FileMaker

What it is

Claris FileMaker is a licensed low-code platform for creating custom data applications and delivering them through desktop, iPhone, iPad and web clients. Teams choose Claris-managed FileMaker Cloud, self-managed FileMaker Server or qualifying third-party hosting; user ranges, hosted-app count, storage, API transfer, plug-ins and operational responsibility vary by option and tier. Who it is for: small and mid-sized organisations that need a custom internal application, such as inventory, scheduling, job tracking or a client database, built by one person or a small consultancy without a full software team. Its strength is the speed from an idea to a working desktop and iPad app with forms, scripts and reports in one environment. Where it falls short: licensing is per user with a minimum seat count, so the per-head cost is higher than web-first low-code tools like Airtable or Knack, and the apps do not run in a browser as naturally as they run in the FileMaker client. The platform predates the web era and it shows in how integrations and modern authentication are bolted on. Existing FileMaker shops with years of solutions have every reason to stay; a team starting from zero today should compare it honestly with browser-based low-code platforms before committing.

Key features

• Custom app builder

  Builds data-centric workflows with layouts, scripts, calculations and access controls.

• Cloud or Server hosting

  Deploys through Claris-managed infrastructure or customer-controlled FileMaker Server.

• Mobile and web access

  Uses FileMaker Go on iPhone and iPad and WebDirect for supported browsers.

• REST data interfaces

  Exposes hosted data and administrative operations through supported APIs and OData.

Strengths and trade-offs

Who it is for

Organizations building internal custom applications that can standardize on FileMaker clients, licensing and a governed hosting model.

Pick it or skip it

Frequently asked questions

What is FileMaker Cloud, and how does it compare to hosting FileMaker Server yourself?

FileMaker Cloud is Claris's own managed hosting on AWS data centres: no server install, automatic updates and automated backups, sold as a subscription. Self-hosting FileMaker Server means you run the hardware and updates yourself with annual or perpetual licensing, but it supports plug-ins, which FileMaker Cloud does not. Third-party Claris partner hosting is the middle path: managed setup with plug-in support. Claris does not list FileMaker Cloud prices on the hosting page; quotes go through its pricing page.

Does FileMaker have a free plan?

No free plan is listed on the vendor's pricing page. FileMaker is sold as a paid subscription.

Who is FileMaker best for?

Organizations building internal custom applications that can standardize on FileMaker clients, licensing and a governed hosting model.

What are the main drawbacks of FileMaker?

The trade-offs we noted: Layered licensing: User count, hosting option and selected tier shape cost and entitlements.; Cloud quotas: Current tiers document hosted-app, storage, active-flow, web-view and outbound API-transfer limits.; Cloud plug-in boundary: Claris states that FileMaker Cloud does not support plug-ins, while Server and third-party hosting can..

When should you not use FileMaker?

Skip FileMaker if: You are a single user or a team of fewer than 5 — the cloud plans have a 5-user floor; You need to budget from a published figure: no price is shown on the pricing page; You expect more than 5 Claris Connect flows on the entry plan; that is the Starter cap.