Managing FileMaker Pro Preferences Using Group Policies

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The following is a shared blog from Oliver Block, Brightsource IT Skeleton Key, builds custom applications for companies who can’t find off-the-shelf software to meet their needs. Some of the applications they build are created in FileMaker Pro. Unfortunately, FileMaker Pro does not come with a tool to centrally manage FileMaker Pro preferences on multiple workstations or even for multiple users on the same system, e.g. in a Terminal Server or Citrix XenApp environment. On the bright side, FileMaker Pro 12 for Windows stores its preferences in the Windows registry. That means we can use a Group Policy to manage FileMaker Pro 12 preferences! In order to do that, we need an Administrative Template that describes the registry keys for managing FileMaker Pro. We created just such a template and we’d like to share with all the IT folks who need to deploy FileMaker Pro 12 and FileMaker Pro 12 Advanced. If you have always wanted to disable FileMaker Pro 12′s update notification on 50 workstations at once, this is the GPO for you! Please feel free to download the Administrative Template below and give it a try. It has been working perfectly on every system where we have deployed it, but I’m sure it would benefit from more testing and feedback. Disclaimer: Materials are provided for informational use within your organization and are presented “AS IS” WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND. This content is not provided by or supported by FileMaker, Inc. Here is the download link. You can manage the following FileMaker Pro 12 and FileMaker Pro 12 Advanced preferences using this template:

  • File cache size
  • Maximum number of recent files
  • Notify me when an update is available
  • Notify me when a new version is available
  • Allow drag and drop text selection
  • Enlarge window contents to improve readability
  • Use Manage Database dialog to create files
  • Font smoothing style
  • Always lock layout tools
  • Add newly defined fields to current layout
  • Save layout changes automatically (do not ask)
  • Save cache contents
  • Use Font Locking
  • Synchronize input method with font on field entry
  • User name
  • Show QuickStart Screen

We hope you find this Adminstrative Template useful. Please let us know what you think! Oliver Block is Vice President at Skeleton Key and Brightsource IT. About Skeleton Key Skeleton Key helps turn complex, complicated, and outdated systems into true information platforms. Our team of consultants and developers do this by developing custom-fit software tools and reporting dashboards that help businesses find, use, and understand their data, freeing them to focus on and grow their core business. In addition to custom databases and applications, we also provide training and coaching for getting the most out of your existing systems and understanding your unruly data. Skeleton Key is an open-book management company and active player of the Great Game of Business.