FileMaker Training

100 Lessons. Every Level. No Fluff.

Structured training for FileMaker developers — from your first layout to the Data API. Each lesson walks you through the concept step by step, with real code, common mistakes, and a quiz to confirm it stuck.

100 lessons5 topicsBeginner to expertReal code in every lessonQuiz + explanationsProgress tracking

Topics

Five Topics. Twenty Lessons Each.

Every topic builds from the basics up. Filter by difficulty level so you pick up exactly where your skills are — no wading through things you already know.

Scripting

Script steps, variables, error handling, PSOS, script triggers, and patterns used in real solutions

Calculations

Functions, operators, Let(), JSON, ExecuteSQL, custom functions, stored vs. unstored, and calculation context

Relationships

Match fields, table occurrences, portals, cascade delete, multi-key relationships, and anchor-buoy layout

Layouts

Layout parts, portals, tab controls, slide panels, conditional formatting, themes, and printing

Data API

Authentication, CRUD operations, find requests, sorting, pagination, portal data, container upload, and best practices

Sample Lessons

The Kinds of Things You'll Learn

Not reference docs — actual explanations of how things work, why they work that way, and what trips developers up.

Scripting

The Counter Loop Pattern

Beginner
Calculations

Let() and Variable Scope

Intermediate
Relationships

Understanding Table Occurrences

Beginner
Layouts

Conditional Formatting

Intermediate
Data API

Sorting and Pagination

Expert
Scripting

Perform Script on Server

Expert
Calculations

ExecuteSQL in Calculations

Expert

How It Works

Built to Actually Teach, Not Just Describe

Every lesson is structured the same way so you always know where you are and what comes next.

1
Step-by-step walkthrough

Each concept is broken into steps you navigate one at a time. Code examples are included where relevant.

2
Common mistakes panel

After working through the steps, you see the mistakes developers commonly make with this topic — and how to avoid them.

3
Quiz with explanations

Answer a short quiz to confirm the knowledge is there. Every answer includes an explanation — not just a correct/wrong flag.

FAQ

Common Questions

What topics does the training cover?

Five topics: Scripting, Calculations, Relationships, Layouts, and the FileMaker Data API. Each topic has 20 lessons. The full list is at /learn.

Do I need an account to access the lessons?

The lessons themselves are publicly accessible — read them, work through the steps, take the quiz. An FM Dojo account lets you track which lessons you've completed and see your progress across all topics.

What skill level do I need to start?

Each lesson is labeled beginner, intermediate, or expert. You can filter by level on the training index and start wherever fits your experience. Beginner lessons assume you've opened FileMaker before — nothing more.

Are there quizzes?

Yes — every lesson ends with a quiz. Submit your answers to see an explanation for each question and mark the lesson complete.

How is this different from reading the FileMaker documentation?

The documentation describes what exists. These lessons explain how to use it well — including the gotchas, the patterns experienced developers use, and the mistakes beginners commonly make. Each lesson is opinionated on best practice, not just descriptive.

100 lessons. Start with one.

Pick your topic, pick your level, and work through it at your own pace.

Browse Lessons