Claris FileMaker
Low-code platform for custom database apps on desktop, iOS and web
What is Claris FileMaker?
Claris FileMaker is a low-code platform for building custom business apps on top of a built-in database, with layouts, scripts and access controls handled in one tool. Apps run natively on Mac, Windows, iPhone and iPad and in a browser through FileMaker WebDirect. They can be hosted by Claris on FileMaker Cloud or on an organization's own FileMaker Server.
Claris FileMaker is a paid product with a free trial, starting at $17.50 per user / month, billed annually (FileMaker Server Starter, 5+ users). See every plan
Good for
- Businesses that need custom apps shaped around their own workflows
- Teams split between Mac and Windows desktops and iPhones or iPads
- Organizations that want to host their apps on their own servers
Worth knowing
- There is no free plan: after the 45-day trial, team licenses start at 5 users and are billed annually.
- FileMaker Cloud Starter is limited to 5 to 10 users, 3 apps and 2 GB of data storage per user per year, with no upgrades.
- Native clients cover Mac, Windows, iPhone and iPad; other devices reach apps through a web browser with FileMaker WebDirect.
- Remote Backup and Standby Server are paid add-ons for FileMaker Server; Claris says Remote Backup is not available for FileMaker Cloud.
Key features
- Drag-and-drop app design
- Layouts are built with design tools and built-in templates, and prebuilt add-ons drop in charts, calendars, kanban boards and activity timelines.
- Script Engine
- Predefined script steps, script triggers and calculation functions automate workflows and data processing without a traditional programming language, including scripts that run on the server.
- Cross-platform clients
- Apps open in FileMaker Pro on Mac and Windows, in FileMaker Go on iPhone and iPad, and in Safari, Chrome or Microsoft Edge through FileMaker WebDirect.
- Cloud or self-hosted
- FileMaker Cloud runs on AWS and backs up data changes every 20 minutes, keeping backups for 30 days. FileMaker Server hosts the same apps on an organization's own infrastructure.
- APIs and external data
- The FileMaker Data API and OData expose app data to other services, ODBC and JDBC are supported, and live two-way connections reach MySQL, Oracle and Microsoft SQL Server.
- AI integration
- Scripts and APIs connect apps to AI services to automate tasks, analyze data and generate content. FileMaker 2026 added Google Gemini as a provider and semantic search enhancements.
Claris FileMaker pricing
- Starts at
- $17.50 per user / month, billed annually (FileMaker Server Starter, 5+ users)
- Free plan
- None
- Free trial
- 45-day free trial with full access to the platform, no credit card required
| Plan | Price | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| FileMaker Server Starter | $17.50per user / month, billed annually; 5 to 99 users | Self-hosted: FileMaker Pro, Go and WebDirect for every user, up to 3 on-premise servers and 5 active Claris Connect flows. |
| FileMaker Cloud Starter | $22per user / month, billed annually; 5 to 10 users only | Hosted by Claris: 3 apps, 2 GB of data storage per user per year with no upgrades, and 5 active Claris Connect flows. |
| FileMaker Server Max | $22per user / month, billed annually; 5 to 99 users | Self-hosted and bought through sales: the same client access on up to 3 on-premise servers, with 50 active Claris Connect flows. |
| FileMaker Cloud Max | $45per user / month, billed annually; 5 to 99 users | Hosted by Claris: 256 apps, 6 GB of data storage per user per year with upgrades available, and 50 active Claris Connect flows. |
| FileMaker Pro single license | $625per license; no billing period is shown in the Claris Store | A single FileMaker Pro license for an individual who does not need to share data with others. An Upgrade option exists for owners of FileMaker Pro 2024 or later. |
Read from claris.com on Oct 5, 2026. Prices change, so confirm with Claris FileMaker before you buy.
Works with
- Claris Connect
- Microsoft SQL Server
- MySQL
- Oracle
- Okta
- Google Gemini
Claris FileMaker alternatives
- Claris FileMaker vs Microsoft Access
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- Claris FileMaker vs Airtable
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- Claris FileMaker vs Ninox
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- Claris FileMaker vs Baserow
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- Claris FileMaker vs Grist
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Common questions
Is Claris FileMaker free?
No, Claris FileMaker is a paid product, but you can try it first. 45-day free trial with full access to the platform, no credit card required.
How much does Claris FileMaker cost?
Claris FileMaker lists 5 plans. FileMaker Server Starter: $17.50 per user / month, billed annually; 5 to 99 users. FileMaker Cloud Starter: $22 per user / month, billed annually; 5 to 10 users only. FileMaker Server Max: $22 per user / month, billed annually; 5 to 99 users. FileMaker Cloud Max: $45 per user / month, billed annually; 5 to 99 users. FileMaker Pro single license: $625 per license; no billing period is shown in the Claris Store. Prices were read from claris.com on Oct 5, 2026.
What platforms does Claris FileMaker work on?
Claris FileMaker is available on macOS, Windows, iOS and Web.
Does Claris FileMaker have an Android app?
No Android app was listed when its pages were read on Oct 5, 2026. Claris FileMaker is listed for macOS, Windows, iOS and Web.
Does Claris FileMaker have a Linux app?
No Linux app was listed when its pages were read on Oct 5, 2026. Claris FileMaker is listed for macOS, Windows, iOS and Web.
Is Claris FileMaker open source?
Claris FileMaker is not described as open source on its own site, as read on Oct 5, 2026.
Can Claris FileMaker be self-hosted?
Yes. Claris FileMaker's own site says it can be run on a server of your own.
Does Claris FileMaker have an API?
Yes. Claris FileMaker offers a public API, according to its own site.
What does Claris FileMaker integrate with?
Claris FileMaker's listing names Claris Connect, Microsoft SQL Server, MySQL, Oracle, Okta and Google Gemini. A listing names up to eight integrations, so it may connect to more.
Who makes Claris FileMaker?
Claris FileMaker is made by Claris International Inc.
What are the alternatives to Claris FileMaker?
The closest alternatives to Claris FileMaker in our directory are Microsoft Access, Airtable, Ninox, Baserow and Grist. Each one has a side-by-side comparison with Claris FileMaker.
Sources for this page
The prices, plans, platforms and features above were read from these pages on Oct 5, 2026.