FMComparison Help
You should absolutely read all of the following before using FMComparison.
CAVEAT: This is beta software. I can make no guarantees about the accuracy or completeness of the results until it has been fully validated by myself and by user experience. Exercise caution when using the results to guide development decisions.
Software Requirements
- FileMaker Pro 19 or higher.
- macOS 10.13 or higher.
- Windows 10 or higher. I’ve only tested in Windows 10, but it should work back to Windows 7. I would love to get confirmation of that from users.
- Up-to-date FMPerception support.
Requirements/Limitations
- FMComparison is currently not licensed independently from FMPerception. You must be a licensed user of FMPerception with up-to-date support in order to install FMComparison. Like FMPerception, you can install and use any version released before your support expires, even after your support expires.
- During the beta period, FMComparison will not be available to FMPerception users under a Trial license.
- FMComparison currently requires FileMaker 19 or greater. We may or may not add support for FileMaker 18 at some point in the future.
- FMComparison does not use the Database Design Report (DDR) XML. It uses the XML produced by the Tools —> Save a Copy as XML… menu item introduced in FileMaker 18.
- FMComparison compares single database files at a time. Claris has not yet implemented a multi-file XML export for the new XML format, and we have not introduced our own. If you need to compare multiple files, they can be run concurrently, but each will need to be run independently in its own window.
- I fully anticipate releasing many updates in the coming weeks, so if you regularly have restricted internet access or no internet access, you may want to wait a while before getting involved in the beta. If you can’t regularly access the update server and the registration server, your experience may suffer.
- FMComparison likes screen real-estate. Blow that window up!
Using FMComparison
- Export/gather XML from 2 versions of one of your FileMaker database files using the Tools —> Save a Copy as XML… menu item.
- After FMComparison launches, you will be presented with an interface allowing you to select the original version and the modified version. Click the appropriate Select button for each.
- FMComparison will warn you if you select the same file twice, or if you select 2 copies of the same file.
- FMComparison will warn you if you select a more recent file as the Original file, but it will not stop the process. There are situations where you might want to do this, either because you exported the original xml after the modified xml, or if you are looking for a guide to rolling back a series of changes.
- After both files have loaded, click Begin Comparison.
- Once the comparison has completed, you can click View Comparison to review the results.
- [MORE TO COME]
Philosophy of FMComparison
The diff tool in FMPerception looked at each edited property as a “change”. Unfortunately, this produced an excessively detailed report that was difficult to understand without dumping the data into something like FileMaker in order to isolate the kinds of changes you were most concerned about. Too many trees, not enough forest.
FMComparison looks at a FileMaker element (field, table, script, layout, etc) as the core unit of change. Any changed properties in an element will cause the element to be flagged as edited. Once you click on it, it itemizes the changes to just that element. Additionally, the ordering of elements relative to each other is isolated into special Organization categories, allowing us to isolate element changes specific to those made to that element itself. If changes to the order of scripts or layouts are not relevant to your process, you never have to look at them.
Whenever possible, FMComparison will use the UUID that Claris has added to the XML to associate elements across versions. However, when that leaves elements unlinked, FMComparison will fall back to element names and FileMaker IDs. In certain cases, depending upon your process, this might result in two completely independent elements being associated, appearing as a single edited element rather than one deleted element and one created element. Nine times out of ten, this will occur when the items have matching FileMaker IDs. Note that when this occurs, all the properties of both elements will still be available in the details display.
FMComparison is intended as companion tool to FMPerception. There are currently no plans to sell it independently of FMPerception.
Welcome to the birth of the FMPerception Suite!
Still On the Agenda
- Keyboard navigation – We’d like to add further key commands with the intention of allowing mouseless navigation of the comparison results.
- Full-Screen details – We hope to better support users with smaller displays by allowing users to view the Details column full-screen once an element has been selected.
- Suppressing unedited properties – We’d like the user to be able to show only the changed properties in the details, rather than all properties with the changed ones highlighted.
- Running only a portion of the diff – We hope to allow the user to indicate when they only care about changes to scripts, or layouts, or custom functions. This should hopefully result in faster comparison.
- Suppressing irrelevant changes – When you change the name of a field, FileMaker updates the definition of every element that references that field, and this causes the item to appear as “changed”. Our future intention is to make FMComparison be able to isolate these changes such that items changed only because another item was renamed will not appear as changes.
- Dark Mode – ‘Nuff said.
- …and lots of other cool stuff.
Still Having Problems?
If you’re having difficulty working with FMComparison, we’d very much like to hear from you. Bug reports, issues, and feature requests are all most welcome. The best way to get that information to us is via email at support@geistinteractive.com.
Filing Bugs:
- During beta, FMComparison creates a text file on the desktop called “FMComparison_Developer_Logging.txt”. Including this file will be extremely helpful, especially in cases of crashes.
- As we all know, detailed descriptions are helpful.
- Larger screenshots are best. Very often the context of exactly how you got there is more important than the thing that’s not showing properly.
- Whenever possible/appropriate, include a zipped copy of both XML files. Very often it takes longer to reproduce an issue than to fix the code.
- Thank you in advance to those of you who include video. 🙂
WidgetStudio is No Longer for Sale
Due to changes in the Claris FileMaker Platform, WidgetSudio no longer makes sense as a commercial product. As of 11/25/2020, we will no longer sell new subscriptions, and we will cancel all current subscription to WidgetStudio.
All license holders will receive an unlocked version of WidgetStudio to use forever. We’ll notify license holders when that its ready.
If you have any questions please email support@geistinteractive.com
Automatic Server-To-Server File Migration
Otto Does All This! – Ottomatically!

Automatic File Migration
Seamlessly move files between servers and optionally migrate data
Scriptable Deployment
Write FileMaker scripts to automate any deployment.
Full Developer API
Everything that Otto does is exposed as a well-documented API
Already have a license? Download latest version from your account.
UPDATE! – Otto Migrator and Otto are ready for FileMaker Pro 19 and FileMaker Server 19!
The Real Problem With Data Migrations
Fast Imports is Just the First Step
Fast data imports was a critical problem that has been solved by the FileMaker Data Migration Tool, but that just exposed the next bottleneck in the process of reliably migrating FileMaker solutions
Transferring Large Files Is Slow
It’s going to be time consuming if your data migration strategy involves copying large files to and from a cloud server
Mistakes Will Be Made
If you do anything manually, there will come a day when you don’t do it correctly. You will make a mistake. The only question is: how bad will it be?
The Solution
My world changed!! The migrations from Dev to Prod have been flawless from the first time I ran it…. turning what was, as you know, hours and hours of work into 4-6 minute updates. Seriously life changing.
Watch What Otto Can Do For You
The included and unblocked Otto Migrator.fmp12 file is all you need to get started.
Click the image above to play the video
You need Dev Ops for FileMaker
A Developer Operations (DevOps) tool helps the developer to automate the tedious and error-prone processes of deploying, migrating and monitoring solutions. In the case of data migrations, a DevOps tool must provide the ability to:
- Completely automate the process of moving files from one server to another
- Configure automatic data migrations using the FileMaker Data Migration Tool
- Add your custom logic so you can perform the types of migrations that you need to execute
With a DevOps tool, you will be able to create full automatic multi-server deployments and data migrations that run at the push of the button, or on a schedule.
Otto does all that and a whole lot more!
Otto Does What You Want Your Server To Do – Ottomatically!
Migration Use Cases
- Migrate files from development to production servers
- Deploy new versions of a vertical market solution
- Automatically install files on a new server
Developer API
- Grab copies and clones from a dev server
- Download backups
- Use FileMaker scripts to write your own migration routines
FileMaker 17 & 18 Features
- Data API Proxy and API Key
- Enable and disable XML and PHP
- Disable automatic backup schedule
Fully Responsive Web Interface

Pricing
Free Version | 3 Server Pack | 10 Server Pack | 25 Server Pack | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Number of Servers | unlimited | 3 Servers | 10 | 25 Servers |
Responsive Web Based Admin Console | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Otto Migrator Starter Solution | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Missing Admin Console Features | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Proxy Server and API Tokens | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Web Based FileManager | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Restricted Migration Feature Set | Yes | – | – | – |
Restricted API Access | Yes | – | – | – |
Full Access To All Migration Features | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Full Developer API Access | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Free | $400/year | $800/year | $1600/year |
- Free Version
- Unlimited Servers
- Responsive Web Based Admin Console
- Otto Migrator Starter Solution
- Missing Admin Console Features
- Proxy Server and API Tokens
- Web Based FileManager
- Restricted Migration Feature Set
- Restricted API Access
- Free
- 3 Server Pack
- 3 Servers
- Responsive Web Based Admin Console
- Otto Migrator Starter Solution
- Missing Admin Console Features
- Proxy Server and API Tokens
- Web Based FileManager
- Full Access To All Migration Features
- Full Developer API Access
- $400/year
- 10 Server Pack
- 10 Servers
- Responsive Web Based Admin Console
- Otto Migrator Starter Solution
- Missing Admin Console Features
- Proxy Server and API Tokens
- Web Based FileManager
- Full Access To All Migration Features
- Full Developer API Access
- $800/year
- 25 Server Pack
- 25 Servers
- Responsive Web Based Admin Console
- Otto Migrator Starter Solution
- Missing Admin Console Features
- Proxy Server and API Tokens
- Web Based FileManager
- Full Access To All Migration Features
- Full Developer API Access
- $1600/year
Can I Buy a Single Server?
You will need at least two Otto servers to do a migration. If you have an existing license you can purchase additional Otto server licenses for $200/yr. Please review our multi-server license bundles, which can save you money compared to add-on licenses.
Vertical Market and Other Large Volume Licenses
Please contact us now if you need larger volumes or even perpetual licenses. These types of licenses work well for SBA developers, hosting providers and other large customers. Please call us to discuss pricing for these options.
Get Started & Learn More
Technical Specifications
- Otto works with FileMaker Server 16 and higher.
- It has to be installed on the FileMaker Server itself.
- It does not currently work with FileMaker Cloud.
Documentation
Otto’s documentation has all the information on how to install, setup and use Otto and its associated tools.
From the Creators of FMPerception

When an XML DDR fails to import into FMPerception or some other tool, it can be tough to find the exact problem. DamageDetectoR does that for you, showing exactly the problem and where it is located.
Read all about it here.
Simple & Effective

DamageDetectoR’s one window interface shows all the issues that could occur and exactly the object in which the issues occur.
The Features
DamageDetectoR can find common issues that cause an XML DDR to fail.
Invalid Characters
It is possible to paste invalid characters into a FileMaker object or calculation box.
Corrupted XML tags
An object can sometimes get corrupted, causing a badly-formed XML tag.
Over 10mb Text Strings
Some saved settings in a script can result in a piece of text that breaks XML parsers.


Learn More
DamageDetectoR is simple to understand. Check out our documentation to learn all about the tool.
DamageDetectoR is simple to understand. Check out our documentation to learn all about the tool.
You can also email us directly at support@geistinteractive.com and we will help you learn more about how this tool can be used.
Speed Development. Learn Modern Techniques
Generator™ Makes it Easy!

The first ever, Free & Open Source FileMaker developer utility for integrating with web APIs and JSON data.
New! Fully Supports FileMaker 16 and Higher
It makes it faster and easier to connect your FileMaker custom application to any other API-supported website or service.
By creating ready-to-use scripts that are pre-integrated with web and JSON APIs, you can quickly and easily connect your FileMaker solutions to any supported website or service. It’s as easy as 1-2-3!
And now it can generate code that uses the native built in FileMaker 16 functions and script steps.
Generator, is completely free and open source. Give it a try, today!
Takes the Trouble out of Working with Web APIs
If you are new to cURL and HTTP Requests
Generator can help you by guiding you through the process of working with Web APIs. You fill out a form and select from options in drop-down menus to create a request; then you can test it with the push of a button. Once you have it working, press a button, and you have working scripts ready to be pasted into your own solution.
If you already know how to work with Web APIS
Generator can help you too, by making it easy for you to experiment with APIs, correctly formatting the request, and generating working code when you’re ready to move it into your solution.
Works with any JSON-based API
Generator takes the tedium out of working with APIs. Once you learn it for one of API, you’ll be able to use it for any API out there that uses JSON

Here are a just a few of the thousands of APIs that Generator can help you with.
Generator Makes Working with JSON Easy
Map JSON to Fields
Generator analyzes your open database and helps you create a field map between the fields in your database and the data elements in the JSON data
Generate Script Steps
Once the fields are mapped, you click a button and the ready-to-use FileMaker scripts are generated and placed on your clipboard.
Paste
Copy and paste the pre-integrated script steps into your FileMaker app. They will connect up to the fields in your app automatically.
Support
Generator requires FileMaker 15 or higher. The FileMaker Scripts it generates work with FileMaker 12 through 18, so once the scripts are in your own file, you can use any version of FileMaker after 12.
Email support questions to support@geistinteractive.com
Credits
Chiyoko Yoshida of Chiyofm created the theme for Generator. In addition to being a great FileMaker Developer, Chiyo is an awesome artist.
The Base Elements plugin is required. It’s freely provided by Goya. You can download it here.
Want to help?
Generator is an open source tool. You are free to do with it as you wish. We hope that you’ll consider contributing back any useful features you come up with. We manage the project on GitHub. If you have ideas, please post them to the issue tracking there.
Realtime Developer Intelligence For FileMaker
FMPerception is Ready for 19! Includes Features Designed for FileMaker 19! fast! accurate! easy to use!
FMPerception™ is the only RealTime Developer Intelligence utility available for FileMaker. It helps you develop the highest-quality FileMaker custom apps – faster and easier than ever before.
Get a fully-functioning 14-day FREE trial!
Have questions? Come to Office Hours
Every Thursday at 1pm Pacific, we host an open video webinar/ chat / user group. You can come and ask questions, share your screen, or just hang out and listen. We’d love to have you.
FileMaker developers around the world LOVE FMPerception
Thanks a lot for the new Report Card feature. That’s really fantastic and extremely helpful. For me, FMPerception is the best FileMaker developer tool ever!
FMPerception instantly became one of my ‘can’t develop without’ tools – for its speed of analysis, and ability to query deep into every part of a solution.
“The pace of updates is fantastic. Thanks for a great product.”
The GUI and feature set are very impressive.
I just loaded it … and love it. It’s blazingly fast, compared to other tools. Another plus is it’s actually easy to navigate around and find things.
Just don’t fight with your databases anymore. If you’re debugging or refactoring FMPerception has eliminated the guesswork.
Get more done every day with these new FMPerception features!
Get a high level overview of your FileMaker system. The Database Report Card is designed to give you an indication of the complexity and potential problems in a FileMaker application – indispensable for a project that you have inherited!NEW! The Database Report Card
NEW! Call Chain Visualization.
Call Chain Visualization literally adds another dimension to your perception of how your scripts work together. Follow the flow of your scripts from top to bottom with this two-dimensional flow chart of your scripts.
Plus, FMPerception does all this and more:
Every Detail Exposed
Displays every detail of your FileMaker database structure in seconds by simply opening your FileMaker Pro Advanced Database Design Report (DDR) with FMPerception.
Multifile Support
Generates a complete view of your multi-file solution so you can see everything in one place.
Security Audit
Identifies security concerns like accounts with missing passwords and scripts that run with full access privilege.
Speed Up Slow Layouts
Detects layout objects that may be bogging down your solution, such as objects that have local CSS or portals that require lots of relationships to resolve.
Find Upstream Scripts
ARVE Error: src mismatch
url: https://vimeo.com/169282399
src in: ?dnt=1
src gen: https://player.vimeo.com/video/169282399?dnt=1Actual comparison
url: https://vimeo.com/169282399
src in:
src gen: https://player.vimeo.com/video/169282399
If you ever need to change how a given script is called by other scripts, you’ll need to quickly find all the scripts that call it. Watch this video to see how quickly you can answer questions like this.
Build Your Own Tools
ARVE Error: src mismatch
url: https://vimeo.com/170322096
src in: ?dnt=1
src gen: https://player.vimeo.com/video/170322096?dnt=1Actual comparison
url: https://vimeo.com/170322096
src in:
src gen: https://player.vimeo.com/video/170322096
You can export the results of any search or query to a CSV file. This makes it easy to build your own tools like this Custom Function checker we show in the above video.
Detects Broken References
Finds broken references and unreferenced objects so you can fix them or remove them.
Find Where Something is Used
Shows where specific scripts, global variables, layouts, fields and custom functions are used.
Search for Any Text String
Includes a free-form text search to find virtually any string used in your app.
DiffViewer
Documents the differences between two versions of a solution using the DiffViewer.
Modern Flexible Interface
Displays details in a modern, customizable interface to meet your specific needs.
Code Snippet Library
Makes it easy to copy snippets of code and paste into another FileMaker database. It basically turns any DDR into a code snippet library. Watch Video
Stay Focused
Eliminates disruptions to your workflow and coding mindset to help you operate at maximum productivity throughout the day. You will use it as part of your regular FileMaker development practice throughout the day and will wonder how you ever survived without it.
Supported Versions
Works with FileMaker Pro Advanced 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 and 18. Runs on Macs and Windows PCs.
Automated DDR Creation
ARVE Error: src mismatch
url: https://vimeo.com/168720475
src in: ?dnt=1
src gen: https://player.vimeo.com/video/168720475?dnt=1Actual comparison
url: https://vimeo.com/168720475
src in:
src gen: https://player.vimeo.com/video/168720475
FMPerception is so fast, you’ll find you want to automate the DDR creation step. We have some documentation on a few ways to do that. Here is video showing how we did it with Applescript.
Pricing
- Single User
- $499
- Install on up to 2 computers
- free upgrades for 1 year after purchase
- renew at 50% of List Price after the first year *
- Small Team
- $899
- Install on up to 5 computers
- free upgrades for 1 year after purchase
- renew at 50% of List Price after the first year *
- Medium Team
- $1399
- Install on up to 10 computers
- free upgrades for 1 year after purchase
- renew at 50% of List Price after the first year *
- Large Team
- $2199
- Install on up to 20 computers
- free upgrades for 1 year after purchase
- renew at 50% of List Price after the first year *
- Enterprise
- $2999
- Install on up to 50 computers
- free upgrades for 1 year after purchase
- renew at 50% of List Price after the first year *
* Important Note About License Renewals! By renewing your license each year for 50% off the list price, you will continue to get access to the latest versions of FMPerception. This is especially helpful now that FileMaker is shipping new versions every year.
Each license is good for up to the number of computers listed. However, we don’t care how you distribute the licenses within your company or organization. That’s up to you.
Check out the documentation page for FMPerception. If you still have questions, you have two options. FMPerception has a public forum on fmforums.com. You can get answers from the community there. You can also email us directly at support@geistinteractive.com.Documentation & Support
FileMaker Version Support
FMPerception works with FileMaker Pro, versions 12 and higher, anything with a .fmp12 file extension.
FileMaker versions 12 through 16 require FileMaker Pro Advanced, which was a separate product. FileMaker 17 and higher are only advanced for the Desktop. So everyone can use FMPerception 🙂
We support the product on any version of FileMaker officially supported. See here for more details.
It does not work with FileMaker Pro 11 and earlier.
FMPerception was created by James David Ramsey
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