Container Fields on Layouts

Intermediate

Display, configure, and interact with FileMaker container field objects -- covering insert options, storage choices, thumbnail generation, and interactive containers.

What you'll learn

The difference between embedded, by-reference, and external storage
How to configure container field display in Inspector
How to use interactive containers for PDFs and media
How to insert and manage container content from scripts

Container fields store files, images, and audio. Their layout presentation depends on how the container stores content (embedded, by reference, or external), the field's Inspector settings, and whether interactive mode is enabled. Getting container fields right requires understanding the full pipeline from storage to display to user interaction.

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Container storage types

Container fields store data in one of three ways. The choice affects file size, portability, and performance. Server-hosted solutions should use external storage for large files.

TEXT

// Storage types:
// 1. Embedded: binary data stored inside the FM database file
//    - Portable (file travels with the database)
//    - Increases .fmp12 file size
//    - Best for: small files, thumbnails, logos

// 2. By Reference: stores only the file path; file lives on the filesystem
//    - DB stays small; file must be accessible at the stored path
//    - Breaks if file moves
//    - Rarely used in server-hosted solutions (path doesn't work for other clients)

// 3. External (Secure): data stored in a separate RC_DATA folder
//    - Best for: large files (PDFs, videos, high-res images) in server solutions
//    - Configured in File -> Manage -> Containers
//    - Files are managed by FileMaker Server

Charts in FileMaker Layouts Script Triggers -- Comprehensive Guide