Sort Records in FileMaker scripts

Beginner

Learn how to sort a found set using Sort Records [Restore] and dynamic sort options, when to unsort for performance, and how Sort interacts with portals.

What you'll learn

How to use Sort Records [Restore] and configure sort criteria
How to unsort the found set when order does not matter
How sort state persists and affects subsequent script steps

Sort Records orders the current found set by one or more fields and is essential for presenting data consistently — but an unnecessary sort on a large found set adds overhead that can be avoided.

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Sort records with stored criteria

Sort Records [ Restore ] replays a sort order you defined when setting up the script step. This is the most common pattern for a fixed, predictable sort.

FileMaker Script

# Sort by last name ascending, then first name ascending
# Criteria saved inside the step at script-edit time
Sort Records [ Restore ; No dialog ]

Set Variable [ $error ; Value: Get ( LastError ) ]
If [ $error ≠ 0 ]
  Exit Script [ Result: $error ]
End If

Replace Field Contents: batch field updates in FileMaker Show Custom Dialog: prompts, confirmations, and input fields