.
To style text | Press |
---|---|
Bold | ⌘-B |
Italic | ⌘-I |
Underline | ⌘-U |
Text editing
Use these keyboard shortcuts for standard iOS text editing commands.
To | Press |
---|---|
Cut | ⌘-X |
Copy | ⌘-C |
Paste | ⌘-V |
Select all | ⌘-A |
Undo | ⌘-Z |
Redo | ⌘-Shift-Z |