Install into a working copy
- Back up your saved, closed host file. Try installation in a disposable copy first.
- Open the Loan Desk .fmaddon package in FileMaker Pro to register it in the add-on chooser.
- In Layout mode, open the Add-ons pane, choose Install Add-on and select Filesoft Loan Desk. Drag its launcher onto a host layout and save.
- Return to Browse mode and finish any host-record edits. Open the module using the launcher.
- Use Save or Save details before Back to host. Check that you return to the launching layout and that the host’s normal navigation still works.
How it fits your file
All launchers in one host file open the same module collection. Records are not attached to individual host records. No host-table relationship or startup-script change is required. Use one installed module and one active window.
Preserve the imported schema, script and layout names. Do not install another copy into a file that already contains this module. Installation needs development access; normal use respects the host account’s privileges.
Use the workspace
Add one item record per physical unit and give it a unique asset tag. Add borrowers, then create a draft loan, choose its borrower, add items and set a due date. Click an added item again to remove it from a draft. Check out when equipment leaves. Return items individually; completed loans retain their history. Retire equipment and archive borrowers as needed.
Use Save before selecting another item/borrower or navigating away. Unsaved editor buffers are discarded on normal navigation. Loan details have Save details and Reset edits; checkout also saves them. Use Save or Save details before Back to host. Back to host commits module context. Host layout triggers still run when navigating back.
Search and Clear filter lists. Loan status colors supplement their text: Draft (slate), On loan (blue), Due today (amber), Overdue (red), Returned (green). Display-only fields are View Only. Genuine editors and searches stay editable. Optional samples create two items, a borrower and a draft on first use. Samples stay separate from real records. New records use the real collection. This package includes no personal or screenshot records.
Common questions
If an item cannot be checked out, check for an existing open loan. Save item and borrower edits before changing selection. Return each item individually; the loan becomes Returned when every item is back.
Requirements and scope
Requires Claris FileMaker Pro, sold separately. Intended for FileMaker Pro 19.6.3–26 (reviewed on macOS; Windows unverified). Tested by Filesoft in FileMaker Pro 19 and 26; the exact 19.x patch was not restated and intermediate versions were not individually tested. Native export: 19.6.3. Windows, FileMaker Go, WebDirect and concurrent multi-user use are not validated.
Backups and updates
Save and close the database before making a filesystem backup. Keep earlier versions and a separate practice copy.
A new chooser package does not update an installed module or migrate its records. Never uninstall a populated module merely to upgrade. Plan a data-preserving update separately.
Reference screenshot
Help and support
For download issues, visit Help & downloads. For product questions, email support@filesofttools.com with the product version, FileMaker version and a description of the issue. Use fictional examples if you include screenshots.
Using the other format? Loan Desk guide.
Return to the product page · Release notes · All product guides