Instant Web Publishing Guide

Chapter 3
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Working with FileMaker databases on the web 25
Displaying a database with the status area hidden
Like the desktop version of FileMaker Pro, you can create a script that hides and locks the status area when
the database is opened in a web browser. This allows you to design a custom interface.
Keep these points in mind:
1 If you lock the status area, you must manually create scripts and buttons that offer users all the necessary
functionality. For example, you must create buttons so users can create new records, enter edit mode to
modify data, delete records, change layouts, and so on. It is very important to carefully test your database
files to make sure you have provided web users access to all critical features.
1 To properly secure your data, you must create a script that logs web users out of the database and closes
the session. For more information, see
“Creating a script to log out of a database and close the session”
on page 36.
1 You should provide documentation to help users interact with your data from your custom environment,
as most of the instructions included in the Instant Web Publishing Help file will not be appropriate.
Differences between FileMaker Pro and Instant Web Publishing
The Instant Web Publishing experience is very similar to using the FileMaker Pro desktop application.
Web users can switch between finding and editing modes, choose layouts and views, and much more.
Benefits to accessing databases with Instant Web Publishing
There are some unique advantages to the Instant Web Publishing feature in FileMaker Pro:
1 You can easily and quickly deploy a solution onto the web with your existing database. You don’t need
to use web authoring tools, write HTML or CSS code, or use other technologies to share your data with
anyone using a compatible web browser.
1 You can access data remotely, whether from a home office or while travelling.
1 By hiding and locking the status area, you can easily deploy a custom, web-based application.
Data from a FileMaker layout displayed in a web
browser with Instant Web Publishing
Data displayed in a FileMaker Pro layout