Developer Tools
FileMaker
Licensed low-code platform for building and hosting custom data apps.
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.
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
What works well
- Integrated app builder: Combines data, layouts, scripts, permissions and application logic.
- Multiple clients: FileMaker Pro, FileMaker Go and WebDirect cover desktop, supported Apple mobile devices and browsers.
- Hosting choice: Offers Claris-managed Cloud, customer-managed Server and third-party hosting paths.
- Data interfaces: FileMaker Data API, OData and Admin API cover supported data and administration use cases.
Where it falls short
- 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.
- Self-hosting work: FileMaker Server makes the customer responsible for hardware, operating system, updates, performance and infrastructure practices.
Who it is for
Organizations building internal custom applications that can standardize on FileMaker clients, licensing and a governed hosting model.
Our verdict
Choose FileMaker when faster custom-app delivery outweighs platform licensing and ecosystem dependence; price the actual users, hosting, apps, storage, API traffic, integrations and operations together.
Closest alternatives we track
Same category, ordered by verified starting price.
What we checked
- Public APIOffers a documented API you can build against.Yes
- Mobile appHas a native app for iOS or Android, not just a mobile website.Yes
- Open source / self-hostableSource is open and the tool can be run on your own infrastructure.No
- SSO (SAML)Supports SAML single sign-on on at least one plan.Yes
“Not checked” means exactly that — we have not verified it, and we do not guess.
Evidence and freshness
Status: Official sources reviewedReviewed: 2026-08-24
- Claris — FileMaker ↗
Checked 2026-08-24 · Supports: low-code custom apps, FileMaker Pro, FileMaker Cloud, FileMaker Server, FileMaker Go, WebDirect, access controls
- Claris — Pricing ↗
Checked 2026-08-24 · Supports: per-user annual billing, Cloud and Server choice, user ranges, hosted-app limits, storage limits, API transfer allowance, Connect flows, Studio web views
- Claris — Hosting options ↗
Checked 2026-08-24 · Supports: Cloud versus Server versus third party, maintenance ownership, backup responsibility, plug-in support boundary, infrastructure cost, hosting selection
- Claris Help — FileMaker Cloud introduction ↗
Checked 2026-08-24 · Supports: Claris ID sign-on, Data API, OData, Admin API, REST architecture, Cloud administration
- Claris Help — Server license settings ↗
Checked 2026-08-24 · Supports: license certificate, purchase agreement, client connection limits, license synchronization, trial conversion
- Claris — FileMaker Server ↗
Checked 2026-08-24 · Supports: self-hosted deployment, macOS Windows and Linux, infrastructure control, OAuth and Active Directory, remote backup and standby add-ons, trial
Limit: Vendor pricing, product pages and help documentation were reviewed; ToolCompare did not purchase licenses, build an app, test clients or APIs, measure transfer and performance, operate Server, validate Cloud controls or calculate implementation and migration cost.