📌 What are container fields?

• Fields that store binary data: images, PDFs, videos, Office docs, etc.
• You can store:
  • Embedded: File stored inside the FileMaker file.
  • Referenced: File path stored, actual file on disk.
  • External storage: Managed storage on server — FileMaker handles saving outside the file in encrypted folders.

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📌 Why are containers important?

• Common for document management systems (DMS), media libraries, digital asset management.
• Used with interactive features — like viewing PDFs inline.

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📌 Best practices for containers

✔️ 1. Use External Storage

• Store files externally (Managed Containers).
• Benefits: Keeps .fmp12 file size small, backups faster, performance better.
• Example: Secure folder on FileMaker Server, with encryption at rest.

✔️ 2. Secure Access

• Apply privilege sets to container access.
• Encrypt transmission (SSL) for remote access.
• Use thumbnail generation to avoid loading full files unnecessarily.

✔️ 3. Use Interactive Content

• For PDFs, use interactive mode so users can scroll/preview.
• Good for invoices, signed docs.

✔️ 4. Versioning

• Build custom version control — e.g., store new file versions in related records.
• Useful for audit trails.

✔️ 5. Use Plugins/External Tools if Needed

• E.g., for OCR, PDF merging, digital signatures.

✔️ 6. Consider Document Management Add-ons

• Some FileMaker solutions include ready-made DMS modules.

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📌 Technical Gotchas

• Referenced containers can break if paths change.
• Large embedded files = bloated backups.
• FileMaker Go & WebDirect have limits for large files.
• Always test WebDirect performance with big containers.