FMModTrack is a free cross-platform desktop app (Windows & macOS) that helps FileMaker developers analyze their database modifications and track element usage. Simply load a FileMaker-generated XML file (Save a Copy as XML) and see when elements were last changed, who changed them, and where they're being used throughout your solution.

• Modification History - See mod count, mod time, user name, and account name for every database element

• Reference Tracking - Double-click any element to see which scripts, layouts, and other objects use it (Beta)

• Free-Text Search - Locate elements and their references (with support for case-sensitive and exact-match queries)

• Cross-Platform - Works on both Windows and macOS

• Privacy First - All processing happens locally on your computer

• Free to Use - No cost, no registration required

• Windows 64 bit

• macOS Universal

Version Info

• Current Version: v1.2.0 - Search & Usability Improvements

• Last Updated: May 31, 2025

  • Added free-text search field to locate elements and their references within the XML

    • Supports modifiers: ::cs for case-sensitive search (e.g., Invoices::cs) and ::em for exact match (e.g., Invoices::em)

  • Moved the search field to the right side of the UI for better layout and usability

  • Displayed total and selected reference counts for more informative feedback

  • Enhanced catalog and reference listboxes:

    • Columns now auto-resize based on content

    • Horizontal scrollbars added for better visibility of long entries

1. Get Your XML File

• In FileMaker Pro: Tools → Save a Copy as XML

2. Install FMModTrack

• Windows: Unzip FMModTrack.zip and run FMModTrack.exe

• macOS: Extract FMModTrack.tar and open FMModTrack app (see macOS setup below)

3. Load Your Data

• Click "Load XML File" button

• Choose your FileMaker XML file

• View your modification history instantly

4. Track Element Usage (New in v1.1.0)

• Double-click any element in the list

• FMModTrack will show you all other elements that reference its UUID

• Each reference includes a full XML path, with hints to help you identify where it's used

5. Free-Text Search (New in v1.2.0)

• Use the bottom search field to locate elements and their references

• Case-sensitive search: Add ::cs to your search term (e.g., Invoices::cs)

• Exact-match search: Add ::em (e.g., Invoices::em)

• Search results show all matching elements and where they are referenced

Example Output:

1. FMSaveAsXML/Structure/AddAction/TableOccurrenceCatalog/TableOccurrence[1065137 | Category_ItemDetail_Report]/BaseTableSourceReference/BaseTableReference[131 | Category]/@UUID
2. FMSaveAsXML/Structure/AddAction/TableOccurrenceCatalog/TableOccurrence[1065153 | Category_psr]/BaseTableSourceReference/BaseTableReference[131 | Category]/@UUID

In these examples:

• The element with UUID 131 is being referenced by two TableOccurrence elements.

• The part in brackets shows the referencing element’s ID and name:
  For example, TableOccurrence[1065137 | Category_ItemDetail_Report] means it's a TableOccurrence with ID 1065137 and name Category_ItemDetail_Report.

Not all elements in the path will include an ID and name, but many will—helping you trace exactly where and how an element is used in your solution.

• Windows 10 or later

• macOS 10.15 or later

• FileMaker-generated XML file (Save a Copy as XML)

Why you see security warnings: This app isn't signed with Apple's developer certificate, so macOS will initially block it. This is normal for free, independent software.

To open the app:

1. Go to System Settings → Privacy & Security

2. Find "FMModTrack was blocked to protect your Mac"

3. Click "Open Anyway"

4. Click "Open Anyway" again in the confirmation dialog

5. Enter your password or use Touch ID if prompted

Note: You'll need to repeat this process when updating to newer versions.

• Before Deleting Elements: See what will break if you remove a field, script, or layout

• Code Reviews: Quickly identify recently modified elements

• Team Collaboration: Track who made changes and when

• Database Cleanup: Find unused elements safely

• Impact Analysis: Understand how changes will affect your solution

• Questions or bugs: support@jimpaul.net

• Feature requests welcome

• Support the project: buymeacoffee.com/jimpaul