Claris FileMaker
Application development platforms
Low-code development platforms
Workplace innovation platforms
Application development software
Rapid application development (RAD) software
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What is Claris FileMaker
Claris FileMaker is a low-code application development platform for building custom database-backed business applications. It targets teams that need to create and deploy internal apps for workflows such as case management, inventory, field service, and reporting across desktop, web, and mobile. The platform combines a visual development environment with an integrated database, scripting, and role-based security, and it can be deployed via FileMaker Server or Claris-managed hosting. It also supports integrations through REST APIs, ODBC/JDBC connectivity, and add-ons.
Integrated database and app builder
FileMaker combines data modeling, UI layout, scripting, and reporting in a single environment, which reduces the need to assemble multiple tools for common internal applications. This integrated approach supports rapid iteration for forms-based and workflow-centric apps. It is well-suited to solutions where the database schema and the application UI evolve together. Teams can deliver usable apps without adopting a separate full-stack framework.
Multi-channel deployment options
Applications can run on desktop clients, in a browser via FileMaker WebDirect, and on iOS/iPadOS via FileMaker Go. This helps organizations support mixed device environments without rewriting the application for each channel. Centralized hosting with FileMaker Server supports shared access, backups, and administrative controls. The same solution file can be deployed across these endpoints with configuration and testing.
Automation and integration capabilities
FileMaker includes scripting, scheduled tasks (via server), and support for calling REST APIs, which enables workflow automation and system-to-system integration. It also provides ODBC/JDBC connectivity for interacting with external databases and supports plug-ins for extending functionality. These capabilities help connect FileMaker apps to existing business systems and data sources. The platform can act as both a front-end app layer and a lightweight integration point for departmental solutions.
Web UI and scaling constraints
WebDirect provides browser access but does not always match the performance and UI flexibility of purpose-built web frameworks for complex, highly interactive applications. Some interface patterns and client behaviors differ between desktop, web, and mobile, which can increase testing and design effort. For very high concurrency or large-scale public-facing workloads, organizations may need careful architecture and may still encounter platform limits. This can make it less suitable as a primary platform for large consumer web applications.
Vendor-specific skills and portability
FileMaker solutions rely on FileMaker-specific concepts (layouts, scripts, calculation engine, and security model), which can create a skills dependency. Migrating a mature solution to another stack typically requires significant rework rather than straightforward code portability. Organizations may need to invest in specialized developers or training for long-term maintenance. This can be a concern for teams standardizing on more broadly used development ecosystems.
Licensing and hosting considerations
FileMaker is commercial software with user/device licensing and separate considerations for server or managed hosting, which can affect total cost as deployments grow. Some advanced capabilities (e.g., server administration, high availability patterns, or certain integrations) may require additional infrastructure planning and operational expertise. Budgeting can be less predictable when usage expands across departments. Procurement and compliance teams may also need to evaluate hosting location and data residency options.
Plan & Pricing
| Plan | Price | Key features & notes |
|---|---|---|
| FileMaker Cloud — Starter (Formerly Essentials) | $19.00 per user/month (billed annually) | For 5–10 users only; hosting limit 3 apps; 2 GB FileMaker Data Storage per user/year (no upgrades); 5 Claris Connect active flows; 10 Claris Studio native web views. Source: Claris Store (FileMaker Cloud). |
| FileMaker Cloud — Max (Formerly Standard) | $39.00 per user/month (billed annually) | For 5–99 users (contact sales for 100+); hosting limit up to 256 apps; 6 GB FileMaker Data Storage per user/year (upgrades available); 50 Claris Connect active flows; unlimited Claris Studio web views. Source: Claris Store (FileMaker Cloud). |
| Claris FileMaker Pro — Single license (Individuals) | $2,340.00 (billed annually) | Single-user license for individual users who do not need to share data. (Listed on Claris Store — Individuals page.) |
| Claris FileMaker Developer Subscription | $2,340.00 per year (billed annually) | Testing/development license (limited to non-production use: includes up to 3 FileMaker Server licenses, 3 simultaneous web client connections, and 3 FileMaker Pro user licenses). Listed on Claris Store (Developer Subscription). |
Seller details
Claris International Inc.
Santa Clara, California, United States
1985
Subsidiary
https://www.claris.com/
https://x.com/claris
https://www.linkedin.com/company/claris
