Upgrading from Claris FileMaker 18
Overview
Release Date: May 2019
End Of Life: June 2021
Update Releases: 18.0.1 to 18.0.4
File format: .fmp12
Key Release Features
🧰 1. Enhanced Script Error Logging
- FileMaker 18 introduced detailed script error logging via the new Set Error Logging script step. This allowed developers to automatically capture errors to a log file, streamlining troubleshooting and testing in complex solutions.
🔗 2. Redesigned File-Based Script Steps
- New script steps such as Create Data File, Write to Data File, and Read from Data File provided more control over handling external files (like logs or custom exports) directly from within FileMaker.
🔒 3. Security Enhancements
- FileMaker 18 added support for OAuth 2.0 sign-in using Microsoft Azure AD, Google, and Amazon. The Manage Security interface was also improved for better control and visibility over user privileges.
🔄 4. Redesigned Import Dialog
- A completely overhauled import field mapping dialog allowed for easier field alignment during data import, saving time and reducing errors—particularly in more complex databases.
🌐 5. URL Protocol Support (fmp: and fmp18:)
- Improved handling of FileMaker-specific URLs to open apps, run scripts, or pass parameters directly via web or email links, enabling tighter integrations with external systems.
📱 6. FileMaker Go 18 Enhancements
Better stability and performance on iOS, along with improvements to location-based features and sensor support for mobile solutions built with FileMaker Go.
⚙️ 7. Plug-in and Function Improvements
Developers had more flexibility with plug-in management and could use the new While calculation function to streamline repetitive operations, reducing reliance on script loops.
🔐 8. Security Warnings for Older Encryption
- FileMaker 18 flagged legacy encryption methods and unsupported plugins, helping developers stay on top of best practices for application security and compatibility.
Known Security issues:
CVE-2024-27790
https://fm-security.com/posts/bypass_auth/
Ready to upgrade from Claris FileMaker 18?
DataTherapy have provided several high-level guides to upgrading from FileMaker 18:
FileMaker 2024
https://www.datatherapy.com/planning-your-upgrade-to-claris-filemaker-2024-platform
FileMaker 2023
https://www.datatherapy.com/planning-your-upgrade-to-claris-filemaker-2023-platform
At DataTherapy, we help organisations get the most out of the Claris FileMaker platform. We’re a UK-based team of fully employed professionals—no freelancers—and all our developers are Certified Claris FileMaker Experts. As a Claris Platinum Partner, we’re trusted by businesses across the UK to deliver robust, scalable systems that power growth and performance. We can provide assistance in licensing, upgrading, supporting, cloud hosting and developing Claris FileMaker systems.
