Creating a FileMaker Add-on

FileMaker 19 includes the ability to use add-on modules that can quickly add new functions to your solution including: calendars, kanban boards, charting, heat maps, timers, and more.

In addition to the pre-built add-ons, developers can create their own add-ons and make them available to other FileMaker users with the “Create your own Add-On” option using the script step “Save a Copy as Add-on Package.” The previous add-ons are still there as well: action items, addresses, attachments, companies, email addresses, general info, inventory transactions, notes, people, phone numbers, and topics.

At our recent FMPUG-MN meeting Jon Lung shared the basic process for creating a FileMaker Add-on using our Star Rating Favorites control example file.

Instructions for downloading and installing the example add-on:

1. Submit the form below to get access to the free sample .zip file.
2. Double-click on the zip file to create a new fmStarRatingAddon folder on your system with the add on files in it.
3. Open the AddOnModules folder on your system:
   1. On Mac from the Go menu, choose Go to Folder… and enter the following path: ~/Library/Application Support/FileMaker/Extensions/AddonModules
   2. Windows: Users\username\AppData\Local\FileMaker\Extensions\AddonModules
4. Drag the fmStarFavoritesRating Control folder and  fmStarFavoritesRatingControl.fmaddon file to the AddonModules folder that is within your FileMaker Extensions folder.
5. Quit the FileMaker application, then open the database file where you want to install the add-on.
6. From the View menu, choose Layout Mode and make sure the left object pane is open.
7. Click the plus (“+“) button in the lower left corner of the object pane.
8. Select the fmStarRating Add-on and then click Choose. The add-on is now available for you to add to your layout.

Tim Cimbura – CEO, CFO and Software Engineer

Tim is an expert in creating custom business solutions that make businesses more effective, productive, and profitable. He specializes in rapid application development with Claris FileMaker, Laravel, and WordPress. He also knows Apple macOS technology inside and out.