Introducing the Multi-File Uploader (Free FileMaker Add-On)
Many teams need to attach more than one file at a time… photos, PDFs, spreadsheets, drawings. Out of the box, FileMaker selects a single file per action. The Multi-File Uploader add-on lets you drag-and-drop multiple files at once into your solution, much like you’d expect in modern web apps and storage tools.
You get: faster intake, fewer clicks, and a cleaner experience for staff who work with documents every day.
What you can do with it (examples)
- Upload multiple files in one step to a record (photos, PDFs, spreadsheets, etc.).
- Preview, download, or delete uploaded files from a simple portal.
- Keep files with the record you’re viewing (customer, order, project, ticket).
- Point storage to your own table if you already have a Documents/Files table.
Requirements & compatibility
- FileMaker 19 or later (add-on support).
- Works in hosted or local files.
- Designed to drop onto any layout and link to that layout’s primary key.
Quick start (about 5 minutes)
1) Create the add-on bundle
- Open FileUploader-Addon.fmp12
- Click Create Add-on.
- When the script finishes, close FileMaker.
2) Install the add-on into your app
- Reopen FileMaker and open the target file (the file you want to enhance).
- In Layout mode, open the left pane → Add-ons → + Install Add-on.
- Select FileUploader and click Choose.
- In the Add-ons panel, drag the FileUploader icon onto your layout.
Configure it for your layout (important)
Note on sample code
These steps are examples. Please update layout names, table occurrences, field names, and any privileges to match your solution before deploying.
Open the script uploader_Upload File and make two small adjustments:
- Tie uploads to your record
- Change the value of the $id variable on lines 20 and 23 to use the primary key field of the layout’s base table
(for example, Customers::CustomerID or Jobs::JobID).
- Choose where files are stored
- By default, files are saved in the included uploaderFiles table.
- If you keep documents elsewhere, update lines 33–37 in uploader_Upload File to target your own Documents/Files table and fields.
How to use (day-to-day)
- Click the blue “Upload Files” button.
- Drag and drop one or more files into the pop-up window.
- Click Upload to attach them to the current record.
Uploaded items appear in the portal below the button, where users can preview, download, or delete files as needed.
How it fits in real workflows
- Field service or inspections: Drop in photos and checklists from a visit. No extra steps.
- Sales and account records: Keep proposals, SOWs, and change orders with the customer.
- Operations and projects: Store drawings, packaging specs, or vendor certifications on the job.
- Support tickets: Attach screenshots and logs to speed up resolution.
Styling tips
- Restyle the button and portal objects to match your theme.
- Consider a card-style container for the file list (light background, subtle border).
- If your theme has specific button/icon styles, apply them to the uploader controls.
Security & deployment
- Apply privilege sets so only the right roles can upload or delete files.
- If you change the storage table, confirm that accounts have the correct record and field access.
- Test on a copy of your file before rolling out to production users.
Troubleshooting
- Add-on not visible? Confirm you ran Create Add-on and restarted FileMaker before installing.
- Files not linking to the right record? Re-check the $id assignment on lines 20 and 23 of uploader_Upload File.
- Files not appearing in your table? If you pointed storage to a custom table, verify lines 33–37 and field mappings.
- Portal looks empty? Ensure the portal is pointed at the correct related table occurrence and that the relationship uses your record’s primary key.
Special Thank You
The Multi-File Uploader would not be possible without Jason Wood of Define Database’s work. Jason originally created this tool for usage in S3, which we then converted for use in Filemaker. You can learn more about his original work here. Thank you Jason!
Download and next steps
If you would like a hand, we can help you drop the add-on onto a layout, point it to your primary key, and adjust the storage table. A short working session is often enough.
Appendix (for power users)
- Consider adding a server-side cleanup routine (e.g., remove orphaned files if a record is deleted).
- If you need versioning (v1, v2 files), add a simple counter field and include it in the file name on upload.
- For large files, provide a progress indicator (conditional object tied to a “busy” flag set during upload).
- If you keep documents externally (S3, Azure), adapt the storage portion of uploader_Upload File to write URLs and use a signed URL pattern for downloads.
Multi-File Uploader Add-on Download File
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