Scripting
Script steps, variables, error handling, PSOS, script triggers, and patterns used in real solutions
FileMaker Training
100 Lessons. Every Level. No Fluff.
Structured training for FileMaker developers — from your first layout to the Data API. Each lesson walks you through the concept step by step, with real code, common mistakes, and a quiz to confirm it stuck.
400+ lessons8 topicsBeginner to expertReal code in every lessonQuiz + explanationsProgress tracking
Topics
Five Topics. Twenty Lessons Each.
Every topic builds from the basics up. Filter by difficulty level so you pick up exactly where your skills are — no wading through things you already know.
Calculations
Functions, operators, Let(), JSON, ExecuteSQL, custom functions, stored vs. unstored, and calculation context
Relationships
Match fields, table occurrences, portals, cascade delete, multi-key relationships, and anchor-buoy layout
Layouts
Layout parts, portals, tab controls, slide panels, conditional formatting, themes, and printing
Data API
Authentication, CRUD operations, find requests, sorting, pagination, portal data, container upload, and best practices
FileMaker Server
WebDirect, SSL and Let's Encrypt automation, local accounts, Active Directory/LDAP, Claris ID, Admin API, schedules, and backup strategy
Security
Privilege sets, encryption at rest, audit logging, OAuth/SAML, API security, GDPR compliance, penetration testing, and the data separation model
OData & Custom App API
OData queries, $filter and $select, Power BI and Tableau integration, batch operations, the Custom App API, and performance patterns
Sample Lessons
The Kinds of Things You'll Learn
Not reference docs — actual explanations of how things work, why they work that way, and what trips developers up.
Scripting
The Counter Loop Pattern
BeginnerCalculations
Let() and Variable Scope
IntermediateRelationships
Understanding Table Occurrences
BeginnerLayouts
Conditional Formatting
IntermediateData API
Sorting and Pagination
ExpertFileMaker Server
SSL and Let's Encrypt Automation
IntermediateSecurity
Privilege Sets: FileMaker's Permission Layer
BeginnerOData & Custom App API
Connecting Power BI to FileMaker
IntermediateHow It Works
Built to Actually Teach, Not Just Describe
Every lesson is structured the same way so you always know where you are and what comes next.
1
Step-by-step walkthrough
Each concept is broken into steps you navigate one at a time. Code examples are included where relevant.
2
Common mistakes panel
After working through the steps, you see the mistakes developers commonly make with this topic — and how to avoid them.
3
Quiz with explanations
Answer a short quiz to confirm the knowledge is there. Every answer includes an explanation — not just a correct/wrong flag.
Training plus backup
When the tutorial ends and the client file begins.
If you need a plan, a sanity check, or help finding the clean path through a FileMaker problem, book consulting. Bring the stuck spot, the strange script, or the idea that needs a build plan.
Unblock a lesson
Review your approach
Plan the next build
FAQ
Common Questions
What topics does the training cover?
Eight topics: Scripting, Calculations, Relationships, Layouts, Data API, FileMaker Server, Security, and OData & Custom App API. Over 400 lessons total. The full list is at /learn.
Do I need an account to access the lessons?
The lessons themselves are publicly accessible — read them, work through the steps, take the quiz. An FM Dojo account lets you track which lessons you've completed and see your progress across all topics.
What skill level do I need to start?
Each lesson is labeled beginner, intermediate, or expert. You can filter by level on the training index and start wherever fits your experience. Beginner lessons assume you've opened FileMaker before — nothing more.
Are there quizzes?
Yes — every lesson ends with a quiz. Submit your answers to see an explanation for each question and mark the lesson complete.
How is this different from reading the FileMaker documentation?
The documentation describes what exists. These lessons explain how to use it well — including the gotchas, the patterns experienced developers use, and the mistakes beginners commonly make. Each lesson is opinionated on best practice, not just descriptive.
400+ lessons. Start with one.
Pick your topic, pick your level, and work through it at your own pace.
Browse Lessons