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Filemaker is a powerful platform for developing custom applications, but it can be challenging to master. Online forums like Claris Community, FMForums and FMSoup are a valuable resource for Filemaker developers of all levels, providing a platform for asking questions, sharing knowledge and collaborating with others.
This article will explore three of the best FileMaker forums available:
- Claris Community: The official FileMaker forum, hosted by Claris International, offers a wealth of resources, including tutorials, documentation, and a vibrant community of users.
- FMForums.com: An independent forum with a focus on technical discussions and problem-solving.
- the.FMSoup.org: A community-driven forum known for its friendly atmosphere and helpful members.
Claris Community
Ranking #1
Claris Community takes 1st place - the best resource for FM devs due to its active and helpful community
The Claris Community is the official online forum for FileMaker users, serving as the central hub for support and information sharing.
The community boasts over 30,000 members, ranging from seasoned experts to newcomers in the FileMaker space. Alongside its large membership, it has more than 2,000 Claris-focused articles and over 175,000 discussions, offering a valuable source of information and insights.
A standout feature of the community is the Claris Engineering blog, which keeps members informed about the latest developments from Claris and FileMaker. This blog ensures users are always in the loop with the most recent advancements and updates.
Moreover, the Claris Academy is also a great feature, providing an array of instructional videos and courses for certification. For example, the 'FileMaker Pro Associate' course is designed as the introductory course to build the fundamental skills necessary for building FileMaker Pro applications. As developers progress through these courses, they earn badges that are displayed on their community profiles, serving as a testament to their progress.
The community's activity is also one of its key strengths. With an average of 2,550 posts across each month in just the FileMaker section, the community facilitates easy connection and interaction among users and developers worldwide. This ensures individuals seeking advice can quickly receive expert tips and guidance.
In an overall sense the Claris Community is a great place to start if you're looking for a Filemaker forum.
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FMForums.com
Ranking #2
We've given 2nd place to FMForums.com - an excellent resource but not quite as active as the Claris Community.
FMForums.com stands as a great resource for FileMaker users, providing a platform for in-depth discussions and knowledge sharing.
The site delves into various aspects of FileMaker, from the latest advancements to intricate details of FileMaker scripting and calculation engines.
The range of discussions is impressive with topics on incorporating AI tools like ChatGPT, Google Bard, and MS Bing into FileMaker solutions offering valuable insights into the practical application of these technologies within the FileMaker environment.
The site's member-contributed resources, including videos, articles, tips, tricks, and techniques related to FileMaker, serve as a really great repository for learning and enhancing FileMaker skills. Users can delve into detailed discussions on various aspects of the FileMaker platform, from interface features and schema design to logical functions and relationship management.
FMForums.com also hosts blogs and discussions on various versions of FileMaker, with latest activity in Claris FileMaker Pro 19.6 and FileMaker Server 20.3. These discussions typically highlight new features, enhancements, and optimizations introduced in these versions, helping users stay up-to-date with the latest developments in the FileMaker landscape.
With its active community of FileMaker users and developers, FMForums.com is definitely a worthwhile resource to explore and engage with the FileMaker community.
FMSoup.org
Ranking #3
Compared to the other two, FMSoup.org has less activity, yet it remains a valuable forum for FileMaker enthusiasts
The site's well-structured layout and comprehensive coverage of FileMaker-related topics also make it a solid resource for anyone seeking to enhance their FileMaker skills and stay informed about the latest advancements.
FMSoup divides discussion into a few different categories. The Homepage has general discussions on a wide range of FM-related topics from development to usage as well as important alerts and updates for FileMaker professionals. The Curated Collections channel is a section of member-curated articles, links and websites while the Resources section provides non-official Filemaker documentation and insights.
Users have appreciated the forum for its utility and the quick response time to queries, making it a go-to source for FileMaker-related information.
Conclusion: Which Is the Best Filemaker Forum
Claris Community:
- Official source: Get insider info straight from Claris, plus tons of learning materials. Perfect for starting out, asking basic questions, and finding official answers - coupled with over 175,000 discussions
FMForums.com:
- Technical paradise: As an independent forum, it excels in facilitating deep technical discussions and problem-solving.
FMSoup.org:
- Friendly/approachable discussion: More personalized guidance and discussions. With its focused channels, including the Lounge for in-depth discussions and the Questions channel for beginner-friendly advice, it serves as a supportive space for both new and experienced FileMaker developers.
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