FMModTrack: A Free FileMaker XML Parser to Track Changes and References Instantly

Introduction

Ever found yourself stuck in a FileMaker project thinking:

  • “Who changed this layout?”
  • “Is it safe to delete this script?”
  • “Where is this UUID even used?”

I’ve been there, so I built a tool to fix that.


The Problem: FileMaker’s Hidden Web of Changes

Working on a FileMaker app, especially with a team or over time, often means dealing with invisible changes and mysterious dependencies.

You could click through every layout, script, and button manually…

Or, you could use FMModTrack.


The Fix: FMModTrack – A Local FileMaker XML Parser

FMModTrack is a free desktop app that lets you inspect a FileMaker XML export and instantly see:

  • When each element was modified
  • Who made the change (account & username)
  • Where each element is being referenced

It works entirely offline, requires no registration, and runs on both Windows and macOS.


Key Features

Modification History

Get mod count, timestamp, and who made each change.

Reference Tracking

See which scripts, layouts, and elements reference any item. Great for cleaning up old fields or understanding impact before deleting anything.

Free-Text Search

Search across the full XML tree. Need more precision?

  • Add ::cs for case-sensitive searches
  • Add ::em for exact matches

Cross-Platform

Runs on Windows 10+ and macOS 10.15+

Privacy-First

No data leaves your device. No cloud. No risk.


How It Works

  1. In FileMaker Pro:
    • Go to Tools → Save a Copy as XML
  2. Launch FMModTrack and load your file.
  3. Get immediate insights:
    • Modification history
    • Element references
    • Search results with clear XML paths

Download & Try It Free

Get FMModTrack at:

https://jimpaul.net/fmmodtrack

No setup. No cost. Just unzip and run.

macOS Note:

Since the app is unsigned, macOS may block it the first time. You can open it by going to System Settings → Privacy & Security → “Open Anyway”.


When to Use FMModTrack

  • Before deleting anything - see what depends on it
  • During code reviews - track what’s changed
  • On team projects - know who did what
  • For cleanup tasks - identify unused elements

Support and Feedback

Have questions or feature requests? Email me at support@jimpaul.net

If FMModTrack helps you out, you can support the project here:

https://buymeacoffee.com/jimpaul

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