GetAsURLEncoded and GetAsText for URL and display formatting in FileMaker

Intermediate

GetAsURLEncoded percent-encodes a text string for safe inclusion in a URL. Learn when to use it, what characters it encodes, and how it pairs with GetAsText for formatting non-text values.

What you'll learn

  • What GetAsURLEncoded() encodes and why it is necessary
  • How to build URLs with dynamic values using GetAsURLEncoded
  • How GetAsText pairs with GetAsURLEncoded for non-text values like dates and numbers

GetAsURLEncoded() converts a text string to a URL-safe percent-encoded format — essential whenever you include dynamic values in URLs, query strings, or fmp:// deep links.

1/2
1

Encode a value for URL inclusion

Any text placed in a URL that contains spaces, special characters, or JSON syntax must be encoded with GetAsURLEncoded before being concatenated into the URL string.

FileMaker Script
// Without encoding — breaks if name contains spaces or special chars
"https://example.com/search?q=" & Contacts::name
// BAD: "https://example.com/search?q=John Doe" — space is invalid

// With encoding — safe
"https://example.com/search?q=" & GetAsURLEncoded ( Contacts::name )
// GOOD: "https://example.com/search?q=John%20Doe"
Value list functions in FileMaker: ValueListItems, FilterValues, UniqueValuesFilter() for extracting specific characters in FileMaker

Sign in to track your progress and pick up where you left off.

Sign in to FM Dojo