To access FileMaker’s onboard help files, choose Help → FileMaker Pro Help. You can also simply press F1 (Windows) or ⌘-? (Mac). If you launch Help while no dialog boxes are open, it opens to the Contents page (Figure A-1).

If what you need help with is the dialog box that’s open in front of you, whatever you do don’t close it! Instead, leave the dialog box open, which tells FileMaker you want context-sensitive help. For example, if you choose File → Define Database, then click the Relationships tab, and then choose Help → FileMaker Pro Help, the file opens to the detail page called “Working with related tables and files.”

Figure A-1. Click a link to see help on any of the general topics listed on the Contents page of FileMaker’s Help file. By drilling down through these lists, you’ll reach a detail page for the topic you’re interested in. For example, if you want to know how to set options for a field, click “Creating a database” on the Contents page, then click “Setting options for fields.” You can also search Help by typing keywords in the “Ask a Question” field.

Detail pages within the Help system provide assistance with technical terms. When you see underlined words or phrases, click those links for a short definition. At the bottom of each page is a list of related topics for further reading.

One of the most useful parts of the Help file is a comprehensive list of FileMaker’s functions. As in the Specify Calculation dialog box, the functions are listed two ways: by type and alphabetically. The detail page for each function gives you the function name, parameter(s), data type returned, and a description of what the function does. Use these pages to help you when you’re using a function for the first time.

You got a glimpse of these starter solutions in Chapter 1, when you created your first new file from the Contact Management template. You see all these template files listed in the New Database dialog box—unless you’ve previously checked that dialog box’s option to “No longer show this dialog.” If you’ve turned this option on, but want to see the templates listed again, choose FileMaker Pro → Preferences (Mac) or Edit → Preferences (Windows), then turn on the “Show templates in new Database dialog box” option on the General tab of the Preferences dialog box. The next time you choose File → New Database, FileMaker’s templates will be listed. Pick the template you want, and FileMaker creates a new copy of the file for you. You can add data, create and edit scripts, or delete objects you don’t need without affecting the original template.

These basic file templates are great for getting you up and running with basic data management tasks without wasting time figuring out how things work in FileMaker’s universe. But they also serve another purpose—as an introduction to good database design. They have a clean, uncluttered look you can adapt for your own purposes. Feel free to copy the design as is or use it as a jumping-off point for your new database.

Each template stores different kinds of data, so it’s helpful to explore several templates to get ideas for arranging and grouping your data effectively. In general, there’s usually an easy-to-read name at the top of the layout, which serves to orient your users to the task at hand. Underneath the name, you’ll find a couple of rows of navigation tools and buttons grouped together by function. The largest portion of the layout is dedicated to a logical arrangement of data fields.

Finally, FileMaker’s templates contain ideas you can use for creating relationships, buttons and scripts that will make your own databases more powerful. For instance, the Contact Management template contains a script that allows you to swap a contact’s main address data with the secondary address data. By studying these files, you can pick up tips about how the pros use FileMaker’s power to make data management easier.

The Electronic Documentation folder on the installation CD contains PDF (Portable Document Format) manuals in specific FileMaker topics. A User’s Guide is included with both FileMaker Pro and FileMaker Pro Advanced. FileMaker Pro Advanced has a special PDF called the “Developer’s Guide” with help on the developer tools included only in that product. Some other guides included in the product line are:

Example files, including a database and sample XML and XSLT files, are in a folder aptly titled Examples. These simple files serve as a primer for working with File-Maker and XML. To get started, open the database file (“xml example.fp7”), then run each script to see how XML import and export works. Then take a look at the steps that make up each script, paying particular attention to the options set for the Import Records and Export Records steps. Finally, take a look at the files that are imported and the files that are created by the export scripts. In them you’ll see how your XML pages should be structured.

Like most programs, FileMaker’s latest software versions are those found on the software company’s Web site. You’ll find Software Updates and support files, like localized language packs at www.filemaker.com/support/downloads/index.html . Trial software and development tools, including an XLST library and a list of recently released plug-ins, are also available from this page.

If your installation is missing some (or all) of its templates, click the Starter Solutions link to download new copies. You can also download a free, ready-made business solution called FileMaker Business Tracker. It’s an invoicing system that lets you track sales, contacts, and product data. Even if your business doesn’t do sales, you’ll find this product useful for study purposes. It was written as a demo file for FileMaker 7, and it’s full of developer tricks of the trade you can analyze. When you’ve mastered all the secrets there, you’re ready to leave the monastery, Grasshopper.

You can reach this list from the Downloads page above, but it’s so jammed-packed that it deserves a headline all its own.

FileMaker supports the current version of its software and one version prior. If your files are older than that, you’ll need to get help from a third party, usually a consultant or a user group. See the section below to find out how to find those animals.

You can’t start making databases until FileMaker’s installed, so everybody who purchases FileMaker gets unlimited tech support phone calls regarding installation. Plus, you get one free troubleshooting call for each product you buy, which is helpful when you have a bunch of staffers on FileMaker Pro, a copy or two of Server and your very own copy of FileMaker Pro Advanced. The tech support is free, but you’ll pay for the phone call, so break out those free long-distance minutes. Dial (408) 727-9004 for the free stuff.

Paid tech support is available by calling (800) 965-9090. Get out your credit card when you call, then decide how you want to pay. You can choose a $45 flat fee and they’ll solve a single issue for you or you can roll the dice (and get multiple problems solved at once) by choosing the $3 per minute rate, with a $75 maximum. Phone tech support is available 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. PT weekdays.

Premium 800 Support lets you pre-pay $180 for a five-pack of access codes that let you make the calls when the trouble arises. Codes are good for one year. Call (800) 325-2747 for the bulk discount.

Professional Support costs $899 per year. You nominate one person from your company who can call a special toll-free number as many times as needed for twelve months. Add $699 for each additional person who needs the same access. Download the order form at www.filemaker.com/support/prof_support_info.html.

File corruption isn’t common with FileMaker, but it’s devastating when it happens. FileMaker offers file recovery services at $100 per table. Go to www.filemaker.com/support/technical_support.html and scroll to the bottom of the page for more information.

If you find yourself without the time or inclination to create a new database, you may be able to purchase one of these ready-made systems, professionally designed by FileMaker staff. Like FileMaker’s Starter Solutions (aka templates), FileMaker Applications are fully unlocked and customizable. But they go a lot further than the Starter Solutions, and you may find that they meet many of your needs straight out of the box. Prices range from $69 to $448. These applications let you manage tasks like employment recruiting, tracking donors and donations, managing meetings, and work requests. See www.filemaker.com/products/applications/index.html for a complete list. Click the link for each solution to get more information about each product and to see online demos.

The FSA is a bit of a hybrid. It’s run by FileMaker, Inc. and to be sure, you pay annual dues to be a member, but you become a part of the developer community when you do. For the casual or in-house developer, one of the most practical benefits is TechTalk, a members-only email list where you can ask questions and share your own experiences. The old hands are willing to share their wisdom with newcomers. The list is very active, with upwards of a hundred messages a day, particularly when a topic sparks developers’ interest. (The list is moderated, so it rarely veers off track.)

Other FSA benefits include access to exclusive technical information, invitations to exclusive technical briefings and the annual meeting at the developer’s convention, and discounted or even free products. There are four levels of membership, with increasing benefits (you can be listed in the FSA Directory, and a free copy of FileMaker Pro Advanced, for example). If you’re planning to become an independent consultant, membership in the FSA is invaluable.

A list of email lists is available at www.filemaker.com/support/mailinglists.html, but new sites are cropping up all the time and URLs change even on established sites, so use the link above, or check your favorite search engine to get the latest link for these groups. To get your feet wet, try general lists, like the one run by Dartmouth University or FileMaker Today, New kid on the block fmpug.com is a member-ship-based, online user group with forums, reviews, resources, including podCast interviews with subject-matter experts. For more specialized topics, have a look at FileMaker XML Talk, FileMaker Pro CGI Talk, and Troi FileMaker Plug-in Talk.

FileMaker’s Web site lists trainers and consultants who are members of the FSA. And the FileMaker Resource Guide also lists the FSA group, plus it takes paid advertisements. Your favorite search engine will yield hundreds of results. FileMaker has a certification program, so look for the FileMaker Certified Developer logo or ask the consultant if they’ve been certified as part of your selection process.

If total FileMaker immersion is what you seek, the annual Developer’s Convention (DevCon) is the way to go. Each day you can attend as many as seven sessions on about 30 different topics, ranging from running a FileMaker consulting firm to Web publishing, so you’re sure to come away from the three-day conference with a brain-pan full of new ideas: www.filemaker.com/devcon.