The Support Group Blog

A reader wrote in with a problem:

We just started using FileMaker 11 with databases that were created in previous versions.  In Browse, mode the text formatting button in the layout bar is grayed out.  Is there a way to make this active?

The key clue here to solving the issue was the fact that these files were created in previous versions.  The culprit? Custom menus.

The Support Group has a free white paper entitled Six Questions to Ask Before Hiring Your FileMaker Consultant. This white paper is for you if you have made the decision to invest in FileMaker Pro.  Maybe you need to add new features, improve an existing FileMaker system, or build a whole new FileMaker solution.  If your organization lacks the time or expertise to do it in-house, you will likely hire a FileMaker consultant.  And selecting the right FileMaker developer is crucial to saving you time and money. This complimentary white paper highlights the most important attributes and qualifications of top-tier FileMaker consultants so that you can easily distinguish the quality performers and make a better-informed, more confident decision. We’ve identified six specific questions you need to ask to gain valuable insight into a prospective FileMaker consultant’s competency and business practices.  The answers to these questions will give you the assurance that your developer has both the expertise and the experience to support your FileMaker needs—now and in the future. Download your free copy of Six Questions to Ask Before Hiring Your FileMaker Consultant.

Please note, we've updated this white paper to reflect the current Claris and FileMaker credentials. Nonetheless, the qualities of a good FileMaker developer haven't changed significantly over the years. Experience, business or work structure and cost model are still essential criteria which you should use to evaluate potential FileMaker developers. In addition to knowing what to ask, you also need to understand the substance of the responses you might receive. This white paper adequately addresses what you should look for in order to make the most of your time and money.