FileMaker review: build custom business apps and databases with Claris's low-code platform. Cloud and self-hosted plans from around $17.50/user/month.
FileMaker is a low-code platform for building custom database applications, with roots tracing back to 1985 and a long history as an Apple-owned product line. It's now sold under the Claris brand, with Claris headquartered in Santa Clara, California, as a subsidiary of Apple.
The platform lets non-specialist developers and business users design apps for things like inventory tracking, CRM, scheduling, and internal workflow tools using a visual, drag-and-drop interface, while still allowing scripting and calculations for more advanced logic when needed.
FileMaker apps run across FileMaker Pro on desktop, FileMaker Go on iOS, and in web browsers through Claris Studio, meaning a single app built once can be accessed from multiple device types without separate development efforts. The platform includes prebuilt starter apps and templates to speed up common use cases.
Claris Connect, included in FileMaker licensing, adds workflow automation that links FileMaker apps to third-party services. Hosting can run through FileMaker Cloud (Claris-managed, built on AWS) or self-hosted FileMaker Server for organizations that want to keep infrastructure in-house, with both options supporting the same core app-building experience.
FileMaker licensing is billed per user per month on an annual basis, with pricing depending on whether an organization chooses Claris-hosted FileMaker Cloud or self-hosted FileMaker Server, and which tier they select. Entry-level cloud and server tiers start in the high-teens to low-twenties dollar range per user per month, with a minimum user count typically required.
Higher tiers raise limits on the number of apps, per-user data storage, and active Claris Connect automation flows, while unlocking Claris Studio web app publishing. Organizations needing more than roughly 100 licenses are directed to a custom enterprise quote, and single standalone FileMaker Pro licenses are also available outside the subscription model.
FileMaker is owned by Apple and sold under the Claris brand, with Claris headquartered in Santa Clara, California.
Pricing is billed per user per month on annual terms, with entry-level Cloud and Server plans starting in the high-teens to low-twenties dollar range, and higher tiers costing more.
Yes, FileMaker Go lets apps built in FileMaker run on iOS devices, in addition to desktop and web access.
No, FileMaker is a low-code platform designed so non-developers can build apps visually, though scripting is available for advanced logic.
Yes, Claris offers a free trial of the FileMaker platform before committing to a paid subscription.