Advanced script triggers

Expert

Use OnObjectValidate, OnLayoutKeystroke, and OnWindowOpen to build responsive interfaces without polling.

What you'll learn

How OnObjectValidate differs from field validation rules
How to intercept and cancel keystrokes with OnLayoutKeystroke
How to use OnWindowOpen to initialize a window's state

Beyond the common OnObjectEnter/Exit triggers, FileMaker offers triggers for keystroke interception, window events, and field validation. Knowing when to use each one — and how to cancel the triggering event — separates functional solutions from polished ones.

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OnObjectValidate for cross-field validation

Field validation rules only check a single field. OnObjectValidate fires before FileMaker commits the record, letting you run a script that checks relationships between fields and cancels the commit if needed.

FileMaker Script

# Script: Validate Invoice Dates
# Attached to InvoiceDueDate field via OnObjectValidate

If [ Invoices::DueDate < Invoices::InvoiceDate ]
  Show Custom Dialog [ "Due date cannot be before the invoice date." ]
  Exit Script [ Text Result: False ]   # False cancels the validation
End If
Exit Script [ Text Result: True ]      # True allows commit

Insert from URL with cURL options Global variables in multi-user solutions