Reading database and layout metadata from the Data API
ExpertUse the metadata endpoints to discover databases, layouts, and field definitions programmatically without opening FileMaker Pro.
What you'll learn
- How to list available databases and layouts via the API
- How to retrieve field definitions for a layout
- How to use metadata to build schema-aware integrations
The FileMaker Data API exposes metadata endpoints that return lists of hosted databases, available layouts, and the field and portal definitions of a specific layout. This powers auto-discovery features — letting integrations adapt to schema changes without hardcoded field names.
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List available databases
Before authenticating to a specific database, you can list all hosted databases on the server.
HTTP
GET /fmi/data/v1/databases
Authorization: Basic base64(user:pass)
// Response:
{
"response": {
"databases": [
{ "name": "CRM" },
{ "name": "Inventory" }
]
}
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