Because FileMaker Go lacks a synchronization feature, it’s up to you to figure out how to merge data from hosted and offline versions of a file. But if you must work on a database from a location without network access, you’ll have to save a copy of the file to your device and run it locally. When accessing a hosted database with FileMaker Go, your changes are recorded and saved in real time.

One thing the old FileMaker Mobile did offer, however, was a degree of synchronization. Everything from data formatting to user permissions to reporting can rely on calculations and FileMaker Go doesn’t require compromise on this score. Calculations are part of the fabric of almost every database. Unlike the long abandoned FileMaker Mobile, FileMaker Go performs calculations. If you’re going to be using FileMaker Go regularly, you’ll end up making device-specific layouts. While that’s a welcome capability, rendering a graphics-heavy layout can be slow, and a view designed for a 22-inch monitor isn’t particularly suited to hand-held screens. Upon opening a file it will load whatever layout (a layout is a particular view of a database) you’ve specified. With real-time access one can, in theory, use a database from any place with Wi-Fi or 3G network coverage. The app is a real FileMaker client that can run scripts, render layouts and evaluate calculations.įileMaker Go can store databases directly on the device, but more compelling is its ability to access databases hosted by FileMaker Pro or FileMaker Server. The app’s feature set is the same on both-something like a “thin client” that serves the needs of database users but omits the design and programming elements found inįileMaker Pro ( ). FileMaker Go comes in an iPhone/iPod touch version and another for the iPad. After some time on the sidelines of mobile computing, Apple’s wholly owned subsidiary,įileMaker Inc., has introduced FileMaker Go for the iOS.

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