It’s clear this Claris FileMaker 2025 release is all about that one thing everyone is talking about: AI. But before our worlds change forever, let’s clap it up for these ten improvements that immediately make our work faster, cleaner, while preparing the way for those new AI features.
1. GetFieldsOnLayout
This new function returns the fields on the current layout as JSON—perfect for debugging, automation, and making new AI integrations layout-aware. It’s like x-ray vision for your UI. We can’t wait to remove the custom functions we created to do this very thing!
{
"fields" :
{
"Main Menu::CreatedBy" :
{
"type" : "string"
},
"Main Menu::CreationTimestamp" :
{
"type" : "string"
},
"Main Menu::ModificationTimestamp" :
{
"type" : "string"
},
"Main Menu::ModifiedBy" :
{
"type" : "string"
},
"Main Menu::PrimaryKey" :
{
"type" : "string"
}
},
"layout_name" : "Main Menu"
}
2. GetTextFromPDF
Pull text straight from PDFs in container fields, natively. No more third-party tools or copy-paste workarounds. Whether we’re indexing contracts, parsing forms, or feeding data into searches, this is already saving us time.
3 & 4. Go to List of Records + GetRecordIDsFromFoundSet
These two features work in tandem: grab record IDs from a found set, then script a jump to those records on another layout. This replaces the need to create List summary fields and Global context schema to “jump” to a set of records, it’s all now built directly into the platform.
5. Folders for Custom Functions
At long last: order in the chaos. We can now organize custom functions into folders just like scripts and layouts. If you’ve ever squinted through a list of 74 similarly named config functions for all those add-ons someone injected into your file, you know how huge this is.
6. Collapse Control Script Parts
The Script Workspace now lets us collapse control blocks steps: Ifs, Loops, and Transactions. Easier reading, less scrolling, and fewer “where the heck does this Loop end?” moments. This one’s a sanity saver.
7. Major Releases via Check for Updates
You can now upgrade to major versions (like 2025) through Help > Check for Updates. No full installer, no separate downloads—just update and go. Yippee!
8. Let’s Encrypt Integration
Secure your FileMaker Server with SSL in just a few clicks. No more expiring cert surprises with renewals now fully automated. This helps makes HTTPS standard for everyone and security for Claris FileMaker that much easier.
9. WebDirect Browser Back Button Warning
Users accidentally closing tabs or hitting “back” and ending their sessions? WebDirect now warns them before they bail. A small change with big impact for usability (and support ticket volume).
10. Add/Remove Object to Group
As UI junkies, this might be our favorite! You can now add items to a group or remove them without ungrouping everything first. That’s right no more click dragging, renaming, or hide criteria copying your way through groups anymore. This makes layout editing less painful—especially when working inside tab panels or complex stacked objects.
These features may not be flashy, but they’re the kinds of changes that make us excited to upgrade and happy to develop with a tool that can do all that.
Want to see how these features could level up your own FileMaker?
