Claris FileMaker
Claris FileMaker: A mature custom database platform with broad deployment, automation, and access controls. Ranked #8 of 40 in No-Code Database Software by our editors (8.5/10); pricing: 45-day trial; best for organizations needing a mature custom database platform.
At a glance
- Editor score8.5 / 10
- Pricing45-day trial
- Best forOrganizations needing a mature custom database platform
- Free planNo
- App interface builderYes
- Facts checked22 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Relational modeling supports complex one-to-one and many-to-many data.
- Role-based privileges control access to records, fields, layouts, and scripts.
- Deploy through cloud, self-hosting, desktop, mobile, web, and APIs.
Where it doesn't
- There is no free plan.
- The entry price is $39 per user per month with annual billing.
- Cloud Starter is limited to three hosted apps and five active flows.
Our verdict on Claris FileMaker
Claris FileMaker is a low-code platform for building custom, database-backed business applications. It suits organizations that need tailored operational software instead of a fixed application, particularly teams managing structured relationships, workflow automation, reporting, permissions, and multiple deployment environments. Graphical layout tools support custom interfaces, while FileMaker WebDirect extends applications to browsers and FileMaker Go supports mobile access.
Pricing starts with FileMaker Server Annual at $39 per user per month when billed annually. This plan supports self-hosted deployment, access through FileMaker Pro, FileMaker Go, and FileMaker WebDirect, up to three on-premise servers, and five active Claris Connect integration flows. FileMaker Cloud Starter supports 5–10 users, up to 3 apps, 2 GB of FileMaker Data Storage per user per year, and five active Claris Connect flows. Cloud Max supports 5–99 users, up to 256 apps, 6 GB of storage per user per year, and fifty active flows. The platform also connects with Claris Studio, JavaScript, JSON, OData, ODBC, JDBC, and the FileMaker Data API.
Its main strength is breadth within a custom application environment. Relational tables cover one-to-one, one-to-many, self-join, and many-to-many relationships, while scripts can automate workflows and run on schedules. Privilege sets provide granular controls, and the Data API supports reading, creating, editing, deleting, and finding records. Reporting, dashboards, imports from CSV, XML, Excel, and tab-delimited files, plus AI script steps, AI calculation functions, semantic search, and PDF extraction add further range. Choose FileMaker when customization and deployment choice matter more than a free starting tier; consider another product if avoiding paid licensing is the priority.
Your product? Our editors can test Claris FileMaker in depth and publish a review, labelled as paid · from $149/mo →
Claris FileMaker pricing
All 3 Claris FileMaker plans and prices →
Claris FileMaker fact sheet
| Free plan | No |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Not verified |
| Relational data | Yes |
| Permission controls | Yes |
| App interface builder | Yes |
| Workflow automation | Yes |
| Deployment | Both |
| Record limit | Not verified |
| API access | Yes |
| Free trial | 45 days |
| Deployment | Cloud, Self-hosted |
| Platforms | Web, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android |
| Compliance & security | SOC 2, ISO 27001, SSO/SAML, 2FA |
| Support | Email, Phone, Community, Docs · 24/7 |
| Built for | Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise (editorial estimate) |
| Integrations | 7 integrations: Claris Connect, FileMaker Data API, OData, ODBC/JDBC, MySQL, Oracle … |
| Pricing | 45-day trial (source) |
| Website | claris.com |
| Facts checked | 22 Sep 2026 |
Claris FileMaker integrations
Claris FileMaker lists 7 integrations on its own site.
- Claris Connect
- FileMaker Data API
- OData
- ODBC/JDBC
- MySQL
- Oracle
- Microsoft SQL Server
Alternatives to Claris FileMaker
- AirtableAirtable combines relational data, apps, automation, integrations, and APIs in one platform.9.4
- GristA flexible open-source database builder with strong controls and a generous free tier.9.2
- SeaTableA flexible no-code database for teams that need relational data and deployment choice.9.0
See all Claris FileMaker alternatives →
Claris FileMaker vs the competition
- Claris FileMaker vs Airtable
- Claris FileMaker vs Grist
- Claris FileMaker vs SeaTable
- Claris FileMaker vs Baserow
- Claris FileMaker vs Ragic
- Claris FileMaker vs NocoDB
Compare Claris FileMaker with any tool side by side →
Also Ranked In
Claris FileMaker is ranked in 7 of our directories.
Used Claris FileMaker? Be the first to review it
The editor score above is our own research. What this page doesn't have yet is a reader's view — what you used Claris FileMaker for, what worked and what didn't. No stars are seeded and no review is paid for; an editor reads every one before it appears.
Write a reviewTwo minutes · verified accounts only · read by an editor before it appears
Featured on iTechGuides
Claris FileMaker is listed in our No-Code Database Software directory. Add the badge to your site — it links back to this page.
<a href="https://www.itechguides.com/products/claris-filemaker/"><img src="https://www.itechguides.com/best/badge/claris-filemaker.svg" alt="Featured on iTechGuides" width="230" height="46"></a>
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.
Last updated · How we research and update