If you’re managing data in FileMaker and exploring better ways to integrate with analytics or enterprise platforms, you’ve probably heard the term OData. But what is it, and why should FileMaker users care?

What is OData?

OData (Open Data Protocol) is a standardized way for systems to share data over the web, similar to how web pages are served to browsers. Think of it as a universal language that lets applications query, read, and write data through familiar web protocols like HTTP.

Created by Microsoft, OData is widely used across industries to connect databases to business intelligence tools, ERPs, and reporting dashboards.

What is the FileMaker OData API?

FileMaker now includes its own OData API, available on FileMaker Server 19.1 and later. This feature exposes FileMaker data using the OData v4 standard, meaning that you can connect your FileMaker databases directly to tools like:

• Microsoft Power BI

• Tableau

• Excel (Power Query)

…and many other platforms that support OData. In addition it adds powerful capabilities to work with FileMaker server data including the ability to modify and create data structures programatically.  This feature is a major breakthrough for FileMaker Developers and promises powerful future capabilities for managing advanced FileMaker applications.

Why It Matters

If you’ve ever wanted to:

• Build live dashboards in Power BI using FileMaker data

• Query data from FileMaker without custom APIs or exports

• Integrate FileMaker into larger enterprise data strategies

• Open FileMaker applications for more advanced capabilities

…the OData API is a game-changer.

It means:

• Less custom development to connect FileMaker to other systems

• Standardized querying across platforms

• Real-time data access for reporting and analytics

• Improved FileMaker application support

What’s the Difference Between OData and FileMaker OData API?

• OData: A universal protocol for data querying and manipulation.

• FileMaker OData API: FileMaker’s specific implementation that lets external tools communicate with FileMaker databases using OData standards.

Is It Time to Upgrade?

If you’re on an older FileMaker Server version or still exporting data to spreadsheets, it’s time to explore how the FileMaker OData API can streamline your workflows.

Contact us today to discuss how we can help you unlock real-time data access and smarter analytics with FileMaker and OData.

 

 

 

FileMaker 2025 introduces significant improvements to how container fields manage and process images, documents, and other media. These optimizations make it easier for developers to build apps that handle large volumes of assets efficiently—while giving users richer, faster access to the files they need.

Faster Image and Media Handling

Container fields now process and display images more efficiently, improving performance for apps with media-heavy layouts. Users will notice faster load times when viewing records with embedded photos, logos, or scanned documents—especially on mobile devices running FileMaker Go or in WebDirect.

For developers, this means less time optimizing layouts and more time focusing on app logic.

Built-In Metadata Access

FileMaker 2025 introduces new tools to extract and store metadata from images and files in container fields. This allows developers to:

• Automatically capture EXIF data from photos (date, time, GPS, camera settings)
  
  

• Store and search by keywords or tags
  
  

• Index attributes like file size or type for better filtering
  
  

This built-in metadata support eliminates the need for custom plug-ins or external scripts to manage file information.

Smarter Image Management Workflows

Combining faster rendering with metadata extraction opens up new possibilities for workflow automation:

• Field Service Apps: Attach photos from site visits with automatic time and location stamps.
  
  

• Quality Control: Store test-run images with embedded metadata to prove compliance.
  
  

• Marketing Assets: Organize product images with tags for instant retrieval.
  
  

All of this happens natively in FileMaker, reducing the friction of managing large media libraries.

Why It Matters

Container field optimizations in FileMaker 2025 help businesses:

• Improve app performance with media-rich records
  
  

• Automate metadata capture for stronger record-keeping
  
  

• Search and filter assets faster without third-party tools
  
  

For organizations that rely heavily on images or documents—such as manufacturing, healthcare, or field services—these improvements transform FileMaker into an even more capable media management platform.

With faster image handling and built-in metadata access, FileMaker 2025 makes managing container fields more powerful and efficient. Developers can build richer, more responsive apps while users gain quicker, smarter access to critical media assets.

Want to see how Claris FileMaker can streamline your image and document workflows? Reach out to Kyo Logic here.

 

 

FileMaker 2025 introduces enhanced audit logging and activity monitoring, giving organizations greater visibility into user actions, data changes, and security events. These improvements help businesses strengthen compliance, protect sensitive data, and troubleshoot issues more effectively—all without relying on third-party plug-ins or complex customizations.

Track User Actions in Real Time

The new logging features record detailed user activity inside your FileMaker solutions. Administrators can see:

• Which users accessed which records
  
  

• What actions were taken (view, edit, delete)
  
  

• When changes occurred
  
  

This real-time tracking is invaluable for teams managing sensitive or regulated data, as it provides a clear record of who did what, and when.

Monitor Data Changes and Security Events

Beyond user actions, FileMaker 2025 now logs key data changes and security events. These logs can include:

• Field-level changes, such as updates to key values
  
  

• Authentication attempts, including failed logins
  
  

• Privilege set changes and role updates
  
  

• API token usage for integrations
  
  

This granular view of system activity helps administrators quickly identify anomalies or unauthorized behavior.

Why It Matters for Compliance and Governance

Enhanced audit logging isn’t just a technical improvement—it’s a critical step toward meeting regulatory requirements such as GDPR, HIPAA, and SOX. With built-in logging, you can:

• Produce auditable records on demand for compliance reviews
  
  

• Demonstrate controls over sensitive data
  
  

• Strengthen internal governance and accountability
  
  

By keeping all this information inside FileMaker, you also reduce the risks and complexity associated with external monitoring systems.

Building Better Oversight Into Your Apps

Developers can configure these new logging features to feed into dashboards or reports, making it easy for managers and compliance officers to review activity at a glance. This transforms audit logs from static records into actionable intelligence.

With FileMaker 2025’s improved audit logging and activity monitoring, businesses gain a built-in solution for tracking user actions, data changes, and security events. These tools make it easier to safeguard sensitive data, meet regulatory requirements, and maintain system integrity—without adding extra layers of software.

Want to explore how Claris FileMaker can strengthen your audit trails and compliance workflows? Reach out to Kyo Logic here.

 

With FileMaker 2025, Claris FileMaker Cloud introduces a more robust approach to API authentication: token-based security. This enhancement is designed to protect data in transit, simplify integration management, and meet stricter compliance requirements like GDPR and HIPAA—all while making API access easier to administer.

What Is Token-Based API Security?

Traditional API authentication often relies on static credentials or passwords embedded in integrations. Token-based security replaces these credentials with temporary, revocable tokens that are issued for a specific session or scope.

This means:

• Credentials aren’t hard-coded into scripts or third-party apps
  
  

• Tokens expire automatically, reducing long-term security risks
  
  

• Access can be revoked instantly without changing every integration
  
  

Benefits for GDPR and HIPAA Compliance

For organizations handling personal or sensitive data, token-based API authentication supports compliance in several ways:

• Granular Access Control: Tokens can be issued with specific permissions for limited resources or time periods.
  
  

• Reduced Exposure: Tokens expire automatically, minimizing the window of vulnerability if compromised.
  
  

• Auditability: API access logs show exactly which token was used, when, and for what purpose—critical for audits.
  
  

These features align with best practices for data protection and regulatory compliance.

How It Works in FileMaker Cloud

Developers and administrators can now:

• Generate tokens programmatically when a session begins
  
  

• Use tokens to authenticate API calls instead of embedding credentials
  
  

• Revoke or rotate tokens from a central dashboard without touching scripts
  
  

This approach makes integrations both more secure and more manageable, especially in large environments or when working with multiple third-party systems.

Why It Matters

Token-based API security in FileMaker Cloud gives IT teams and developers peace of mind. It ensures integrations remain secure by design while reducing manual credential management. This is especially valuable for businesses that must demonstrate GDPR or HIPAA compliance without slowing down development.

FileMaker Cloud’s new token-based API security offers a modern, secure way to manage integrations—perfect for organizations that prioritize data protection and compliance. By replacing static credentials with dynamic, revocable tokens, you can build faster, safer connections to your apps and services.

Want to learn how to implement secure, compliant integrations with Claris FileMaker Cloud? Reach out to Kyo Logic here.

 

 

 

FileMaker 2025 takes a big leap forward in document intelligence with the introduction of GetTextFromPDF and support for Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) workflows. Together, these features enable developers to extract content from PDFs, feed it into AI queries, and deliver smarter, context-aware responses—all from within FileMaker.

For organizations managing contracts, manuals, reports, or compliance documents, this unlocks powerful new ways to make data more accessible.

Extracting Text from PDFs with GetTextFromPDF

The new GetTextFromPDF function allows developers to pull plain text directly from PDFs stored in FileMaker container fields. This removes the need for external tools or manual copy-pasting.

Example use cases:

• Extracting contract terms for automated review
  
  

• Pulling specifications from technical manuals
  
  

• Making historical reports searchable inside FileMaker
  
  

With documents converted into structured text, your FileMaker app becomes a repository for smarter queries and workflows.

Adding AI with Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG)

Once text is extracted, FileMaker can apply RAG workflows by sending relevant content to an AI model. Instead of relying on generic knowledge, the AI can answer questions based on your own documents.

Example use cases:

• Ask “What’s the warranty period in this contract?” and receive an AI-generated response grounded in the extracted text
  
  

• Search policies and instantly surface the relevant compliance rules
  
  

• Build knowledge bases that combine multiple PDFs into a single, AI-driven query system
  
  

RAG ensures responses are not only intelligent but also accurate and based on your organization’s actual content.

Smarter Document-Driven Apps

By combining GetTextFromPDF and RAG, developers can build FileMaker apps that:

• Transform static PDFs into searchable knowledge assets
  
  

• Automate compliance checks and reporting
  
  

• Empower employees to query documents naturally, without needing to dig through lengthy files
  
  

This makes FileMaker a powerful platform for industries where document management and accuracy are mission-critical.

FileMaker 2025 turns everyday documents into intelligent, searchable resources. With GetTextFromPDF and RAG capabilities, you can build apps that not only store PDFs but also understand them—delivering real-time insights and smarter workflows.

Interested in exploring how Claris FileMaker can power AI-driven document intelligence? Reach out to Kyo Logic here.

 

 

FileMaker 2025 introduces a groundbreaking set of vector and embedding functions, bringing semantic search directly into the platform. Instead of relying only on exact keyword matches, semantic search understands meaning and context, making it easier to surface the most relevant content—whether you’re querying text descriptions, product data, or even image metadata.

This shift opens the door to more intuitive, AI-powered search experiences inside FileMaker apps.

What Is Semantic Search?

Traditional search is literal: it looks for exact matches between keywords and fields. Semantic search, by contrast, uses AI vector embeddings to represent the meaning of text or images. Queries and records are transformed into vectors (mathematical representations), and results are ranked based on similarity—not just matching words.

For example:

• A keyword search for “laptop” only finds exact matches.
  
  

• A semantic search for “portable computer” will also surface “laptop,” “MacBook,” or “notebook” entries.
  
  

FileMaker’s New Vector Functions

FileMaker 2025 introduces vector operations that enable developers to normalize, compare, and manipulate embeddings directly. These include functions for:

• Creating embeddings from text or image metadata
  
  

• Normalizing vectors for consistent comparison
  
  

• Adding and subtracting vectors to explore relationships between terms
  
  

• Performing similarity searches to return the most relevant results
  
  

Real-World Use Cases

• Product Catalog Search: Customers searching for “running shoes” will also find items described as “trainers” or “athletic sneakers.”
  
  

• Knowledge Bases: Employees looking up “safety procedures” can also surface related documents like “workplace compliance” or “OSHA guidelines.”
  
  

• Image Metadata: Searching “sunset” can bring up photos tagged with “dusk” or “evening,” even if the keyword doesn’t appear.
  
  

By embedding semantic search in FileMaker, businesses can create smarter, more user-friendly search experiences that save time and uncover hidden insights.

Why It Matters

Semantic search makes FileMaker solutions more intuitive for non-technical users. It reduces the frustration of missed results, supports more natural queries, and helps organizations unlock the full value of their data—text, documents, and images alike.

With vector and embedding functions, FileMaker 2025 brings the power of semantic search directly into your apps. From smarter text queries to image-based lookups, these tools provide context-aware search that delivers the right results faster.

Want to explore how semantic search in Claris FileMaker can transform your data experience? Reach out to Kyo Logic here.

 

With FileMaker 2025, Claris has taken a major step forward in unifying its platform. One of the most powerful enhancements is the seamless integration between Claris FileMaker and Claris Studio. Claris provides multiple ways to connect FileMaker with Claris Studio, including Claris Connect, which supports intelligent, trigger-based workflows. These connections make it possible to set up responsive, event-driven interactions—so your systems can exchange data seamlessly as soon as something important happens. Businesses can now securely publish FileMaker data directly into Claris Studio, opening the door to scalable web apps and external data collection tools—without the need for complex third-party integrations.

Secure External Access to FileMaker Data

Previously, extending FileMaker data beyond the organization often required custom APIs, plugins, or external hosting solutions. Now, Claris Studio provides a direct bridge, enabling developers to publish FileMaker data securely to the web. This makes it possible to:

• Share data with clients or partners in a controlled environment
  
  

• Create portals for vendors, contractors, or distributed teams
  
  

• Collect inputs externally while keeping FileMaker as the system of record
  
  

Scalable Web Apps and Forms

Claris Studio isn’t just about basic web views. With support for 100,000+ records per view, Studio can handle enterprise-scale datasets. Developers can build:

• Customer intake or service request forms
  
  

• Survey and feedback systems
  
  

• External dashboards for reporting and analysis
  
  

All of this runs on the Claris platform, reducing dependency on outside web frameworks.

No More Third-Party Workarounds

In the past, businesses often relied on middleware or custom development to extend FileMaker apps to the web. With Studio’s integration, those workarounds aren’t necessary. FileMaker remains the secure backend database, while Studio provides a modern, scalable front end for external access.

Why This Matters

For developers and businesses alike, the seamless connection between FileMaker and Claris Studio means:

• Faster deployment of web-facing solutions
  
  

• Lower costs by eliminating third-party hosting or integrations
  
  

• Greater confidence in data security and compliance
  
  

• More flexibility to expand FileMaker’s reach beyond internal teams
  
  

The integration of Claris Studio and FileMaker is a game-changer for organizations that need to extend their data beyond internal users. Whether it’s building external portals, scalable data collection apps, or secure reporting tools, you can now do it all within the Claris ecosystem.

Want to explore how Claris FileMaker and Claris Studio can streamline your web apps and data collection? Reach out to Kyo Logic here.

 

 

 

 

If you’re still thinking of FileMaker as a standalone database for internal apps, you’re missing out on what makes it a modern business tool. A big part of that evolution? JSON.

Even if you’re not technical, understanding JSON will help you see why upgrading to FileMaker 2025 is critical for keeping your systems integrated, automated, and future-proof.

What is JSON?

JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) is a lightweight format for organizing and transmitting data. It’s the lingua franca of modern software, used by virtually every API, web app, and cloud service.

Think of JSON as a super-flexible digital form that can carry data like:

• Customer records

• Order details

• Inventory updates

• API responses

It’s structured, yet highly adaptable—perfect for dynamic systems that need to exchange data cleanly and consistently.

Why JSON Matters in FileMaker

Older FileMaker versions struggled to communicate with other apps because they couldn’t easily read or write data in JSON format. But in current versions, including FileMaker 2024 and 2025, JSON is fully embraced with powerful new capabilities and integration with other applications. FileMaker 2025 brings new JSON functions and significant performance enhancements to enable AI and manage significant data integrations.

This means you can now:

• Integrate with APIs easily: Talk to web services like Slack, QuickBooks, Claris Studio, Shopify, or Salesforce.

• Build better dashboards: Use structured JSON data to power analytics.

• Simplify workflows: Claris Connect and Event-Driven Connect rely on JSON for payloads.

• Store complex data structures: Store flexible, nested data directly in FileMaker without needing dozens of related tables.

• Consolidate FileMaker scripting: JSON allows FileMaker elements to communicate far more effectively with other components greatly streamlining code and enhancing performance

Real-World Business Benefits

1. APIs & Automation

Want FileMaker to update your CRM, notify a Slack channel, or send customer data to QuickBooks? JSON is the bridge that makes it possible.

2. Cross-System Consistency

Instead of copy-pasting or manually re-entering data between apps, JSON enables automatic, structured data syncs.

3. Fewer Workarounds

In legacy systems, connecting to other apps required complex plug-ins or brittle workarounds. Now, native JSON support in FileMaker means cleaner, faster, and more reliable integrations.

4. Future-Proofing

Most modern SaaS apps speak JSON. If your FileMaker system can too, you’re set up for the next wave of digital transformation.

If your FileMaker system isn’t JSON-ready, you’re:

• Stuck with manual processes

• Limited in your ability to integrate with cloud apps

• Slower to adapt to modern workflows

Upgrading to FileMaker 2025, with its newJSON capabilities, isn’t just about new features—it’s about ensuring your data can move, connect, and create value in an increasingly digital world.

Need help modernizing your FileMaker system? Contact us for a JSON-readiness assessment and let’s unlock your data’s full potential.

 

 

 

 

Searching for data in a database often requires knowing the exact fields, operators, and syntax—something that can slow down even experienced users. With FileMaker 2025, that barrier is gone thanks to the new Find by Natural Language feature, which lets you search your data using plain English.

This update bridges the gap between human-friendly input and database-driven insights, making it easier for teams to quickly get the answers they need without technical expertise.

How Natural Language Search Works

The Find by Natural Language feature uses built-in AI capabilities to interpret your request, translate it into a structured query, and return the relevant records—all without you touching a search operator or complex find request.

Example searches you could run:

• “Show all orders over $5,000 placed in the last 90 days”
  
  

• “List employees who started in the marketing department this year”
  
  

• “Find customers in New York with overdue invoices”
  
  

FileMaker processes the plain text and runs the correct SQL query or FileMaker Find operation in the background.

Why It’s a Game-Changer for Users and Developers

For users, it means no more guessing at field names or filtering options—just type what you want in everyday language. For developers, it means fewer custom search layouts, simplified training, and the ability to make complex datasets accessible to everyone in the organization.

Real-World Applications

• Sales teams can quickly pull customer lists without relying on IT support
  
  

• Customer service teams can filter service tickets by status or priority in seconds
  
  

• Operations teams can review inventory or shipping records with a single request
  
  

By lowering the learning curve, Natural Language Search encourages more engagement with your data, which leads to better, faster decision-making.

The Find by Natural Language feature in FileMaker 2025 transforms how teams interact with data. Instead of navigating complex search tools, users can simply type their request in plain English and let FileMaker handle the rest.

Want to see how Claris FileMaker can make your data more accessible and actionable? Reach out to Kyo Logic here.

 

 

 

FileMaker 2025 introduces native AI and large language model (LLM) capabilities, giving developers the power to build intelligent workflows without relying on complex integrations or external tools. From generating content to interpreting natural language queries, these new features make it possible to deliver smarter, faster, and more intuitive applications—directly within the FileMaker ecosystem.

Prompt-Based Scripting for Dynamic Content

The new Generate Response from Model script step allows you to send prompts directly to supported AI providers (such as OpenAI or Cohere) and bring the results back into FileMaker instantly. This enables dynamic content creation and on-demand text generation inside your custom apps.

Example use cases:

• Summarizing long client emails for faster review
  
  

• Drafting proposals or status updates directly in FileMaker
  
  

• Generating consistent, branded responses for customer service teams
  
  

Natural Language Queries for Data Access

With Perform SQL Query / Find by Natural Language, users can search for records using plain English instead of technical query syntax. FileMaker interprets the request, converts it into an SQL or Find operation, and delivers the matching results in real time.

Example use cases:

• “Show all invoices from the past six months over $5,000”
  
  

• “List customers who purchased product X last year”
  
  

This feature lowers the barrier for non-technical team members while speeding up information retrieval.

Reusable Prompt Templates and Predictive Analytics

Developers can now configure Prompt Templates and ML Regression Models for AI-driven workflows that are consistent and repeatable. Predictive analytics can be embedded directly into business processes, enabling smarter forecasting and decision-making.

Example use cases:

• Predicting future sales based on historical trends
  
  

• Creating reusable AI prompts for marketing copy or internal reports
  
  

Why This Matters

By integrating AI natively, FileMaker 2025 eliminates the friction of managing third-party tools for AI features. Businesses can now:

• Build custom AI-powered workflows tailored to their industry
  
  

• Keep sensitive data inside the trusted FileMaker environment
  
  

• Give teams natural language tools for faster, more accurate work
  
  

• Deliver more responsive and intelligent applications without heavy coding
  
  

The AI and LLM features in FileMaker 2025 aren’t just a glimpse of the future—they’re tools you can use right now to make your apps smarter and your workflows more efficient. From natural language queries to dynamic, AI-generated content, these capabilities open new possibilities for innovation inside your existing solutions.

Want to see how Claris FileMaker’s AI features can transform your workflows? Reach out to Kyo Logic here.