Introduction: A Native FileMaker Solution for Exporting Container Data on Server
For years, exporting container data in FileMaker Server was a challenge. The standard method—Export Field Contents—is not server-compatible, meaning developers had to find workarounds, rely on plugins, or move data processing to the client side.
But now, thanks to FileMaker’s native Data File script steps, you can export container data directly on FileMaker Server—without additional tools, without the container field needing to be on the layout, and without complex scripting workarounds.
If you’ve ever searched for:
How to export PDFs in FileMaker Server
How to extract container data on a FileMaker scheduled script
How to handle container exports without client interaction
… then this guide is for you.
Why This Method Matters
Key Benefits of Using the Data File Script for Container Exports:
Works on FileMaker Server Scheduled Scripts & Perform Script on Server (unlike Export Field Contents)
No need for third-party plugins
Container fields don’t need to be present on the layout
More control over file handling & automation
When Should You Use This?
This method is ideal for:
Automating scheduled exports of PDFs, images, or documents stored in containers
Processing large volumes of container data on the server without client-side scripts
Exporting files in a multi-user system where container access needs to happen in the background
Generating server-side backups of container data
File transfers between FileMaker and external systems
Step-by-Step Guide: Exporting Container Data Using the Data File Script
1️⃣ Determine the File Name & Path
First, define a file path and file name that the script will use. Any valid FileMaker file path will work. In these instructions (and our demo file), we use:
plaintext
CopyEdit
$filepath
This variable will store the full file path of the exported container data.
2️⃣ Check for Existing Files
Before creating a new file, check whether the file already exists at $filepath.
💡 Use the Get File Exists function to determine if the file is present:
plaintext
CopyEdit
If [ Get File Exists ( $filepath ) ]
Delete File [ $filepath ]
End If
If the file exists, Delete File ensures that the script removes the previous file before proceeding.
3️⃣ Create the New File & Write Data
Now, create a new data file and export the container’s contents.
Step 1: Create the Data File
Use the Create Data File script step to generate the new file. However, note that this does not automatically open the file for writing.
Step 2: Open the Data File
Once the file is created, use Open Data File to make it available for writing:
plaintext
CopyEdit
Set Variable [$fileReference; Open Data File ( $filepath )]
Step 3: Write Data to File
Use Write to Data File to write the actual container data into the newly created file:
plaintext
CopyEdit
Write to Data File [ $fileReference ; Data Source: <ContainerField> ]
This step directly points to the container field you want to export.
Step 4: Close the File (VERY IMPORTANT!)
After writing the data, ALWAYS close the file using Close Data File to ensure proper handling:
plaintext
CopyEdit
Close Data File [ $fileReference ]
Failing to close the file properly may result in corrupted data or issues accessing the file.
How This Method Compares to Export Field Contents
If you need WebDirect compatibility, stick with Export Field Contents. Otherwise, the Data File script offers a more robust server-compatible method.
Try It Yourself – Download Our Demo File!
We’ve put together a demo file showcasing these steps in action. Download it and experiment with the process in your own FileMaker environment.
Download the Demo File
Conclusion: A Game Changer for FileMaker Server Users
Exporting container data in FileMaker Server has long been a pain point for developers. But with the Data File script, you can now:
Export PDFs, images, or any file type directly from the server
Run automated exports without client-side scripting
Eliminate the need for third-party plugins
Keep container fields off the layout for better security & performance
If you’ve been struggling with exporting files in FileMaker Server, this method is the native solution you’ve been waiting for.
Have questions? Want to see this in action? Reach out—we’d love to help optimize your FileMaker workflow!
Key Takeaways
Data File script works on FileMaker Server Scheduled Scripts & PSOS
Supports automated, scheduled exports
Ideal for PDF, image, and document handling
Fully native—no plugins required!
Ready to streamline your container exports? Let’s talk!