Exploring the Plugin.LimitToFile Feature in the MBS FileMaker Plugin 15.1
The MBS FileMaker Plugin 15.1 introduces an important functionality for FileMaker developers — Plugin.LimitToFile. This feature enhances control over which files can access and utilize the plugin. It’s a useful tool when creating solutions where limiting plugin access to specific files is essential for security or organizational purposes.
What is Plugin.LimitToFile?
In essence, Plugin.LimitToFile restricts the plugin's functionality to certain files within your FileMaker solution. It ensures that only the specified files are allowed to make use of the plugin. This feature is useful when you want to avoid unauthorized use of the plugin or to limit its operation to a select few files. It adds an extra layer of control over the environment in which your plugin operates.
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Nickenich, Germany - (March 11th, 2025) -- Monkeybread Software today is pleased to announce MBS FileMaker Plugin 15.1 for Claris FileMaker for macOS, iOS, Linux and Windows, the latest update to their product that is easily the most powerful plugin currently available for Claris FileMaker produce line. As the leading database management solution for Windows, macOS, iOS and the web, the Claris FileMaker Pro Integrated Development Environment supports a plugin architecture that can easily extend the feature set of the application. MBS FileMaker Plugin 15.1 has been updated and now includes over 7600 different functions, and the versatile plugin has gained more new functions:
We improve our Saxon integration and licensing. We have two new examples to show what is possible with XSLT. One example uses an XML transformation to validate ZUGFeRD, Factur-X or X-Rechnung invoice. The second example uses XSLT to visualize electronic invoices in UBL, ZUGFeRD, Factur-X or X-Rechnung format.
The Barcode.GenerateJSON function can optionally outputs drawing commands as JSON. Our example project shows how to use this to draw QR-Codes with round dots.
For Windows you can programmatically show the properties dialog for a file in explorer with Files.ShowPropertyDialog function. The Files.ShareFile function can open the Windows share sheet to share a file with contacts.
If you like to protect access to MBS FileMaker Plugin, you can use Plugin.LimitToFile to limit the plugin only to a few files. For encryption you can now list the available curves for ECKey function and do ES256 sign and verify.
For macOS and iOS you can query the change history for contacts database. This informs you about changes, that happened since the last time you asked and provides the list of new, updated and deleted contacts.
If you have multiple Python installations, you can use Python.AddSysPath function to point to the directory where to find libraries.
Sending emails can use 8bit instead of quoted printable encoding. The JSON.Import and XML.Import functions can handle dates and numbers better. For XL functions you can address columns in Excel with letters instead of just numbers (e.g. C instead of 2 for 3rd column). The XML.ApplyStylesheet function got the EXSLT extensions. The MQTT feature in CURL functions can keep up the connection.
We added a checkbox for preferences to toggle whether custom functions get parameters autocompleted when you pick a function. We detect links in calculations and make them clickable. For color blind users we can change the error display in the debugger from red to blue. For your own context menu entries with SyntaxColoring.AddContextMenuCommand functions, you can add a calculation to determinate whether a menu command shows.
Finally we updated CURL library to version 8.12.1, DynaPDF to 4.0.98.278, jsoncons to 1.3.0, lcms to 2.17, OpenSSL to 3.3.3, png to 1.6.47 and SQLite to version 3.49.1.
See release notes for a complete list of changes and documentation for new functions.
11. März 2025 - Monkeybread Software veröffentlicht heute das MBS FileMaker Plugin für Claris FileMaker in Version 15.1, mit inzwischen über 7600 Funktionen eines der größten FileMaker Plugins überhaupt. Hier einige der Neuerungen:
Wir verbessern unsere Saxon-Integration und -Lizenzierung. Wir haben zwei neue Beispiele, die zeigen, was mit XSLT möglich ist. Ein Beispiel verwendet eine XLST Transformation, um ZUGFeRD, X-Rechnung oder Factur-X Rechnungen zu validieren. Das zweite Beispiel verwendet XSLT, um elektronische Rechnungen im UBL-, ZUGFeRD-, Factur-X- oder X-Rechnung-Format zu visualisieren.
Die Funktion Barcode.GenerateJSON kann optional die Zeichenbefehle als JSON ausgeben. Unser Beispielprojekt zeigt, wie man damit QR-Codes mit runden Punkten zeichnen kann.
Unter Windows können Sie mit der Funktion Files.ShowPropertyDialog programmatisch den Eigenschaftsdialog für eine Datei im Explorer anzeigen. Die Funktion Files.ShareFile kann die Windows-Freigabemaske öffnen, um eine Datei mit Kontakten zu teilen.
Wenn Sie den Zugriff auf das MBS FileMaker Plugin schützen möchten, können Sie Plugin.LimitToFile verwenden, um das Plugin auf einige wenige Dateien zu beschränken. Beim Thema Verschlüsselung können Sie nun die verfügbaren Kurven für die ECKey-Funktion auflisten und ES256 signieren und verifizieren.
Für macOS und iOS können Sie die Änderungshistorie für die Kontaktdatenbank abfragen. Diese informiert Sie über Änderungen, die seit der letzten Abfrage stattgefunden haben und liefert die Liste der neuen, aktualisierten und gelöschten Kontakte.
Wenn Sie mehrere Python-Installationen haben, können Sie die Funktion Python.AddSysPath verwenden, um auf das Verzeichnis zu verweisen, in dem die Bibliotheken zu finden sind.
Beim Versenden von E-Mails kann die 8-Bit-Kodierung anstelle von Quoted Printable verwendet werden. Die Funktionen JSON.Import und XML.Import können besser mit Daten und Zahlen umgehen. Bei XL-Funktionen können Sie Spalten in Excel mit Buchstaben statt nur mit Zahlen ansprechen (z. B. C statt 2 für die 3. Spalte). Die Funktion XML.ApplyStylesheet hat die EXSLT-Erweiterungen erhalten. Die MQTT-Funktion in CURL-Funktionen kann die Verbindung aufrechterhalten.
Wir haben ein Option für die Voreinstellungen hinzugefügt, mit der Sie festlegen können, ob bei benutzerdefinierten Funktionen die Parameter automatisch vervollständigt werden, wenn Sie eine Funktion auswählen. Wir erkennen Links in Formeln und machen sie anklickbar. Für farbenblinde Benutzer können wir die Fehleranzeige im Debugger von rot auf blau umstellen. Für eigene Kontextmenüeinträge mit SyntaxColoring.AddContextMenuCommand-Funktionen können Sie eine Berechnung hinzufügen, um zu bestimmen, ob ein Menübefehl angezeigt wird.
Schließlich haben wir die CURL-Bibliothek auf Version 8.12.1, DynaPDF auf 4.0.98.278, jsoncons auf 1.3.0, lcms auf 2.17, OpenSSL auf 3.3.3, png auf 1.6.47 und SQLite auf Version 3.49.1 aktualisiert.
Alle Änderungen in den Release Notes. Neue Funktionen in der Dokumentation.
New in this prerelease of version 15.1 of the
MBS FileMaker Plugin:
Download at
monkeybreadsoftware.com/filemaker/files/Prerelease/
You can subscribe to our FileMaker mailing list to get notified for new pre-release and release versions.
Deutsche Version
With the MBS FileMaker Plugin we offer you a toolbox with DynaPDF, XML, CURL and Saxon functions. This allows you to implement electronic invoices in FileMaker. The whole thing runs locally without a web service, without Java, without GPL and without monthly costs.
We recently discussed electronic invoices at the Stammtisch. In addition to the technical aspects, there are also some organizational aspects to consider in the company. The question of how to process electronic invoices and how to create them offers plenty of scope for different implementations. Let's go through the individual steps:
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English Version
Mit dem MBS FileMaker Plugin bieten wir Ihnen einen Werkzeugkasten mit DynaPDF, XML, CURL und Saxon Funktionen an. Damit können Sie elektronische Rechnungen in FileMaker implementieren. Das ganze läuft lokal ohne Webservice, ohne Java, ohne GPL und ohne monatlichen Kosten.
Kürzlich auf dem Stammtisch hatten wir elektronische Rechnungen als Thema. Neben den technischen Aspekten gibt es noch einiges an organisatorischem in der Firma zu beachten. Die Frage wie man elektronische Rechnungen verarbeiten will und wie man Sie erstellt bietet viel Raum für verschiedene Implementierungen. gehen wir mal die einzelnen Schritte durch:
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New in this prerelease of version 15.1 of the
MBS FileMaker Plugin:
- Updated OpenSSL to version 3.3.3.
- Updated DynaPDF to version 4.0.98.278.
- Added RoundHighlightAP flag to DynaPDF.SetGStateFlags function.
- Changed XL functions to accept letters for column parameters.
- Updated jsoncons library to version 1.2.0.
- Updated png library to version 1.6.47.
- Improved Menu.PopUp to report an error if the item for the positioning is not in the menu.
Download at
monkeybreadsoftware.com/filemaker/files/Prerelease/
You can subscribe to our FileMaker mailing list to get notified for new pre-release and release versions.
One month left until Claris Inc. runs their annual Claris Engage developer conference. Once again they do a conference in Austin, Texas from 25th to 26th March 2025 with an optional training day on 27th March. Please join the biggest FileMaker developer conference of the year:
Tickets are from $1200 USD for very early bird tickets to later $1699 USD for the full price ticket with training. Be sure to arrive 24th, so you can join others for a dinner meet-up on the conference eve.
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New in this prerelease of version 15.1 of the
MBS FileMaker Plugin:
Download at
monkeybreadsoftware.com/filemaker/files/Prerelease/
You can subscribe to our FileMaker mailing list to get notified for new pre-release and release versions.
You think about going to Claris Engage 2025 in Austin Texas and you wonder what you could do there with a few extra days?
Especially if you come over from far away, you may enjoy a few extra days to adjust to the time zone and see the surrounding area. I've been seven times in Texas to various conferences and so I can give you a few ideas on what you could do.
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When you receive an electronic invoice in the formats ZUGFeRD, Factur-X, X-Rechnung or UBL, you may need to validate the XML file. You can use our DynaPDF functions to extract the XML from the ZUGFeRD invoice. Once you have the XML, you can do some automated validation. We leverage the XSL and XSD files coming with the ZUGFeRD 2.3 download. They provide a way to check both the structure with the XSD file as well as the content with the XSL file. The XSL file is based on the schematron file with all the business rules, but converted to a stylesheet for using it with the XSLT function. While the schema check makes sure you have the right nodes in the right places, the business rules define what can go in a field and how fields are related.
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New in this prerelease of version 15.1 of the
MBS FileMaker Plugin:
- Added Saxon example to visualize electronic invoices in UBL, ZUGFeRD, Factur-X or X-Rechnung format.
- Added Saxon example to validate the ZUGFeRD, Factur-X or X-Rechnung invoice.
- Updated CURL library to version 8.12.1.
- Implemented keep alive for MQTT feature in CURL functions. Use CURL.SetOptionUpkeepIntervalMS function to enable.
- Added check for menu sorting to not do it when a dialog shows.
Download at
monkeybreadsoftware.com/filemaker/files/Prerelease/
You can subscribe to our FileMaker mailing list to get notified for new pre-release and release versions.
When you receive an electronic invoice in the formats ZUGFeRD, Factur-X, X-Rechnung or UBL, you may need to visualize the XML file. You can use our DynaPDF functions to extract the XML from the ZUGFeRD invoice. Once you have the XML for one of the formats UBL or Cross Industry Invoice, you may want to convert it to HTML and show it in a web viewer.
We leverage the XRechnung Visualization Transformators project from GitHub. This project has a couple of XML stylesheets to convert our invoices to HTML. For this they first convert the UBL or CII XML to an intermediate XML and finally convert that to XML with a second transformation. There is also an alternative output to produce a XML for Apache FOP to make it a PDF file.
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This script utilizes the DynaPDF functions in MBS FileMaker Plugin for FileMaker to add an image into a PDF document. It initializes the DynaPDF library, imports an existing PDF, adds an image to the PDF, and saves the final version. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of each action in the script.
1. Initializing DynaPDF
If [ MBS("DynaPDF.IsInitialized") ≠ 1 ]
Perform Script [ Specified: From list ; “InitDynaPDF” ; Parameter: ]
End If
This section checks if the DynaPDF library is initialized. The function MBS("DynaPDF.IsInitialized") returns 1 if DynaPDF is already initialized. If not, the script calls another script (InitDynaPDF) to perform the initialization. Initializing the DynaPDF library ensures that FileMaker can interact with PDF files and make modifications like importing, editing, and saving PDFs.
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Sometimes plugin users wonder why the plugin doesn't see the WebViewer on the layout, so let's check the various cases:
1. Empty WebViewer
Just put an empty web viewer on a layout. No URL. Does it exist?
When you go to the browse mode, you see the outline drawn, but if you ask the plugin about the web viewer, it can't find it.
Until FileMaker loads something into the WebViewer, it doesn't exist as a control with the operation system and the plugin can't see it.
2. Blank WebViewer
You can put in the URL "about:blank" and then FileMaker creates the WebViewer right away.
If you do something in the script trigger for layout entering, you may need a short pause of 0.1 seconds for FileMaker to create the WebViewer. Same when you just switched layouts. FileMaker delays building the layout on screen to avoid flickering.
3. Out of sight
If the web viewer is not in the visible area, FileMaker doesn't create it. This can mean that resizing the window may bring the WebViewer in sight and thus FileMaker creates the control and we can see from the plugin.
4. On tabs
If you have a tab control with various tabs, the WebViewer can be on a tab. But FileMaker only creates it, if you go on the right tab. If you move to a different tab, the WebViewer is removed from the window, but not freed. So if you come back later, FileMaker can put the same WebViewer on the tab and it keeps the content. Same for slide control and multiple pages there.
5. Hide object when
You can use the calculation to hide the layout object with your WebViewer. But if this hides the WebViewer, there is none in the window. Once the calculation changes to return zero, the WebViewer is created. And that may need a short pause if it happens by script, before it happens.
6. Behind something
You can have another layout object in front of the WebViewer, e.g. a rectangle. This way you can run JavaScript or interact with a website, but not show it to the user. Just put a white rectangle in front of the WebViewer.
7. Plugin based WebViewer
If you use
WebView.Create in
MBS FileMaker Plugin to create a WebViewer, then FileMaker doesn't know about it. Our plugin can use the WebViewer to show content, but FileMaker has no clue. The WebViewer can lay on top of your layouts. If FileMaker moved from record to record, the WebViewer from our plugin stays there and doesn't reload. But if FileMaker rebuilds the layout for the window, there is a chance, that FileMaker removed all existing controls including ours and then you may need to rebuild the plugin based WebViewer.
Check out our WebViewer functions to work with WebViewer controls in FileMaker. Let us know if you have questions!
You have XSLT 1.0 in FileMaker and Xojo built-in as well as in our plugin function to use XSLT (XML.ApplyStylesheet). With our Saxon functions you get XSLT 3.0 and you can enjoy all the 2.0 and 3.0 features in your FileMaker solution and Xojo applications.
XSLT 2.0 and 3.0 introduce several significant improvements and new features compared to XSLT 1.0. Here are the key benefits of XSLT 2.0 and 3.0 over XSLT 1.0:
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You may have seen similar barcodes, which use circles instead of blocks to draw a barcode. We can do the same with MBS FileMaker Plugin 15.1 using Barcode.GenerateJSON function. In order to do this, we added the option to output the drawing commands as JSON instead of drawing them to an image directly.
The JSON includes the width and height of the barcode, which depends on the Scale parameter in the options. For our vector drawing, we would prefer bigger numbers, so a Scale of 4 or 8 may be good. The JSON contains arrays for rectangles, strings, hexagons and circles. For the QR-Codes, we only get rectangles, but an EAN code would have a text below the code. A Maxicode barcode would have hexagons for the dots and circles in the middle.
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New in this prerelease of version 15.1 of the
MBS FileMaker Plugin:
Download at
monkeybreadsoftware.com/filemaker/files/Prerelease/
You can subscribe to our FileMaker mailing list to get notified for new pre-release and release versions.
Noch sieben Monate: Vom 14. bis 17. September 2025 findet die nächste deutschsprachige FileMaker Konferenz in Hamburg, Deutschland statt. Das JUFA Hotel Hamburg HafenCity liegt direkt neben dem Ausgang der U-Bahn Station HafenCity Universität, nur drei Stationen vom Hauptbahnhof via U4, so dass sich die Anreise per Bahn empfiehlt. FileMaker Anwender und Entwickler können ihre Teilnahme buchen.
Anmeldung mit Frühbucherrabatt
Bitte melden Sie sich an, wenn Sie Interesse an der Konferenz haben. Bis zum 30. April 2025 gibt es den Frühbucherrabatt.
Möchten Sie Sponsor oder Sprecher werden?
Aktuell sucht der FMK Verein Vorschläge für interessante Vorträge.
Die Veranstalter vom Verein FM Konferenz erwarten auch 2025 rund 120 Entwickler, Anwender, IT-Fachleute und Entscheidungsträger aus Wirtschaft, Bildung und Verwaltung. Rund um über 25 Fachvorträge und Workshops wird es viel Zeit zum Vernetzen in den gemeinsamen Pausen und beim Abendprogramm geben.
MBS Beitrag
Wir werden wieder ein paar Vorträge beisteuern. Darunter was es neues im MBS Plugin gibt und vermutlich etwas für neue Entwickler. Aktuell steht noch nicht fest, ob es ein Vorprogramm gibt. Bitte meldet euch, wenn ihr Interesse an einem MBS Workshop Tag vorher/nachher habt.
For the 15.1 version of MBS FileMaker Plugin, we made a little change to Text.ReadTextFile to be able to read from /proc directory on Linux. This way you can read various system things. There are hundreds of things you can read there, so let us show you a few useful picks:
Memory Information
The meminfo entry provides information about memory utilization. This varies for different linux versions, but you should be able to query the text and find the entries you like.
Set Variable [ $meminfo ; Value: MBS("Text.ReadTextFile"; "/proc/meminfo") ]
The MemTotal is the total memory in the system. MemFree would be the free memory, but on a Linux system free memory is a waste as every free page could be used for file caching. So MemAvailable defines how much memory is available for use, which includes the free memory, but also memory that could be freed dirctely like file caches. Unevictable shows how much memory can't be moved to swap. You may use these values to calculate some memory statistics and watch it over time.
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