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Productive Computing

A blog by PCIPal in Affiliate Blogs

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Entries in this blog

MSP: FileMaker Support that Works

10,000+ Fixes and Improvements Delivered Over the past five years, more than 10,000 development requests have been completed through our Maintenance Support Program (MSP). That number reflects a simple reality. FileMaker systems are never finished. If you rely on FileMaker to run your business, small issues do not stay small. They slow your team down, create workarounds, and make it harder to keep your system aligned with how your business actually operates. Ongoing improvements are
  • PCIPal

Using AWS as Your FileMaker Development Environment

Getting started with AWS can feel overwhelming, especially when you are trying to support a FileMaker workflow. With so many services and configuration options, it is not always clear what you actually need to build a reliable development or testing environment. A structured approach can make a big difference. When you understand how to set up and manage an AWS environment, you can create flexible, on-demand systems that support your FileMaker projects without relying on physical hardware. O

Mastering Claris Studio: Learn the New Way to Connect FileMaker

If you are working with FileMaker and Claris Studio, understanding how these two platforms connect is key to building modern solutions. The Mastering Claris Studio course has been updated with new lessons that show you how to connect FileMaker and Claris Studio using synced data. This approach gives you more control over your data and a clearer way to manage how information moves between systems. Learn More Build Smarter Solutions with Claris Studio Claris Studio allows

Build FileMaker Skills with PCU

Try the first of 3 certification programs If you are looking to learn FileMaker in a structured, practical way, Productive Computing University’sBeginner Certification Program provides a clear starting point. It is designed to help you build real skills you can apply in your day-to-day work, whether you are supporting a system, improving workflows, or preparing to take on development tasks. Get Started! The Beginner Certification focuses on the fundamentals of the Claris Fil

Free JSON Training for FileMaker Developers

If you are looking for free JSON training for FileMaker developers, we offer a course designed to help you build practical, real-world skills you can use immediately. JSON plays a central role in modern FileMaker development, especially when working with APIs, AI services, Claris Connect, and JavaScript-based integrations. Understanding how JSON works inside FileMaker makes these integrations far more approachable and reliable. JSON Fundamentals for FileMaker Developers is a free training co

Learn to Integrate FileMaker with QuickBooks Online

Connecting FileMaker with QuickBooks Online does not have to involve trial and error or rebuilding accounting systems inside FileMaker. The Connect FileMaker to QuickBooks Online course is a free, practical training course that helps build reliable, real-world integrations using the FM Books Connector Online plug-in. The course walks through the full integration process, starting with a clean FileMaker file and building toward a working solution that can push and pull data with QuickBooks On

A Practical Guide to the Claris Platform

An Overview for FileMaker Users If you are familiar with FileMaker, you may be curious about how the Claris platform expands on what you already know. With multiple tools designed to work together, it can be difficult to understand where each one fits and how they support real business workflows. The Claris platform brings together app development, data collection, automation, and deployment options under one ecosystem. Gaining a clear overview of these components helps you evaluate whet

Using the Perform Find by Natural Language Script Step in FileMaker

Searching in FileMaker has traditionally required users to understand field names, layouts, and how to build multi-step find requests. For smaller teams and non-technical users, that learning curve can slow things down and lead to frustration. Natural language finds change that experience. Instead of constructing complex criteria, users can simply type what they are looking for in everyday language. FileMaker then uses AI to interpret the request, build the appropriate find criteria, and ret

Create Barcodes and QR Codes in FileMaker

Creating barcodes and QR codes in FileMaker is easier than ever. Using the free demo file from Productive Computing University, you will be able to use a single script step to generate both traditional barcodes and QR codes directly within FileMaker 2025. No fonts, no plug-ins, and no complex setup are required If you’re managing inventory, printing labels, or sharing links, this approach makes it quick to generate professional barcodes and QR codes with minimal effort. The only requirement
  • PCIPal

Using AI for Text Summaries, Clean Up, and Translation in FileMaker

If your team collects field notes, service updates, support comments, or quick entries from mobile devices, you know how inconsistent and unstructured text can be. Misspellings, shorthand, scattered thoughts, and long explanations can make important information hard to understand. With the AI capabilities available in FileMaker 2025, you now can clean up messy notes, generate clear summaries, and translate text into other languages directly inside your solution. Our AI text manipulation tool
  • PCIPal

Outlook Manipulator: Connecting FileMaker and Outlook

The Outlook Manipulator plug-in makes it easy to connect your Claris FileMaker solution with Microsoft Outlook and the new Microsoft 365 Outlook (we refer to it as Outlook Remote). Whether you want to centralize contacts, archive emails, manage calendar events, or automate communication, Outlook Manipulator gives you the tools to make Outlook an integrated part of your FileMaker workflow. Direct Integration with Outlook Remote and Outlook Classic Outlook Manipulator supports both modern
  • PCIPal

Using AI for an Internet Search in FileMaker

See how FileMaker can use AI to perform live internet searches and return real-time company data, news, and insights. Explore how to connect FileMaker to OpenAI to gather and organize results directly within your solution. AI models are powerful, but their training only extends to a specific date, which means they often lack awareness of recent news or developments. When you enable AI search, FileMaker can look up current information on the web and combine it with the model’s existing knowle
  • PCIPal

How AI is Transforming FileMaker Development

A Claris Community Live Recap On September 11, 2025, the Claris Community gathered for another Community Live event during which Marc Larochelle, Productive Computing CEO, discussed artificial intelligence and FileMaker. The session featured real-world examples of how AI is already transforming the way developers and businesses build solutions. How to Use AI in FileMaker The conversation centered on practical AI use cases in FileMaker, not just theory but rather demonst
  • PCIPal

Interpreting Pictures in FileMaker with Gemini’s Image Analyzer

If you’ve ever wished your FileMaker solution could “look” at an image and tell you what’s in it, you’ll be interested in this lesson from the AI Essentials for FileMaker Developers course. This is just one of the many features of AI addressed in the course.  Learn how to use Google Gemini’s Image Analyzer to extract meaning from pictures, whether it is identifying text in a receipt or estimating the value of items on a shelf. With the included demo file (available in this paid course),
  • PCIPal

New AI Features in FileMaker  2025

With new script steps and functions designed specifically for AI-powered interaction, the FileMaker 2025 release gives you the tools needed to build intelligent, data-aware features directly into your solutions. In our video, Introducing Claris FileMaker Pro 2025 New Features – What You Need To Know, Marc Larochelle walks through the new AI capabilities and shows how to configure and use them with real-world examples. If you’re new to AI or just looking for practical guidance, this is a grea

Plotting Locations on a Map with FileMaker and JSON

Introducing A Free Demo File You Can Use If you’ve ever wanted to visualize address data inside a FileMaker solution, this free demo file shows you exactly how it’s done. During a Claris Community Live event, we shared a FileMaker demo called “Plot Locations on a Map” that uses JSON and the FileMaker Data API to plot multiple address points on an interactive map. This demo is available at no cost and is part of the free FileMaker Features and Free Resources course from Productive Computi

Streamline Your Salvage Contracts with Our VSS Digital Solution

Vessel Service Solutions (VSS) is a custom-built mobile solution created specifically for TowBoatU.S. operators and marine towing companies. It simplifies dispatching, boat maintenance, fuel logs, invoicing, and payroll. Everything runs from a centralized, cloud-based system and connects with iPads used in the field. VSS replaces manual BoatU.S. paperwork with a digital workflow and pulls dispatches directly from the BoatU.S. system. This means faster, more accurate tracking of your towing a

Learn Essential AI Terms for FileMaker

Using artificial intelligence (AI) tools like ChatGPT or Google Gemini can significantly streamline your development process and enhance problem-solving capabilities. But to effectively leverage AI, it’s important to understand foundational AI terminology. This blog introduces you to the essential terminology you’ll need to make sense of how AI works and how it can improve your FileMaker development efforts. AI terms you should know Machine Learning (ML): A subset of AI that

Introduction to AI for FileMaker Developers

Are you a FileMaker developer looking to integrate Artificial Intelligence (AI) into your workflows? Productive Computing University‘s AI Essentials for FileMaker Developers course is designed to give you a solid foundation in applying artificial intelligence (AI) within your FileMaker solutions. Why use AI? AI is changing the way developers build solutions, automate processes, and improve workflows. As a FileMaker developer, understanding how to incorporate AI into your projects can enh

How to generate images in FileMaker

Have you ever needed sample images for your FileMaker solution for a demonstration, training, or marketing? Whether for showcasing a new product or just experimenting with data, having a tool built-in into your file will make the process much easier.  Our video shows you a simple way to generate a selection of high-quality, random images directly in FileMaker using a free online resource called Lorem Picsum.  You’ll learn the step-by-step process of generating professional-looking sample
  • PCIPal

Claris FileMaker Pro 2024 – Simplify File Management

Have a look at a new feature in FileMaker 2024 that gives you the ability to use variables with repetitions to define file paths. This enhancement offers greater flexibility and simplifies path management for developers. In the video we’ll show you:  How to define paths using variable repetitions The benefits of using this feature in your scripts Demonstration of exporting records to different file paths using a single variable with repetitions Whether you’re managing multiple

Planning your FileMaker Dashboard

When you are looking to create a FileMaker dashboard, there are important questions to consider. Our full Productive Computing University course, Claris FileMaker Pro Advanced 2, shows you how to build key components of a dashboard. Why do you need a dashboard – why is it helpful? A dashboard in FileMaker brings your most crucial data to the forefront, helping you make informed decisions quickly.   Access all your essential metrics in one place—no more navigating through multiple r
  • PCIPal

Updated API Fundamentals course for FileMaker developers

Are you looking to expand the functionality of your FileMaker applications? Integrating your applications with third-party services through APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) can open up a myriad of possibilities. APIs allow different software systems to communicate with each other, extending the capabilities of your FileMaker solutions. For a deeper dive into what APIs are and how they function, check out our detailed blog post on the basics of APIs. At Productive Computing Unive

The Building Blocks of JSON for FileMaker

A Claris Community Live Recap Check out this recording of a Claris Community Live session where Marc Larochelle, Productive Computing CEO, talks about using JSON with FileMaker, demonstrates how to create a JSON object in FileMaker, and breaks down its functionality and significance in modern development practices.  Whether you’re a novice looking to harness JSON’s capabilities or an experienced developer wanting a refresher, this session has something for everyone! Watch as Marc guides
  • PCIPal

Using AI for FileMaker development

Are you a FileMaker developer looking to streamline your workflow? In this video excerpt from the Claris FileMaker Pro Advanced 2 training course, you’ll learn how to leverage consumer-based AI tools, like ChatGPT, to enhance your development process. Imagine being able to generate sample data with a simple prompt or analyze complex scripts without getting lost in the technical details. You’ll discover how to create robust datasets—like product records with just a few lines of text—and how t
  • PCIPal

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