Claris FileMaker

What Claris FileMaker is

Claris FileMaker is a low-code platform for creating business apps tailored to an organization’s needs. Users can shape apps with drag-and-drop design tools, templates, add-ons, reporting, and data import. Its Script Engine automates workflows, data processing, and app behavior without requiring a traditional programming language. Apps can run on Mac, Windows, iPhone, iPad, and the web, with hosting through FileMaker Cloud or FileMaker Server. Integration options include Claris Connect, the FileMaker Data API, OData, cURL, ODBC/JDBC, and external SQL sources such as MySQL, Oracle, and Microsoft SQL Server. On iOS, FileMaker supports capabilities including GPS, barcode scanning, signature capture, device sensors, Core ML, Siri Shortcuts, and NFC reading. FileMaker Cloud supports AES-256 encryption at rest and TLS 1.2 in transit, along with Claris ID single sign-on, two-factor authentication, and external identity providers such as Okta and Microsoft Active Directory. Its listed cloud certifications and report include SOC 2 Type 2, ISO/IEC 27001, and ISO/IEC 27018. Claris offers a free 45-day trial with full platform access from day one and no credit card required. Paid options include cloud and server plans with different user, app, storage, API, server, and flow allowances. The pricing note lists From $39/user/mo. Claris says FileMaker Cloud and Claris Connect must not handle protected health information because it does not claim HIPAA compliance.

Who it suits

FileMaker suits organizations that need custom business apps and want to automate workflows without relying on a traditional programming language. Its listed users span small businesses to large enterprises in fields including healthcare, legal, education, manufacturing, nonprofits, and professional services.

Limits

The free trial lasts 45 days. FileMaker Cloud Starter supports 5–10 users, 3 hosted apps, 2 GB storage per user per year, 2 GB outbound API data per user per month, and 5 active Claris Connect flows. FileMaker Cloud Max supports 5–99 users, 256 hosted apps, 6 GB storage per user per year, 2 GB outbound API data per user per month, and 50 active flows.

Getting started

1. Visit the Claris FileMaker website.
2. Start the free 45-day trial; it provides full platform access and requires no credit card.
3. Use the drag-and-drop tools, templates, add-ons, reporting, and data import to create an app.
4. Choose FileMaker Cloud or FileMaker Server for hosting.
5. Select a cloud or server plan based on its listed user, app, storage, API, server, and flow allowances.

Verdict

Choose FileMaker if you need to build tailored business apps, automate processes, and deploy across desktop, mobile, or web. Check the plan’s user and resource allowances before choosing, and do not use FileMaker Cloud or Claris Connect for protected health information.