Claris FileMaker WebDirect is a browser-based client for FileMaker custom apps.
It allows authorized users to open and use a FileMaker application in a compatible web browser without installing FileMaker Pro on their computer.
The custom app is still created with FileMaker Pro and hosted on FileMaker Server or FileMaker Cloud. WebDirect translates its layouts and interactions into a web experience.
How Does FileMaker WebDirect Work?
When a user opens a WebDirect URL, the web browser connects to the FileMaker Server Web Publishing Engine.
The server processes the FileMaker layouts, records, scripts, security rules, and user interactions. The Web Publishing Engine translates this information into web technologies such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript, HTTPS, and WebSockets.
This happens dynamically. The developer does not export the FileMaker app as a conventional website.
The same hosted FileMaker database can be used simultaneously by people connecting through FileMaker Pro, FileMaker Go, and WebDirect.
What Can Users Do in WebDirect?
Depending on the custom app and the user’s privileges, WebDirect can allow users to:
- view, create, and edit records;
- perform searches;
- sort data;
- navigate between layouts;
- run FileMaker scripts;
- work with related records;
- view charts and reports;
- upload or download container data;
- import and export records;
- generate documents;
- interact with buttons, popovers, portals, and other layout objects.
WebDirect supports a substantial part of the FileMaker user experience, but it is not identical to FileMaker Pro.
Some FileMaker features and script steps behave differently or are unavailable in a browser.
No FileMaker Installation Required
The principal benefit of WebDirect is that the user does not need to install FileMaker Pro.
An authorized person receives a URL, opens it in a supported browser, and signs in to the custom app.
This can simplify access for:
- occasional users;
- external partners;
- temporary employees;
- warehouse or production terminals;
- customers and suppliers;
- users on computers where software installation is restricted;
- teams working across several operating systems.
The application and its updates remain centralized on the server.
WebDirect Is Not a Public Website Builder
WebDirect publishes FileMaker layouts in a browser, but it is not intended to replace WordPress or a conventional public website.
Its principal purpose is to give authenticated users browser access to an operational FileMaker custom app.
A public marketing website normally requires technologies designed for content publishing, search-engine optimization, accessibility, high anonymous traffic, and independent visual design.
When a completely custom public interface is required, Custom Web Publishing, OData, or another API-based architecture may be more appropriate.
WebDirect vs. FileMaker Pro
FileMaker Pro is a native desktop application for macOS and Windows. It provides the most complete FileMaker experience and is also the environment used to develop custom apps.
WebDirect is a browser client intended only for using an app. Web users cannot modify its tables, fields, relationships, layouts, or scripts.
FileMaker Pro generally offers:
- broader feature support;
- stronger desktop integration;
- more complete printing and export capabilities;
- better performance for complex interfaces;
- access to development tools when permitted.
WebDirect offers:
- immediate access through a browser;
- no local installation;
- centralized deployment;
- easier access for occasional and external users;
- compatibility with a wider range of devices.
Many organizations use both clients for different categories of users.
WebDirect vs. FileMaker Go
FileMaker Go is a native iPhone and iPad application. It can interact with mobile hardware and open local FileMaker files for offline use.
WebDirect runs inside a browser and does not require the FileMaker Go application. It can be used on supported computers and mobile devices, but it remains dependent on a connection to the server.
For intensive mobile workflows involving barcode scanning, signatures, photographs, or offline operation, FileMaker Go is often the stronger choice.
For immediate browser access without installing an application, WebDirect may be more appropriate.
Designing for WebDirect
An existing FileMaker layout may open in WebDirect, but that does not guarantee a good browser experience.
WebDirect applications should be designed with web constraints in mind. A layout containing hundreds of objects, large images, overlapping elements, or complex script triggers may be slower in a browser than in FileMaker Pro.
Good WebDirect design generally involves:
- simpler layouts;
- clear browser-oriented navigation;
- fewer objects per screen;
- limited use of unsupported features;
- careful testing of scripts;
- efficient searches and relationships;
- layouts adapted to the expected screen size;
- minimizing unnecessary communication with the server.
The developer does not need to write HTML, CSS, or JavaScript to create a WebDirect interface, although JavaScript web viewers may still be incorporated when appropriate.
Server Resources and Performance
WebDirect requires more server resources than a conventional FileMaker Pro connection because the server performs much of the work required to render and operate the interface.
Every layout object, user action, script trigger, and data request may create communication between the browser and the server.
Performance therefore depends on:
- the design of the FileMaker app;
- the number of simultaneous WebDirect users;
- server CPU and memory;
- network latency;
- the complexity of layouts and scripts;
- the amount of data being transferred.
A server intended for significant WebDirect use should be sized and configured accordingly.
Security
WebDirect users authenticate against the accounts and privilege sets defined for the FileMaker custom app.
Connections should always use HTTPS with a valid SSL certificate. The application should expose only the layouts, scripts, records, and fields required by each category of user.
Because WebDirect makes an application accessible through a browser, developers should review security carefully and test with non-administrator accounts.
The browser URL does not bypass FileMaker security. However, the quality of that security still depends on how the custom app and server have been configured.
FileMaker WebDirect with fmcloud.fm
fmcloud.fm provides infrastructure specifically configured for hosting FileMaker applications.
WebDirect is included with our Pro plan and with the all-inclusive Personal plan. It is not included as a production feature of the Starter plan, although moving between hosting plans is straightforward.
Our WebDirect hosting includes:
- a valid SSL certificate;
- managed FileMaker Server infrastructure;
- monitoring;
- FileMaker Server updates;
- local and encrypted off-site backups;
- worldwide data-centre choices;
- support from FileMaker specialists.
Because WebDirect performance depends heavily on both application design and server configuration, our team can also help determine whether a performance issue originates in the custom app, its network connection, or the hosting environment.
A free 15-day trial allows organizations to test their own WebDirect application under real conditions without providing credit-card information.
Conclusion
FileMaker WebDirect makes FileMaker custom apps available through a web browser.
It provides authenticated users with access to records, layouts, scripts, reports, and workflows without requiring FileMaker Pro to be installed.
Its main advantages are rapid deployment, centralized updates, and easy access for occasional, external, or cross-platform users.
WebDirect is not identical to FileMaker Pro and should not be treated as an automatic conversion of every desktop layout. Applications designed and tested specifically for browser use provide the best performance and user experience.
With properly designed layouts and appropriately configured infrastructure, FileMaker WebDirect can extend a FileMaker custom app to users almost anywhere.
