Claris FileMaker 2024 not yet compatible with brand new MacOS 15

09/23/2024

in Compatibility, FileMaker 21, SM News, Studio Manager 20

UPDATED 9/23/24

All Claris FileMaker products have now been upgraded to version 21, aka FileMaker 2024. As of the date of this post FileMaker Pro is at version 21.0.2.200.

Here at Tokerud Consulting Group, we are now using FileMaker Pro 2024 and FileMaker Go 2024. We waited until we were confident that it was completely compatible with MacOS 12 Sonoma before we took the plunge.

Since then, Apple released MacOS 15 Sequoia. Claris has little to say so far about the FileMaker product line and this newbie, so we’re still running MacOS 14 Sonoma on our desktop and laptop Macs. The word from early MacOS 15 adopters is that FileMaker 2024 (21) is the only compatible version. However, until we get official word from Claris, please hold off on updating your Macs to MacOS 15 Sequoia.

FileMaker Pro 2024 and FileMaker Server 2024 are fully compatible with macOS 14 Sonoma and macOS 13 Ventura; PC users require Windows Pro 11 or Windows Pro 10.

FileMaker Go 2024 for iPadOS and iOS are available on the App Store. Make sure your iPads and iPhones are updated to iOs 18 or iPadOS 18. Then download and install FileMaker Go 2024. Currently only Apple mobile devices support FileMaker Go.

We encourage our customers to keep both their operating systems and app versions up-to-date, with one caveat: Don’t rush to upgrade immediately when a brand new version is released. We suggest waiting until you know it’s compatible. Claris and Apple both intend to release a new version upgrade once every year.

Upgrades are major releases, not to be confused with updates.

Both Apple and Claris release interim updates frequently for both the OS and apps. We do recommend installing these updates as soon as you are informed that they’re available. Updates often include bug fixes and security improvements. Occasionally they offer new features.

Email tokerud@me.com or call Janet at (415) 789-5219 if you have questions about Studio Manager.

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MacOS Sonoma and Claris FileMaker Pro are now completely compatible

12/26/2023

in FileMaker 20, SM News

Post image for MacOS Sonoma and Claris FileMaker Pro are now completely compatible

Mac, iPad and iPhone users rejoice! Claris has now declared that the most recent version (20.3.1) of FileMaker Pro, FileMaker Server and FileMaker Go 2023 are fully supported under the latest updates of MacOS Sonoma, iPadOS and iOS (iPhone).

In case you’ve been cautiously holding back, waiting for Claris to catch up with Apple, the wait is over! Studio Manager and FileMaker users are now encouraged to update your Macs to the latest, greatest Mac Operating System: MacOS Sonoma. Here at Tokerud Consulting Group, we think this is one of the best MacOS versions in years, and not just because associate developer and interface designer, Scout, lives in Sonoma County.

To install the latest MacOS, open System Settings, choose General and then select Software Update. It works the same on iPads and iPhones. In general, we recommend that you keep the OS current on all Apple devices. OS installers have gotten really smart. If your computer or mobile device is too old to handle the most current version, Software Update will take you to the most recent version possible.

For use with Studio Manager, it’s important to run the highest iteration of the version of FileMaker you use. This might be FileMaker 20 (aka 2023), 19 or even 18. To determine if you have the most recent iteration, refer to the Claris Downloads page.

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Claris FileMaker 2023 and Studio Manager

11/25/2023

in SM News

Post image for Claris FileMaker 2023 and Studio Manager

Nov 25, 2023 Update: MacOS Sonoma compatibility. Claris continues working to resolve issues with FileMaker Pro 2023, now at version 20.3.1.31. There are many fewer issues since last month. Check this Known Issues webpage for the most recent information. Be sure to keep FileMaker Pro, FileMaker Server and FileMaker Go updated to the most recent version. Current version updates can be found on the Claris Downloads webpage. For the greatest compatibility, also keep MacOS Sonoma up-to-date.

We updated our MacBook Air to MacOS Sonoma recently and so far haven’t encountered any issues that make us wish we hadn’t. Actually MacOS Sonoma is kinda cool.

News Flash Oct 7, 2023: MacOS Sonoma Compatibility with 10 known issues. Progress not perfection just yet. Claris has a published list of the known issues with FileMaker Pro 20.2.1.60 and MacOS Sonoma. After looking at the list, we think it is too early to upgrade to MacOS Sonoma on a Mac running FileMaker Pro. Look through that list and see what you think. If you have a bright and shiny new Mac that came with Sonoma, use FileMaker Pro with a non mission-critical file that’s well backed up.

We do have an M1 MacBook Air, that may be a candidate for testing, but right now, we will wait at least a 2-3 more weeks, for a shorter or at least more pleasant sounding list of compatibility issues to come out from Claris.

News Flash Oct 3, 2023: A new version of FileMaker Pro 20.2.1.60 is out. If you are running FileMaker Pro 20, you should get an invitation to update. Consider updating on a secondary Mac or PC that runs FileMaker 20 before updating mission critical Machines. Using a file on FileMaker Server or FileMaker Cloud is likely a sure bet on day one. There is no mention of support for MacOS Sonoma with this new release.

On April 23, 2023 Claris announced the availability of a new version of the FileMaker family of apps along with a surprise new naming scheme and logo. If you purchased FileMaker Pro or Server directly from Claris, then you should have already received an email about this latest major upgrade. Like so many other software publishers, Claris delayed this upgrade due to the global pandemic. It released FileMaker 19 May 20th, 2020 with the most recent update to 19.6.3 in February 2023.

We at Tokerud Consulting Group are conservative adopters of newly announced major upgrades; so we have yet to acquire it. We are following several sources of information about the upgrade however, because we want to know what benefits it might offer our existing and prospective customers.

So far what we’ve seen are claims of speedier performance. That has been touted as a feature with every upgrade, so we’re not impressed yet. What is likely a detail, as far as you are concerned, is that FileMaker 2023 will only support the most recent 2 versions of MacOS: Ventura and Monterey. Studio Manager users generally stay up-to-date, as far as the operating system is concerned, so we doubt this will be a problem for you.

We’ll post again if we find something to boast about, or to warn you about, as far as the impact of FileMaker 2023 on Studio Manager. It has influenced us in one way however. We have decided to call our next release: Studio Manager 20.

As you may know, the currently available version is Studio Manager 18. We are going to skip a number in order to stay consistent with the technical name FileMaker 20. Studio Manager 20 is now in development. It will be a bit longer before it’s ready for your consideration, upgrade or purchase.

Now that your business in growing again [post pandemic], we encourage you to consider Studio Manager, as a new enhancement to your management tasks, or as an upgrade. Our primary developer, Janet Tokerud (415) 789-5219‬, is eager to answer any questions you have about the upcoming Studio Manager 20 or FileMaker 2023.

FileMaker 2023 Technical Specifications

Introduction to FileMaker 2023 from Claris

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MacOS 13 Ventura is officially compatible with Claris FileMaker Pro 19.6.x

03/24/2023

in SM News

For Studio Manager 18 users eager to upgrade to latest macOS 13 Ventura, the good news is that, at the time of this writing on 3/24/23, Claris International has yet to find any compatibility issues with FileMaker Pro 19.6.x.

To be safe, we recommend that you make a couple of backup copies of Studio Manager and upgrade to the most current version of FileMaker Pro before upgrading your Mac. We take a pretty cautious approach to system software upgrades. Start by making a backup of the hard drive (or SSD) that you want to upgrade. Then check to make sure the backup is good. We like a commercial app (to which we have no connection): SuperDuper! for making a bootable backup of the drive. That way, if there’s any issue with your upgrade to macOS Ventura, you’ve got an external drive, and backup, to restore you where you started.

Caveat

Claris is in the habit of removing the compatibility of an older MacOS version whenever FileMaker becomes compatible with a newer version of macOS. If the past is any indication, they will support the current macOS and two previous versions. The news has yet to appear on their FileMaker Technical Specifications webpage, but we’re going to make a guess that with the next upgrade of the FileMaker product line, that support for macOS 11 Catalina will be dropped. You have been forewarned (even though we admit that we’re guessing).

In order to test compatibility, we like having at least one Mac running each macOS version supported by Claris FileMaker. That way we’re able to test and document any differences in Studio Manager that you might experience, depending on what version of MacOS you use.

A change in network sharing

If you have been using peer-to-peer file sharing but not paying attention to Claris’ plans, you might be dismayed to learn that peer-to-peer has been deprecated in FileMaker 19. This does not mean the feature has been completely removed, just that it has been relegated to the recommendation that it only be used for testing purposes. If you have a 2, 3 or 4-person operation that has depended on peer-to-peer for years, we’ve got some suggestions.

You have options

Using a copy of Studio Manager on the host Mac, test it with your client Macs to see how it works for you. Perform some data entry, create new records, run reports, print, send email, etc. If you don’t notice any problems, then it’s probably OK to launch your real system and work as usual. Keep on backing up your file at least once a day. Then regularly check your backups to make sure you can restore if need be.

In our day-to-day operations, we’re a small shop too. Our solution was to purchase FileMaker Server. We run it on a “headless” Mac mini (no monitor, mouse or keyboard) and access it via screen sharing. It didn’t take long for us to ask ourselves “Why didn’t we do this sooner?” FileMaker Server is easy to set up and use and it makes backups on the fly several times a day without interrupting workflow or needing any user input.

If you contact FileMaker Support and ask for help with peer-to-peer, they may tell you that you need to purchase FileMaker Server or use FileMaker Cloud. The choice is yours since it depends on many more factors than just the size of your workgroup. For more information on this change, see the Claris Knowledge Base entry on Network Sharing.

Enjoy using the latest, greatest versions of the MacOS and FileMaker, together at last. Let us know if you notice any glitches or have any recommendations our other users would appreciate.

As always… thanks for being part of the Studio Manager family!

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MacOS Monterey and FileMaker 19.4 OK’d by Claris FileMaker

12/12/2021

in FileMaker 19, MacOS Monterey

According to the Tech Specs page for Claris FileMaker Pro 19.4, FileMaker is now compatible with MacOS Monterey. This is great news for users eager to be working with FileMaker 19.4 and latest operating system. If you check the Tech Specs page yourself, you’ll find the news under the heading: Supported operating systems and devices.

Claris is however, in the habit of removing the compatibility of an older MacOS version whenever FileMaker becomes capable of working within a newer version. They usually support the current MacOS and two previous versions. This time the loser is MacOS 10.14 Mojave. You read that right, Mojave is no longer supported by FileMaker 19.4.

This change by Claris, which we knew would come sooner or later, finally convinced us to upgrade the few Macs we still had running Mojave. Janet was able to upgrade her iMac Pro to Big Sur, while Scout was limited to Catalina due to the age of her 27″ iMac. We like having at least one Mac running each MacOS version support by Claris. That way we’re able to test and document any differences in Studio Manager that you might experience depending on what version of MacOS you use.

A change in network sharing

If you have been using peer-to-peer file sharing but not paying attention to Claris’ plans, you might be dismayed to learn that peer-to-peer has been deprecated in FileMaker 19. This does not mean the feature has been completely removed, just that it has been relegated to the recommendation that it only be used for testing purposes. If you have a 2, 3 or 4-person operation that has depended on peer-to-peer for years, we’ve got some suggestions.

You have options

Using a copy of Studio Manager on the host Mac, test it with your client Macs to see how it works for you. Perform some data entry, create new records, run reports, print, send email, etc. If you don’t notice any problems, then it’s probably OK to launch your real system and work as usual. With one precaution – back up your file at least once a day. If Claris updates FileMaker to 19.5, test again. There’s no guarantee at this point, so proceed with caution.

In our day-to-day operations, we’re a small shop too. Our solution was to purchase FileMaker Server. We run it on a “headless” Mac mini (no monitor, mouse or keyboard) and access it via screen sharing. It didn’t take long for us to ask ourselves “Why didn’t we do this sooner?” Server is easy to set up and use and it makes backups on the fly several times a day without interrupting workflow or needing any user input. We’ve got 2 developers working remotely – having those backups has saved our butts a few times.

If you contact FileMaker Support and ask for help with peer-to-peer, they may tell you that you need to upgrade. The options are FileMaker Server running in your office, or FileMaker Cloud. The choice is yours since it depends on many more factors than just the size of your workgroup.

For more information on this change, see the Claris Knowledge Base entry on Network Sharing.

Enjoy using the latest, greatest versions of the MacOS and FileMaker, together at last. We’d love to hear from you if you notice any glitches or have any recommendations our other users would appreciate.

As usual… thanks for being part of the Studio Manager family.

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Claris FileMaker 19 is not yet Compatible with MacOS 12 Monterey

10/28/2021

in Compatibility, FileMaker 19, MacOS Monterey

Claris is not yet showing FileMaker 19, or any other version of FileMaker, as compatible with MacOS 12 Monterey. You can check compatibility now and in the future at the Claris.com FileMaker 19 Technical Specifications page. Scroll down a bit once you get there.

I saw a note in passing on the Claris site that no problems have been reported running FileMaker 19 on Monterey, but since Monterey came out on Monday 10/25/21, don’t expect a lot of reliable and complete bug information this soon. To be confident, please don’t run anything mission critical on a Mac running Monterey just yet.

While you’re waiting, If you are brave, you could very carefully try a TEST copy of a Filemaker file in the latest version of FileMaker 19. To do this, duplicate your Filemaker file and call it XXX TEST COPY with the XXX part the normal file name. This TEST COPY can be run in risky circumstances, because it isn’t the file that you will rely on. Also, plan on running it from a user computer, not the server. [Disclaimer: Be aware that your TEST COPY could be damaged in subtle ways, so do NOT plan on using it for any reason other than testing.]

Another even safer measure would be to have your TEST COPY on a Mac or PC running a Claris-approved OS for FileMaker 19 and then, from your Monterey Mac, access the TEST COPY over the network so now you are less likely to crash your host. Although unlikely, you might crash your Monterey Mac while testing FileMaker 19 right now.

All this carefulness will not be necessary within a few days (weeks or month). We anticipate that when it’s ready, Claris will release another update; 19.3.2 is the current version. Note that specifications from Claris about compatibility with Monterey will almost certainly include disclaimers and exceptions, so watch for those.

The chart below is copied from the Claris website. If you’re eager to upgrade to MacOS 12 Monterey and use FileMaker 19 for Studio Manager, then check this webpage often. It’s one of many charts on the page.

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Studio Manager 18 Demo Works on Your iPhone and iPad too…

January 3, 2020 SM News

Once we slaved to get the product and website ready for Studio Manager 18, we got the demo finished and up with a new ReadMe and new Manual. Yay! We discovered almost by accident that you can actually download the demo from your iPhone or iPad if you are running iOS 13 or iPadOS 13. […]

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The Studio Manager 18 Demo is Up!

December 30, 2019 FileMaker 18

You can use the demo tab to answer the usual quick questions and continue over to download the full-function Studio Manager 18 Demo, ReadMe and full 38 page Demo Manual. 5:33 pm PST: The Demo readme is up. 5:43 pm PST: The full 38 page demo manual is up. My writer and graphic designer extraordinaire, Scout, […]

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Studio Manager 18 is Done — SM18 Demo is Going up

December 30, 2019 FileMaker 18

We are doing very last minute things like editing the PHP in our Demo tab prompt so you can download the demo. It should be all done by 1 pm Dec 30 2019 PST. Scout felt the need to edit the iPad SM18 Demo About screen, but I’m hopeful she will get it perfected in […]

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Studio Manager 18 Goes Golden Dec 30 2019!

December 27, 2019 New Version

Release Details: Every year about this time, we put the finishing touches on our latest version. One of our goals is to keep pace with FileMaker, improving, refining and polishing Studio Manager. So… we’ve completed the product development phase for Studio Manager 18, and are preparing to release it into the world before the end of […]

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