Claris FileMaker

This Claris FileMaker review covers what FileMaker is used for, its new features, pricing, how to deploy it and how it compares. FileMaker's history goes back to 1985, and it is made by Claris, an Apple company. You design tables, layouts and scripts in FileMaker Pro, then share the app with colleagues through FileMaker Server or FileMaker Cloud. People use the same app on a Mac or Windows computer, on iPad and iPhone with FileMaker Go, or in a browser with FileMaker WebDirect.

What is Claris FileMaker used for?

FileMaker is used to build custom business apps around a relational database. Typical solutions are inventory and asset tracking, job and project management, a simple CRM, field service forms, school and education records, and reporting for small companies. Many companies run a FileMaker app that replaced spreadsheets and paper forms years ago and still manage core information and workflows in it. It is also a common choice on Apple devices, because FileMaker Go gives iPad and iPhone users a native app with camera, signature and barcode support, so staff can read and update information in the field.

Key features

• FileMaker Pro: the desktop app to design tables, relationships, drag-and-drop layouts, forms, scripts and reports on macOS or Windows.
• FileMaker Go: native iPad and iPhone app for the same solutions, including offline use of local files.
• FileMaker WebDirect: run a hosted app in any modern browser on a computer or tablet without installing software.
• FileMaker Server and FileMaker Cloud: host and share apps on your own server or in the vendor's cloud, with backups and a standby server option.
• Data API and OData: connect other software and services to FileMaker data; Claris Connect adds workflows with other apps.
• AI features: FileMaker 2026 adds LLM integration, semantic search and support for more AI providers, including Google Gemini (Claris).

Claris FileMaker pricing

FileMaker is sold as an annual subscription per user. According to the Claris pricing page (September 2026), cloud hosting comes in two plans:

• Starter (formerly Essentials): 5 to 10 users, up to 3 apps, 2 GB data storage per user per year, FileMaker Pro, Go and WebDirect included.
• Max (formerly Standard): 5 to 99 users, up to 256 apps, 6 GB storage per user per year, more Claris Connect flows.

Self-hosted plans include FileMaker Server for up to 3 on-premise servers. Claris shows prices per user per month, billed annually; Capterra lists about $16.50 for self-hosted, $21 for the cloud entry plan and $43 for the larger cloud plan, under the old plan names. A single FileMaker Pro license exists for one person who does not share data. There is no free plan, but Claris offers a 45-day free trial.

The cost surprise to check is the minimum of 5 users on team plans and the need to pay for every user who opens the app, including occasional users. Server hardware, backups and a FileMaker developer's time also add to the real cost.

FileMaker Server, FileMaker Cloud and how to deploy

There are two ways to deploy a shared FileMaker app. FileMaker Server is software you install on your own Mac, Windows or Linux server, on premise or at a hosting provider; you manage updates, backups and access yourself. FileMaker Cloud is hosted by the vendor, with automatic updates and no hardware to maintain. Both give users access through FileMaker Pro, FileMaker Go and WebDirect, and both support the Data API for other services. According to the vendor, data is protected with AES-256 encryption at rest and TLS encryption in transit, SSL certificates are provisioned automatically, and the platform is SOC 2 certified with ISO/IEC 27001 and 27018 compliance.

Is FileMaker still relevant in 2026?

Yes. A major FileMaker release still ships every year, and the new features in FileMaker 2026 add powerful AI options and web improvements. It remains a strong fit for companies that already run FileMaker solutions or work mostly on Apple devices. For new projects, many buyers now compare it with cloud-first platforms that are cheaper for large or external user groups. The main limitations are the per-user licensing, a smaller pool of new FileMaker developers, and web apps through WebDirect that feel less modern than browser-first platforms.

Where Claris FileMaker shines — and where it falls short

Strengths:

• A mature relational database with a visual layout designer and scripting.
• Native apps on Mac, Windows, iPad and iPhone from one solution.
• Self-hosted or cloud hosting, with strong security options.
• Backed by an Apple company, with yearly releases.

Trade-offs:

• Per-user subscription with a 5-user minimum for teams.
• Web access through WebDirect is less polished than browser-first platforms.
• Learning scripts and relationships takes time.
• Apps are tied to the FileMaker platform.

How Claris FileMaker compares

• Microsoft Power Apps: the choice for Microsoft 365 organizations.
• AppSheet: Google's no-code app builder for Workspace teams.
• Airtable: a cloud database with interfaces and automations, easier to read and share on the web.
• Knack, Caspio and Quickbase: browser-based database apps for business users.
• Ninox: a lighter low-code database that also targets Mac and iPad users.
• Oracle APEX: low-code apps on an Oracle database.

Is Claris FileMaker worth it?

FileMaker is worth it for companies that need a custom database app to manage information on Mac, Windows and iPad, want the option to host it themselves, and value a mature platform with long-term support. It is less of a fit for public-facing web apps, very large user groups on a tight budget, or buyers who want a browser-first platform. If you need help building or modernizing a FileMaker solution, the low-code agencies and developers on LowCodeDevs can take it on.

Sources

• Claris FileMaker: features, AI, platforms and security.
• Claris pricing for cloud hosting: Starter and Max plans and limits.
• Claris pricing for self-hosting: FileMaker Server plans.
• FileMaker Pro, Claris Store: single licenses for individual users.
• FileMaker pricing, Capterra: third-party list prices per user (uses the old plan names).