Script Step Behavior Changes in FileMaker 21.1

The FileMaker Pro 21.1 release includes a change in behavior for a number of script steps that include default values.

In general, Claris has adjusted the default values to reflect developers’ most common implementation of these script steps, as long as those defaults are relatively safe. The changes include:

• Steps with “Exit after last” [ On ]
• Steps with “Create folders” [ On ]
• Paste [ without style ]
• Show/Hide Menubar [ Hide ]
• Show/Hide Text Ruler [ Show ]
• Show/Hide Toolbars [ Hide; Include Edit Record Toolbar ]
• Enable Touch Keyboard [ On ]
• Undo/Redo [ Undo ]
• Steps with “with dialog” [ Off ] (except for Change Password, Delete Portal Row, Delete Record, Delete All Records, Perform Find/Replace, Convert File, Truncate Table)

For example, in FileMaker 21.0 and earlier, the default for a PDF export would be:

Save Records as PDF [ With dialog:On ; Create folders:Off ]

In FileMaker 21.1, both defaults are flipped:

Save Records as PDF [ With dialog:Off ; Create folders:On ]

This is just a change to the default value when adding a script step; it will not affect existing script lines. You will see these changes when adding these steps to scripts in the future.

Note that destructive steps, such as Delete Record or Delete Portal Row, will still, by default, have “with dialog” [ On ]. Where those dialogs are frequently disabled on non-destructive steps, such as Import Records and Export Records, the default setting will be “with dialog” [ Off ].

“Exit after last [ On ]” and “Create folders [ On ]” may be among the most welcome changes – at least in this house.

Our Recommendations

You are unlikely to be burned by these changes because Claris was pretty careful with the choices. Still, while you get accustomed to the new defaults, slow down and double-check your work. Let us know if you have any questions!