Hello,

When I was getting ready to purchase FM8, I did some research and remember viewing a movie demoing the product. I recall seeing a feature, where you can save/convert, etc a FM File to be a self contained application. Users could run this application even if they did not have FM8 installed on their computer.

Can anyone tell me how to do this, or point me somewhere where I can read up on this? I have FM8 Advanced, not sure if I need something else to do this, etc...

Maybe I'm posting this question in the wrong spot?

Of course, THANK YOU IN ADVANCE!

You need nothing else !

Go to Menu:

Tools >> Developer utilities...

You probably did see that. It's called a "runtime" application. Filemaker does indeed offer the ability to create "runtime" applications but you need to know a couple of important restrictions:

First-off, for YOU to be able to create a runtime, you will need Filmaker Pro Advanced. Regular Filemaker Pro doesn't have the ability to create runtimes, only the Advanced version does.

Secondly, once you have created the runtime application it can only be a stand-alone application. What I mean is that the runtime will not be able to share its data with other applications. It will be an "island" of data so-to-speak as nobody else will be able to connect to it.

There are some other restrictions when using runtimes but those are the two BIG gotchas.

This can be done with fm 8 Advanced or 8.5 Advanced. This will allow you to distribute the solution but, by making it a "self contained application" it will not be able to be networked (talk to any other Fm files)

Ok, great!

Now I see where to do this.

FYI: I made a quick runtime file, and most of the functionality went to crap. Are there certain rules for this, like there are for a web application/IWP environments?

Now that I know what it is called and such, I will look for some material to read up on.

I like this feature because, I can create a small simple database for friends, family and colleges to use as a personal application without the cost of FM product. Simple and self contained.

I will not be using this runtime application feature for my business solution which requires networking, multiple accounts and privileges.

Thank you all for the 411!!!