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FM - Creating File Paths on a server

Have SuperContainer which allows me to drag and drop files on a container field, which creates a file path and stores the file in it. However, we have some large files that tend to cause a drag on Filemaker, so I want to create a button where I can store "additional files." Currently, I have about 30 large files I'd like to just dump in a folder on the server and have a button in FM that accesses them. I'd like this button to EITHER open the folder path or create it if it is not there (opening is easy; the creating is the problem).

Is there a way in Filemaker or SuperContainer or some other (hopefully free) method to do what I describe?

Thank you.

Will Loving

I'm familiar with SuperContainer by name but have not used it. However, I'll give you a few thoughts using FM's native options and see if any of this get's at what you're trying to do:

1. You can drag and drop files to FileMaker's container fields. You don't need SuperContainer to do it
2. FileMaker has the option to store a file internally, store a path to the file or store the file externally. If you go into field options for the container field you can set the "External Storage" location on the server. FM then stores and keeps track of the location.
3. If you create a calculation text field that is simply set to the container field, it will display the path to the file. You can also use the GetContainerAttribute function to get additional information such as size.

So, the short answer, I think, is to turn on "External Storage" for your container field, specify a location on the server, and then let FM copy the files to the external location for you. FM can encrypt the files but you loose the original name so don't turn that option on unless you need it for security.

https://fmhelp.filemaker.com/help/18/fmp/en/index.html#page/FMP_Help/container-fields.html

https://youtu.be/3jKETRmGR_8

rvfowler2

ASKER

Only issue is that I want to create the file path, but not have FM store the file because with large files (over 10mb), it creates a drag. I just want to create an "additional files" folder for each tenant and then have my people open the folder and drag and drop the files into the folder on the server themselves.

Will Loving

Have you tested whether the drag exists when you are using Filemaker’s External Storage? And when you say a “drag” when are you going experiencing the drag. I’ve used External Storage with larger files and not seen any issues (unless you’re taking gig+ video files)

rvfowler2

ASKER

Thanks, FM's external storage field takes out the middle man of SuperContainer and eliminated the drag, but I still need to create a file path alone as sometimes I need to drag and drop 30 files, and don't want to do them one at a time.

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Will Loving

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rvfowler2

ASKER

Thanks, Will, this is great.