Note This feature is available when the Use advanced tools general preference is selected. See Using advanced tools.
The filename extension associates all of the runtime solution files with the runtime application. If a user has more than one runtime database solution on a machine, the filename extension together with the binding key will ensure that the correct runtime application is started when a solution file is double-clicked. Use an extension that is unique to your users' computer systems.
Consider the following points when naming runtime solutions:
•The runtime name that you specify in the Developer Utilities is used for the name of the runtime application and can also be used for the name of the new solution folder that contains the bound runtime database solution files.
•Filenames can include up to 31 characters. When choosing filenames for runtime database solutions, consider the platforms on which your runtime solution will be used so your scripts and lookups will work properly.
•Use the default extension .fmpur or type a one- to five-character extension.
•Windows filenames must not start with a space.
The Developer Utilities automatically update all files to use the extension that you specify and append the extension to the filenames. FileMaker data source references used in relationships, scripts, and external value lists are updated to interact with the new filenames.
The extension registers your runtime application with the Windows operating system. The extension is used by Windows to determine which application starts when you double-click a solution file. The Developer Utilities append the extension to all database filenames in the runtime database solution during the binding process.
In macOS, the first three characters of the extension are used in the creator code for the runtime application. The creator code is still used by some older technologies in macOS and should be unique to ensure that macOS can determine the difference between different runtime applications. The creator code is only stored in the runtime application.
Because creator codes are four characters, the Developer Utilities constructs the code by using the first three characters of the extension and inserting an uppercase "F" after the first character. For example, the default five-character extension "fmpur" becomes the "fFmp" creator code. Creator codes are case sensitive.
Note Creator codes should be registered with Apple Inc. to verify that the creator code you choose is unique. You may use the .fmpur five-character extension because FileMaker, Inc., has registered the fFmp creator code with Apple Inc. Contact Apple Developer Support or visit their website at developer.apple.com to register any other creator codes.
If the extension is not unique, it might cause registry conflicts in Windows. For example, if you use the .fmp12 extension for your runtime database solution and your users have FileMaker Pro Advanced installed on their hard disks, all of their FileMaker Pro Advanced document icons will change to the runtime icons. Additionally, FileMaker Pro Advanced documents will no longer automatically open the FileMaker Pro Advanced application.
To restore the document icons to the original FileMaker Pro Advanced document icon:
1. Discard the runtime application.
2. Open a document in the FileMaker Pro Advanced application, then close it and exit the application.
3. Restart your computer.