Comprehensive FileMaker curriculum
The FileMaker Training Series (FTS) is the official self-paced training curriculum from FileMaker, Inc. You’ll discover best practices for developing professional FileMaker 12 solutions that are easy to use and take advantage of the full functionality of the FileMaker platform.
Learn at your own pace
The series consists of 13 self-paced training modules and covers a comprehensive set of topics to help you master the essentials of FileMaker 12 solution development. Get detailed step-by-step instructions on key FileMaker development topics. You’ll receive an 800-page manual and a DVD with demo files, exercises and videos to help guide you through the materials. See the contents
Register for a class
If you prefer, take FTS as a class instead. Classes are offered at locations across the country conducted by instructors authorized by FileMaker, Inc. Find a FileMaker Authorized Trainer
Is FTS right for you?
FTS is ideal for intermediate to advanced FileMaker developers, but anyone that creates databases can broaden their skill-set from these time-tested materials. This series is a key resource for becoming a FileMaker Certified Developer. Learn more
New FileMaker Developers
If you’re new to FileMaker software development you’ll learn best practices for creating powerful yet easy-to-use solutions. Discover key techniques for modeling data, creating layouts and reports, using scripts and calculation functions, and more.
Existing FileMaker Developers
Discover all the ins and outs of developing for the FileMaker 12 product line. Learn about the new layout design tools, the capabilities in the enhanced container fields, how to create layouts optimized for the iPad and iPhone, and more.
Buy FTS for only $39.99 - Book and DVD (was $99.99) or
Just $19.99 - Electronic download
Find out if FTS is right for you
Master the essentials of FileMaker 12
The FileMaker Training Series consists of 13 modules that cover a comprehensive set of topics that provide the building blocks for successful FileMaker solution development.
The topics include beginner, intermediate, and advanced content to help any level of FileMaker developer improvement their solution development skills and master the essentials of the FileMaker 12 product line.
Is the FileMaker Training Series right for you? Find out
FileMaker Training Series Modules
1. Using FileMaker Pro
Approach FileMaker Pro 12 from the perspective of users: learn techniques for working with FileMaker data, performing Quick Finds, saving Find requests, printing and exporting, setting up recurring imports, and accessing features for working with email, Adobe® PDF, and Microsoft® Excel documents.
2. Working with Fields
Learn practical skills required to define FileMaker Pro 12 data tables and fields. This module explores data types and options for auto-entry, validation, and field storage. Discover how to manage images and other objects in container fields.
3. Data Modeling
Learn how to construct different types of data relationships, ensure data integrity, and implement multiple-table solutions. This module also covers lessons in building layouts using related data fields and portals.
4. Working with Layouts
Discover tools and techniques for creating layouts in FileMaker Pro 12, including Layout themes, object states, the Inspector tool palette, conditional formatting, auto-resize, Web Viewers, portals, and tab controls. Learn how to organize layouts into groups and how to set Script Trigger options. Understand how to create and use static, dynamic, and relational value lists.
5. Calculation Functions
Learn how functions work in the calculation engine in FileMaker Pro 12 and how to apply them in various contexts. Study how custom functions are built and how to use them in database solutions.
6. Scripts
Explore the Script Trigger features of FileMaker Pro 12, as well as best practices for writing scripts. Learn how to build navigation and window controls, and study logical branching and looping routines.
7. Reporting
Practice creating reports in FileMaker Pro 12 using a variety of techniques. Explore sub-summary reports that group information by break fields. Work with the charting features of FileMaker Pro 12. Learn how to build a cross-tab report (with data-driven columns) and an HTML report that is displayed via the Web Viewer object.
8. Security
Study the account-based security features of FileMaker Pro 12, and learn how to implement privilege sets, tie access to database solutions to external authentication servers, control both access and authoring rights to systems, and extend security controls with scripting.
9. Intermediate & Advanced Techniques
Explore how to implement custom menu sets in FileMaker Pro 12. Learn advanced techniques with portals, including portal sorting and dynamically controlling the contents with a portal with a filter. Learn how to install plug-ins from container fields, and work with the Database Design Report in FileMaker Pro Advanced.
10. FileMaker Server
Learn the best practices for setting up and maintaining FileMaker Server 12 and FileMaker Server 12 Advanced. Understand how and why to use server-side scripts. Review hardware and networking requirements, learn proper backup routines, and be trained in configuration processes.
11. Connectivity
Learn how to integrate FileMaker 12 with SQL systems, both through ODBC connections and with the External SQL Data Source capabilities. Review configuration processes and learn to use other data systems in tandem with your FileMaker Pro databases.
12. Web Publishing
Understand the capabilities of both Instant Web Publishing (IWP) and Custom Web Publishing in FileMaker Pro 12 and learn how to develop solutions to publish via the web. Gain hands-on experience with IWP.
13. FileMaker Go
Become familiar with the FileMaker Go application environment for iPad and iPhone. Examine the functionality offered to you through the menu commands, and learn the differences between FileMaker Go and FileMaker Pro. Understand tools and behaviors to start you on your way to building solid and stable mobile applications for the iPad and iPhone.
