Welcome to Genie
Genie is the FileMaker-native AI workbench for developers who want models and agents to work with real FileMaker context. It is integrated inside FileMaker at the script, calculation, metadata, query, and schema levels, and it connects to local IDE agents through MCP so agentic development can reach FileMaker without bypassing review.
ASK is one surface inside the workbench. CODE, DATA, QUERY, Calculation Quick AI, Local MCP, and Workbench turn model output into reviewed FileMaker work before anything changes your file.
What you can do
Section titled “What you can do”In Genie’s window
Section titled “In Genie’s window”- ASK — Ask questions in plain language, turn on Debug for deeper analysis on your captured scripts, and use Web Search when you need current documentation or examples (where your provider supports it).
- CODE — Get structured script work with preflight, Preview Code, and Apply Code so changes land in Script Workspace through native apply (including line-targeted edits when Genie proposes a delta).
- LAYOUT — Generate or revise FileMaker layout objects, then use Copy for Paste to paste reviewed layout XML manually in FileMaker Layout mode.
- QUERY — Run questions against your data and choose table, chart, or raw output; pick chart types when you use charts.
- DATA — Run guided data and schema workflows with confirmations; treat this as high-impact and use it only when you understand what will change.
- Capture context — Use Add Selection and Add Scripts from the tool belt so Genie sees the right Script Workspace scope; in LAYOUT mode, copy selected FileMaker layout objects and inject them from the composer so Genie can revise that selected edit set. Open the Metadata Explorer to browse tables, fields, layouts, scripts, and custom functions and to drive
#references in the composer. - Calculation Quick AI — Draft one FileMaker calculation expression directly from the Specify Calculation dialog; Genie inserts draft text only after calculation validation and dialog drift checks.
- Attach and dictate — Attach text-based reference files with the paperclip, or use the mic to dictate into the composer. Genie inserts dictated text for review before you send.
- Conversations — Keep multiple chats, search history, and use Project Rules so each FileMaker file can carry its own instructions and display identity.
In Script Workspace
Section titled “In Script Workspace”- Use the AI button to open Genie, and use Copy XML, Paste XML, and Edit XML when you need to move or tweak script XML directly in FileMaker.
Providers and your keys
Section titled “Providers and your keys”- Bring your own API keys and models: configure Coding and Logistics providers separately across OpenAI, Anthropic, xAI / Grok, Google, or Custom / Local OpenAI-compatible endpoints if you self-host or use a gateway.
- Enable MBS and BaseElements plugin function dictionaries in Settings when your FileMaker solution uses those plugin functions.
- Choose Use one model, set the clarification budget, and run connection tests from Settings (see AI Providers and Settings Guide).
Connect your IDE (Local MCP)
Section titled “Connect your IDE (Local MCP)”- Turn on Local MCP Bridge in Settings to expose a small MCP server on
127.0.0.1(you choose the port). - Use Copy IDE JSON to paste ready-made configuration into editors and agents that support MCP (for example Cursor, VS Code–style clients, or other tools on the same Mac).
- External tools can then read Genie metadata and context resources, call branded read-only tools, use read-only
genie_query, and stage supported CODE or DATA prompts into Workbench for review. The IDE can hand work to Genie, but Genie still owns CODE safety, DATA confirmations, and apply review.
Details, resource names, Workbench flow, and security notes: Settings Guide — Local MCP Bridge and Workbench.
Get started
Section titled “Get started”- Download Genie and install it for FileMaker Pro.
- Open Genie from Script Workspace (or your usual entry point on Mac).
- Open the FileMaker file you want to work on.
- Use Add Selection or Add Scripts so Genie sees the right script context.
- Pick a mode (ASK, CODE, QUERY, or DATA) that matches your goal.
- Open Settings when you need to connect providers or adjust behavior; complete activation if Genie prompts you.
For a full tour of the current product flow, see Genie Product Tour. For the detailed control map, see UI Overview and UI Feature Reference.
If you want the shortest guided path, start with Quick Start: First Run Checklist.
Documentation topics
Section titled “Documentation topics”- System Specs — Platform requirements, permissions, activation, and provider prerequisites.
- Download Genie — Latest hosted plugin package and install checklist.
- Versions and Release Notes — Current plugin/WebUI versions, download links, and release history.
- Licensing and Activation — Trial, activation, deactivation, grace behavior, and what gets locked.
- AI Providers — Provider roles, BYOK expectations, xAI / Grok, and Custom / Local endpoint behavior.
- Genie Product Tour — A guided walkthrough of the main UI, context, dictation, CODE review, Settings, and activation.
- UI Overview — Where the main product surfaces live.
- UI Feature Reference — The full visible control surface in one page.
- Workbench — Review and run CODE or DATA prompts staged by Local MCP clients.
- Calculation Quick AI — Generate calculation drafts from the Specify Calculation dialog.
- Script Workspace Actions — FileMaker-side actions and native XML tools.
- Mode Behavior Matrix — ASK, CODE, LAYOUT, QUERY, and DATA at a glance.
- LAYOUT mode — Generate or revise FileMaker layout objects with copy-and-paste review.
- Troubleshooting and Recovery — Failure paths and recovery references.
- FAQ — Common questions about scope, trust, and day-to-day use.