External FileMaker data sources

Expert

Connect to tables in a separate FileMaker file as external data sources, enabling cross-file relationships and shared reference data.

What you'll learn

  • How to add an external FileMaker file as a data source
  • How to create relationships to tables in external files
  • The authentication and connection requirements for external data sources

FileMaker allows you to define a relationship to a table in a completely different FileMaker file (an external data source). This enables modular solution architecture — a shared reference file (products, users, config), a separate file for each department — connected by relationships just like tables in the same file.

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Adding an external data source

Go to File > Manage > External Data Sources. Click New and set the type to FileMaker. Enter the file path (relative paths work for files in the same folder; network paths like "fmnet:/hostname/filename" for hosted files).

FileMaker Script
// Data source path examples:
// Same folder (local):
"file:SharedProducts"

// Hosted file on FileMaker Server:
"fmnet:/server.example.com/SharedProducts"

// FileMaker Cloud:
"fmnet:/hostname.account.claris.com/SharedProducts"
Summary fields vs. aggregate calculations across relationshipsThe Anchor-Buoy Method

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