Converting files from FileMaker Pro 11 and earlier

Files created by the current FileMaker Pro version, and all versions of FileMaker Pro and FileMaker Pro Advanced since FileMaker Pro 12, are in the same file format and have the filename extension, .fmp12. Files in this format do not need to be converted and will open in the current FileMaker Pro version.

However, you must convert files created in FileMaker Pro 11 and earlier to the FileMaker Pro 12 format in order to use them with the current FileMaker Pro version.

You can convert a single file or convert multiple files at once. See Converting single or multiple files.

When you convert files:

  • FileMaker Pro creates a Conversion.log file, so you can view the conversion status and any problems that may have occurred during the conversion process.

  • You can only convert files created in FileMaker Pro version 7.x, 8.x, 9.x, 10.x, or 11.x to the FileMaker Pro 12 format. After conversion, files will only be compatible with FileMaker Pro 12 and later supported versions. The contents of the original files are not modified, and you can open them in the version that created them.

  • Manual corrections may be necessary. You might need to correct or re-create items in the converted file that did not convert properly. In some cases, you may need to correct items in the original file and then convert the file again. After you convert any file, you should review the Conversion.log file for items that may need to be corrected.

  • You should test the converted file. The Conversion.log file may not indicate every item in the file that needs to be corrected. Before you begin using a converted file, you should test it thoroughly to make sure every aspect has converted successfully. For example, make sure every script works as you expect, and that accounts and privilege sets provide the required file security.

  • Converted files may be larger than the original files. Part of the conversion process increases the file's size. Though the increase is typically not significant, the increase varies by file.

For additional information about converting databases, refer to the Knowledge Base.

Notes 

  • Snapshot links cannot be converted. You must convert the database from which the records were found and then re-create the snapshot link.