FileMaker is a relational database management system (RDBMS) that is cross platform currently developed by FileMaker, inc. which is a subsidiary of Apple. FileMaker is also cross platform (it operates on multiple operating systems not only Mac) that has a very simple GUI which allows its user create a database by simply dragging and dropping.

Learning FileMaker is very important for any database administrator or a business owner / employee who wants to bring their data to order and make use of it, if you’ve multiple sheets of customers and other for their addresses and another for something else and even worse every employee has a different version from the other, then you’re losing huge opportunities and that’s when it’s time to use a database management system.

The aim of this post is to present and compare between free online sources that beginners can rely on to learn FileMaker, the sources stated here are full-structured courses that beginners can follow along.

If you just want the bottom line (the road map to learn FileMaker) and you don’t wish to read the entire article then go to the “Bottom Line” section at the end of the article.

Getting Started with FileMaker from Scratch

Udemy

Udemy is the first free online outlet where beginners can start learning FileMaker through video tutorials, you’ve to register to have access to the course. The free available course is entitled “FileMaker Beginner Tutorial – contacts database”  by “Guy Stevens”.

Structure: The course is divided into 9 lectures, in which you learn how to use FileMaker through creating a database for your contacts.

Interface: The interface is very simple, just click on the first video and you’ll be directed to a new page where the course would start automatically from start to finish.

Now the pros and cons:

Pros

1. Free.
2. The training covers the basics beginners should be familiarized with in order to start using FileMaker.
3. The training is well-structured and organized for beginners.

Cons

1. The training covers an old release of the software, though that won’t be a problem for complete beginners.
2. The training focuses on FileMaker Pro only.

Verdict: This is the best free online outlet where beginners can start learning FileMaker through video tutorials.

UK FileMaker YouTube Channel

UK FileMaker YouTube Channel is the second free online outlet where  beginners can start learning FileMaker through video tutorial.

Structure: The channel has multiple playlist, it’s recommended that beginners start from the playlist entitled “Webinar: FileMaker Training Series” and it’s divided into 12 video lessons and each video lesson covers some of the tools available in FileMaker.

Interface: The standard YouTube interface.

Now the pros and cons:

Pros

1. Free.
2. The training is well-structured for beginners.
3. FileMaker Go (FileMaker for mobile devices) is covered in some playlists.

Cons

1. The training isn’t well-organized for beginners, though that won’t be a big problem for beginners.

Verdict: This is an excellent free online outlet where beginners can start learning FileMaker through video tutorials.

FileMaker Today

FileMaker Today is the third free online outlet where beginners can start learning FileMaker through video tutorials, you don’t have to register to have access to the video tutorials.

Structure: The training has no real structure  it’s just a large collection of FileMaker video playlists from YouTube and other sources.

Interface: The interface is simple, just click on the playlist you’re interested in and you’ll be directed to the page where the video lessons in this playlist resides.

Now the pros and cons:

Pros

1. Free.
2. The video covers FileMaker Pro as well as FileMaker Go and FileMaker Server

Cons

1. Lack of organization and structure.

Verdict: This is a good free online outlet to find a large collection of FileMaker video tutorials, the lack of organization and structure makes it not suitable for complete beginners.

Bottom Line

The recipe for learning FileMaker:

1. Udemy is the best outlet for beginners to start learning FileMaker through video tutorials.

Remember that the first step is always the toughest step, and the aim of this post is to provide you with resources that will help you take your first step in learning FileMaker.