---
title: Claris FileMaker Reviews
meta_title: 'Claris FileMaker Reviews 2026: Details, Pricing, & Features | G2'
meta_description: Filter 578 reviews by the users' company size, role or industry
  to find out how Claris FileMaker works for a business like yours.
aggregate_rating:
  rating_value: 4.5
  review_count: 578
  scale: '5'
date_modified: '2026-06-17'
parent_category:
  name: Rapid Application Development (RAD)
  url: https://www.g2.com/categories/rapid-application-development-rad
---

# Claris FileMaker Reviews
**Vendor:** Claris  
**Category:** [Workplace Innovation Platforms](https://www.g2.com/categories/workplace-innovation-platforms)  
**Average Rating:** 4.5/5.0  
**Total Reviews:** 578
## About Claris FileMaker
Make tech work for you, not the other way around. The Claris platform is uniquely suited to help businesses like yours build, test, and rapidly iterate customized, integrated solutions faster and more efficiently than any other platform on the market. Unlike other software applications out there that are too lightweight and not customizable or too complex and rigid, Claris is flexible enough to meet your specific and evolving needs. Organizations just like yours — whether they’re SMBs, nonprofits, or educational institutions — use Claris apps to help them run their business the way they want and thereby significantly boost productivity and efficiencies across the board. Learn more — www.claris.com



## Claris FileMaker Pros & Cons
**What users like:**

- Users find the **ease of use** in Claris FileMaker invaluable for designing forms and managing data efficiently. (9 reviews)
- Users appreciate the **flexibility** of Claris FileMaker, enabling seamless integration and adaptability for various applications. (8 reviews)
- Users appreciate the **easy creation** capabilities of Claris FileMaker, allowing them to bring their ideas to life effortlessly. (7 reviews)
- Users value the **integration capabilities** of Claris FileMaker, enabling seamless use with various applications and databases. (7 reviews)
- Users appreciate the **customizability** of Claris FileMaker, allowing for live updates and rapid adaptation to new needs. (6 reviews)
- Users appreciate the **flexibility and ease of customization** in Claris FileMaker, enabling tailored solutions without extensive programming. (6 reviews)
- Users value the **seamless integration** capabilities of Claris FileMaker, enhancing efficiency and workflow across various platforms. (6 reviews)
- Automation (5 reviews)
- Customization Options (5 reviews)
- Ease of Learning (5 reviews)

**What users dislike:**

- Users find the **learning curve steep** , often requiring assistance and facing challenges with tab-order and scalability. (4 reviews)
- Users struggle with **navigation difficulties** in Claris FileMaker due to complex layout management and reference handling. (3 reviews)
- Users express concerns about **cost issues** , particularly related to API charges and limited global adoption hindering accessibility. (2 reviews)
- Users experience **database limitations** with Claris FileMaker, affecting its full potential and application performance. (2 reviews)
- Users find **difficult customization** in Claris FileMaker frustrating, especially when managing complex layouts and fields. (2 reviews)
- Users find the **pricing structure too high** for small businesses, particularly when scaling with more users. (2 reviews)
- High Complexity (2 reviews)
- Limited Customization (2 reviews)
- Limited Features (2 reviews)
- Users feel the **missing features** in Claris FileMaker limit their ability to fully utilize the product&#39;s potential. (2 reviews)

## Claris FileMaker Reviews
  ### 1. Custom Solutions Made Easy with Claris FileMaker

**Rating:** 4.5/5.0 stars

**Reviewed by:** curtis  h. | owner, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)

**Reviewed Date:** August 07, 2019

**What do you like best about Claris FileMaker?**

I like how Claris FileMaker has allowed us to create our own software solution, which has been really beneficial in saving us time and money. The platform has a ton of support to help us along the way, and building a solution is quick and easy, letting us avoid the bloat and issues of other solutions. Setting up Claris FileMaker is also pretty easy.

**What do you dislike about Claris FileMaker?**

It has a steep learning curve when first starting out if you are not familiar with software development.

**Recommendations to others considering Claris FileMaker:**

its worth it

**What problems is Claris FileMaker solving and how is that benefiting you?**

I find Claris FileMaker allows us to create custom software solutions quickly and easily, saving time and money, and solving our specific needs without the bloat of other solutions.

  ### 2. Versatile but Steep Learning Curve

**Rating:** 3.5/5.0 stars

**Reviewed by:** Jonathan C. | Technology Support Technician, Enterprise (> 1000 emp.)

**Reviewed Date:** February 03, 2026

**What do you like best about Claris FileMaker?**

I use Claris FileMaker for an app that manages our inventory, creation of repair tracking, and archiving. I also appreciate it for API calls to Mosyle. Claris allowed us to create an interactive platform for many users to input data. I like the ease of design ability and breadth of options. It's easy to create buttons, prompt windows, and well-designed features for our users. The initial setup of Claris FileMaker was simple.

**What do you dislike about Claris FileMaker?**

Sometimes the knowledge base or learning of Claris is hard. It involves very in-depth coding without simplification for the designer or manager on site.

**What problems is Claris FileMaker solving and how is that benefiting you?**

I use Claris FileMaker to manage inventory, repair tracking, and API calls. It creates an interactive platform for data input. I appreciate the ease of design and options, which make creating user-friendly features simple.

  ### 3. Powerful, Flexible, and Essential for Cross-Platform Data Management

**Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars

**Reviewed by:** Caibin Z. | Application Architect, Enterprise (> 1000 emp.)

**Reviewed Date:** October 20, 2025

**What do you like best about Claris FileMaker?**

Claris FileMaker is a powerful and flexible tool that truly supports cross-platform development for custom database applications. Its speed and ease of implementation make it an excellent choice for managing complex data in a range of sectors, such as research, academia, and finance. Beyond simple data management, it can function as a central data hub for organizations by integrating smoothly with existing databases. Whether for daily administrative tasks or strategic data analysis, FileMaker applications can become an essential part of a user's everyday workflow.

**What do you dislike about Claris FileMaker?**

As long as Claris keeps investing in FileMaker Web Direct and the server, making web application development easier and staying current with performance and web technologies, I find there is nothing to dislike about FileMaker.

**What problems is Claris FileMaker solving and how is that benefiting you?**

I have developed various management systems for the organization, including solutions for grants management, research data management, mouse colony tracking, core facilities ordering and product sales, faculty evaluation and fund applications, clinical trial budget tool, resident data management, equipments schedule management, as well as student course evaluations.

  ### 4. All-in-One Database, Tasks, and Reporting in One Place

**Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars

**Reviewed by:** kaiyu w. | R &amp; D batch adjuster, Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.)

**Reviewed Date:** April 30, 2026

**What do you like best about Claris FileMaker?**

manage all the database, task, report together

**What do you dislike about Claris FileMaker?**

very great system for production, research, quality control and financial

**What problems is Claris FileMaker solving and how is that benefiting you?**

track the historical database for reference while produce the new formula

  ### 5. The best database software for easy development and user experience.

**Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars

**Reviewed by:** Verified User in Higher Education | Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.)

**Reviewed Date:** August 19, 2025

**What do you like best about Claris FileMaker?**

If you're thinking about the ease of use  your customers for your customers FileMaker is for you.  It's really intuitive to use especially when doing queries / searches.  It gives them the ability to easily access and process their own data.  

This is on top of how easy it is to develop and implement solutions.  If you need support then it's easy to train others to help you develop.  

The team at FileMaker are constantly adding new features to the software.  The software has been around for over 40 years and is supported by Apple so you know it will be around for a long while.

**What do you dislike about Claris FileMaker?**

I used to not like the yearly update cycle but that has been changed to updates made throughout the year which I prefer.

**What problems is Claris FileMaker solving and how is that benefiting you?**

I have many different customers which have different needs.  FileMaker is flexible enough to develop solutions for many different needs.  For example I've created CRMs, financial workflow apps, and event planning apps.

  ### 6. The Power of Filemaker for small business !!

**Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars

**Reviewed by:** Nick B. | Owner, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)

**Reviewed Date:** May 06, 2025

**What do you like best about Claris FileMaker?**

I developed my first Filemaker database 1979 for my first business a recruitment company.  That FM-v0 was developed on a MacPlus which had an orange screen and was ex the DevTeam. 

While we now longer have a Recruitment business in our group of companies - I have developed custom FM data bases for each of our subsquent busubness - through 4 x Construction & Development companies to Business Consulting.  

Those FM solutions have covered Scheduling / staff timing/task recording - and in case of Business Consulting a CRM database with 800+ fields of information ... 

Best FM feature -- that you can literally add fields/features into a live FM Served database without any disruption to standard Users -- other than maybe for layout changes.   What this has meant to our business - is that a new 'need' can you 'prototyped' and 'tested' live -- and either adopted or adapted --- this is a huge time-saver!!

**What do you dislike about Claris FileMaker?**

As long as Claris continues to offer & support FM Server that we can run internally on our own MacMini Server - with external VPN access when needed --- then there is absolutely nothing to dislike about Filemaker. 

Note : historically there were changes on ownership - and emphasis on (only) cloud-based external Servers which we found unsettlingly !! 

Remember :  Many many users of Filemaker must have (presumedly) embraced the ease of creating and growing their own databases and related functionality ... 

This feels possibly unique in the databaseApp world .. so please never loose sight of Filemaker's uniqueness !!

**What problems is Claris FileMaker solving and how is that benefiting you?**

We can start by setting up a basic database to meet a specific need -- and then grow that database's functionality of literally 30+ years,

  ### 7. Claris FileMaker: my primary application for my professional income.

**Rating:** 4.5/5.0 stars

**Reviewed by:** Dennis B. | CEO, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)

**Reviewed Date:** March 04, 2024

**What do you like best about Claris FileMaker?**

The product versatility is almost unmatched in the universe of business software.  I've used it since 1985 as it has evolved and matured through several companies before being acquired by Apple in 1989.  I am a member of a worldwide commubnity of developers which I rely on extensively.  While there are newer, cheaper, low-code startups they don't offer a comparable  breadth of features and historical sucess.    My FileMaker toolbox is my most important business asset.

**What do you dislike about Claris FileMaker?**

The company tends to be more focused on the introduction of new features than on the quality control of their existing in-market products.

**What problems is Claris FileMaker solving and how is that benefiting you?**

Impossible to answer this question.  Each and every client situation is unique.

  ### 8. The possibilies with Filemaker are endless and you can start small

**Rating:** 4.5/5.0 stars

**Reviewed by:** BRA A. | Coordinator and In-house developer, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)

**Reviewed Date:** April 23, 2025

**What do you like best about Claris FileMaker?**

FileMaker is an exceptionally accessible platform that's easy to customize for those who are curious and have moderate tech skills. It has the potential to revolutionize the way an organization operates. You can begin with a simple database and, as you grow more comfortable, scale up to create complex software solutions that can meet a wide range of needs. Additionally, FileMaker offers the ability to connect with external systems and applications through APIs. Overall, it's a robust platform supported by a fantastic community of developers.

**What do you dislike about Claris FileMaker?**

The options for designing a layout could be better. Hiding and sliding objects or making layouts responsive and web-like isn't easy.

**What problems is Claris FileMaker solving and how is that benefiting you?**

It let's us build tools that are specific to our organizations workflow and there's no solution on the market that we could run our entire business on.

  ### 9. Reflections on 25 Years of FileMaker Development

**Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars

**Reviewed by:** Chong-Bing L. | Director, Computer Software, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)

**Reviewed Date:** April 23, 2025

**What do you like best about Claris FileMaker?**

Its rapid development capabilities. You can instantly build what people need, and it’s especially powerful at solving and adapting to system problems across all kinds of industries. It works well for everyone—from complete beginners to experienced developers—and it’s a great starting point for anyone learning database languages.

**What do you dislike about Claris FileMaker?**

1. Even though FileMaker has been around for 40 years, it’s still not widely adopted globally. I believe the single-user version of FileMaker Pro should be free, so more people can try it. Once people start using it and see its value, they’ll likely invest in FileMaker Server.

2. I wish FileMaker Go had an Android version.

**What problems is Claris FileMaker solving and how is that benefiting you?**

This platform has allowed me to help clients solve a wide range of problems and develop various custom systems, such as ERP and CRM solutions.

  ### 10. Easy to get started and the power to solve unique problems, all in one.

**Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars

**Reviewed by:** Verified User in Computer Software | Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)

**Reviewed Date:** May 06, 2025

**What do you like best about Claris FileMaker?**

This is a product that a regular business can get started with on their own, or work with a consultant to build exactly the kind of system they want. I've yet to have to say no to any idea a client has had for the unique needs of their business. My favorite compliment is when they exclaim how much time has been saved by using Filemaker.
 It is easy to get started, and really fun to work with, and the community fostered by Claris, consisting of other developers sharing and collaborating on tools & resources; makes this a family as well.

**What do you dislike about Claris FileMaker?**

Warning: Enjoying what you do for a living may impede on your time for socializing.

**What problems is Claris FileMaker solving and how is that benefiting you?**

For my own business I love the fact that I can modify my system on the fly as the needs of our business change and grow. 
I love doing the same thing for my clients; whatever the business they are in, or how wild there imagination can be, there will be a way to bring the new idea to life and increase profit, from automating services or improving their workflow.

  ### 11. Excellent rapid application development tool for custom iOS Apps/desktop databases for Mac/Windows.

**Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars

**Reviewed by:** Benjamin F. | Director, Information Technology and Services, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)

**Reviewed Date:** January 03, 2017

**What do you like best about Claris FileMaker?**

Claris FileMaker is a great tool for no-code rapid application development.  It allows you to quickly build bespoke databases/'custom apps' for web, iOS and native Mac/Windows desktops.  For maximum speed RAD it has its own built-in database engine, but can also be used as a front end to 3rd party SQL database backends such as MySQL, MS SQL and Oracle.

The platform scales well for small & medium enterprises - i.e. workgroups from 10 - to a few hundred users.

 It has been a work horse tool for me as consultant/developer for over 18 years now.

**What do you dislike about Claris FileMaker?**

Licensing has changed radically over the last few versions and so can be complex to navigate if you are not already familiar with the different differ offerings.

The WebDirect feature is very technically impressive in that produces very graphically rich interfaces, but does require significant performance overhead and so does require substantial hardware.  Currently this is limited to around 100 concurrent connections.

**Recommendations to others considering Claris FileMaker:**

FileMaker is a very economic tool for prototyping new iOS Apps even if it isn't used as the final platform for full/native Apps.

It can be deployed both on premises and in the cloud.

**What problems is Claris FileMaker solving and how is that benefiting you?**

I have built custom solutions for a broad range of industry sectors ranging from education, recruitment, retail, healthcare and financial services.

These solutions have ranged from simple data cleansing tools, to workflow managements systems to full-blown CRM/ ERP type solutions.

  ### 12. Does what it's supposed to do, for work!

**Rating:** 3.5/5.0 stars

**Reviewed by:** Kim H. | Host Ambassador, Civic & Social Organization, Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.)

**Reviewed Date:** August 06, 2025

**What do you like best about Claris FileMaker?**

Filemaker has a lot of different short codes to use to create lists etc
I use Filemaker daily for work, and is the main product used.

**What do you dislike about Claris FileMaker?**

I do find Filemaker fairly confusing and often need to ask for assistance

**What problems is Claris FileMaker solving and how is that benefiting you?**

We use filemaker as a company to organize all of our company clients (hosts/agents/students) and can easily jump between them all.

  ### 13. FileMaker has been with me for entire career!

**Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars

**Reviewed by:** Russ C. | Marketing Director, Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.)

**Reviewed Date:** May 21, 2025

**What do you like best about Claris FileMaker?**

You can create almost anything with FileMaker; it brings your ideas to life. Its adaptability enables you to quickly iterate and deploy features that allow you to move forward.

**What do you dislike about Claris FileMaker?**

I dislike that it gets a bad rap. People who dislike FileMaker don’t actually dislike the software; they dislike the applications built by a person using FileMaker. It’s a great modern tool that, when used properly, can achieve excellent results.

**What problems is Claris FileMaker solving and how is that benefiting you?**

I was able to run and automate my entire business using FileMaker.

  ### 14. Best Departmental or small to mid sized business productivity App out there

**Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars

**Reviewed by:** Karstyn M. | Sr. Systems Engineer, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)

**Reviewed Date:** September 26, 2019

**What do you like best about Claris FileMaker?**

How adaptable it is
How robust it can be
How easy it can integrate with other APIs
How inexpensive it is to develop in compared to other alternatives

**What do you dislike about Claris FileMaker?**

Although you can design a very nice looking UI, it needs a more modern approach to layout design
It needs a more robust way to create web forms for anonymouse users

**Recommendations to others considering Claris FileMaker:**

It has a 45 day free trial, so what are you waiting for!
It's very easy to get tarted with FileMaker but like any software it is also easy to get yourself into deadness - so consider using a consultant to at least guide development

**What problems is Claris FileMaker solving and how is that benefiting you?**

Work flow and business process automation are the major issues being solved, which can provide great ROI for companies that make use of it
Solves all too often 'Excel Hell' issues

  ### 15. We run our business on Filemaker

**Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars

**Reviewed by:** David G. | President, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)

**Reviewed Date:** May 06, 2025

**What do you like best about Claris FileMaker?**

FM is flexible and powerful. We can continually update and expand or solution to handle new situations / needs.

**What do you dislike about Claris FileMaker?**

Setting the tab-order in layouts with large numbers of fields is very difficult. Need better tools for clearing just the visible fields or something. Also we use many files and tables in our solution. References across multiple files are challenging to manage / clean up.

**What problems is Claris FileMaker solving and how is that benefiting you?**

Filemaker helps us integrate our work in the field into report generation and scheduling as well as client management.

  ### 16. Robust platform for developing custom software applications

**Rating:** 4.5/5.0 stars

**Reviewed by:** Alondra T. | Software Engineer, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)

**Reviewed Date:** April 24, 2025

**What do you like best about Claris FileMaker?**

Claris FileMaker is a great platform for building and deploying custom apps for small businesses. The native features allow for integrations with external services and extendability beyond the typical functions. The community is very welcoming and vibrant. There is always someone in a forum who is eager to answer questions.

**What do you dislike about Claris FileMaker?**

Scalability can be quite tricky to handle. It helps to prepare in advance and there are ways to make a solution scalable, but it is difficult.

**What problems is Claris FileMaker solving and how is that benefiting you?**

Claris FileMaker helps the most with automations, data entry, and business workflows.

  ### 17. Long time FileMaker Pro user

**Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars

**Reviewed by:** Eric R. | Service Manager, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)

**Reviewed Date:** May 06, 2025

**What do you like best about Claris FileMaker?**

It has what a power user needs to accomplish a task or create a solution. You can also use it for simple tasks that don't even include scripting or custom functions. I can make a script to process my data with minimal time or difficulty.

**What do you dislike about Claris FileMaker?**

I subscribe to this software for my business. It would be nice to have a lite option for those not as likely to do much with it. Like ClarisWorks database used to be.

**What problems is Claris FileMaker solving and how is that benefiting you?**

I manage my service ticketing system with it. I'm currently looking to expand it into a point of sale system including purchasing. I have multiple APIs I'm using with it to accomplish my goals, and I hope to add more.

  ### 18. FileMaker big enough for large enterprise?

**Rating:** 3.0/5.0 stars

**Reviewed by:** Verified User in Education Management | Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.)

**Reviewed Date:** May 21, 2025

**What do you like best about Claris FileMaker?**

The biggest upside of FileMaker is the ability to program all integrated into one system.

**What do you dislike about Claris FileMaker?**

If you don't plan the infrastructure properly and account for all the dependencies and conditionals, you can build a huge mess. Also the charge for web API's after a certain number of transactions.

**What problems is Claris FileMaker solving and how is that benefiting you?**

Claris is addressing scaling issues and with each iteration of FileMaker, this is improving. Where some of our challenges lay are related to integration with BSP systems and scaling. Performance with ODBC connection was very problematic, this was resolved with the latest Server.

  ### 19. Flexible low code environment

**Rating:** 4.5/5.0 stars

**Reviewed by:** John N. | Senior Partner, Information Technology and Services, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)

**Reviewed Date:** December 10, 2017

**What do you like best about Claris FileMaker?**

Its very approachable, but has power and depth when you need it. The fact that I can integrate via REST and GraphQL APIs give me the flexibility to build workflows with all of the other tools our clients use and the ability to integrate javascript libraries lets us expand FileMaker's capabilities when we need it

**What do you dislike about Claris FileMaker?**

There are some more complex applications where the speed of the database engine can become an issue to be monitored.

**What problems is Claris FileMaker solving and how is that benefiting you?**

FileMaker helps us deploy sophisticated solutions for our clients at a manageable cost

  ### 20. Basic User

**Rating:** 4.5/5.0 stars

**Reviewed by:** Verified User in Government Administration | Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)

**Reviewed Date:** May 06, 2025

**What do you like best about Claris FileMaker?**

We can track our budget easily by inputting our starting budget and adding each transaction.

**What do you dislike about Claris FileMaker?**

I believe the downside for me is not being able to use Claris FileMaker to its full potential. Our FileMaker Database Template was created several years ago with many scripts, and that is exactly how we use it today.

**What problems is Claris FileMaker solving and how is that benefiting you?**

FileMaker is being used for us to track our budget, which benefits us tremendously.

  ### 21. I make my living out of FileMaker

**Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars

**Reviewed by:** Ibrahim B. | CEO, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)

**Reviewed Date:** March 04, 2024

**What do you like best about Claris FileMaker?**

Its simplicity combined with real power.

**What do you dislike about Claris FileMaker?**

No Android support.
No standalone direct App creation (for AppStore or Google Play Store).
No tools to test WebDirect performance.

**What problems is Claris FileMaker solving and how is that benefiting you?**

Find an easy way to run a medium sized to big company with one single ERP.

  ### 22. Decades long consistency and support

**Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars

**Reviewed by:** Maxwell K. | CEO/Developer, Computer Software, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)

**Reviewed Date:** March 09, 2024

**What do you like best about Claris FileMaker?**

Claris FileMaker has constantly added features and enhancement at a steady pace for decadeds. Plus, you can convert a solution built in FileMaker 3 (1995) and to FileMaker 20 (2023) and it will still work!

**What do you dislike about Claris FileMaker?**

Sometime confusing licensing options and limitations.

**What problems is Claris FileMaker solving and how is that benefiting you?**

Thru FileMaker we can solve problems for our clients that would otherwise take longer or cost more using other platforms or technology.

  ### 23. Developed a custom ERP system

**Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars

**Reviewed by:** Miles B. | President, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)

**Reviewed Date:** March 26, 2025

**What do you like best about Claris FileMaker?**

The ability to build a application based on my requirements not SAAS.

**What do you dislike about Claris FileMaker?**

Report building capabilities are lacking,  absence of options for integration of an accounting package

**What problems is Claris FileMaker solving and how is that benefiting you?**

An ERP system built upon our company's need

  ### 24. Incredibly adept platform for creating versatile apps

**Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars

**Reviewed by:** Verified User in Industrial Automation | Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.)

**Reviewed Date:** December 07, 2017

**What do you like best about Claris FileMaker?**

FileMaker gives small businesses the ability to solve complex problems with alacrity, making them more competitive with larger operations that have bigger software budgets. Best of all, FileMaker integrates with just about any app, so the experience is seamless as people follow their process.

**What do you dislike about Claris FileMaker?**

It's easy for untrained users to get started, but standards are not enforced within the app, allowing them to create solutions that are not always built for speed or longevity. The good news is, there are plenty of pros in the marketplace.

**What problems is Claris FileMaker solving and how is that benefiting you?**

We solve every kind of problem using FileMaker. We have helped countless businesses capitalize on its power and flexibility.

  ### 25. ORSAA Radiofrequency Bioeffects Database

**Rating:** 3.5/5.0 stars

**Reviewed by:** Victor L. | Scientific researcher and secretary of our association., Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)

**Reviewed Date:** February 07, 2025

**What do you like best about Claris FileMaker?**

True relational database. Lots of database learning tools in the form of online free video.

**What do you dislike about Claris FileMaker?**

On ocassions would like one to one support.

**What problems is Claris FileMaker solving and how is that benefiting you?**

Filemakewr is important in assisting  is management of scientific papers. Very user friendly searching is important to our users

  ### 26. FileMaker provides a powerful and affordable to bring solutions quickly to our clients.

**Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars

**Reviewed by:** Michael C. | President, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)

**Reviewed Date:** February 19, 2025

**What do you like best about Claris FileMaker?**

Ease of use, rock solid compatibility across multiple platforms.

**What do you dislike about Claris FileMaker?**

FileMaker needs an android app version much like FileMaker Go for the iPad.

**What problems is Claris FileMaker solving and how is that benefiting you?**

FileMaker allows me to develop solutions for the Apple Orchard and Agriculture industry.

  ### 27. Its ease of use and powerful database capabilities.

**Rating:** 4.0/5.0 stars

**Reviewed by:** Agus S. | IT Manager, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)

**Reviewed Date:** September 04, 2024

**What do you like best about Claris FileMaker?**

What I like best about Claris FileMaker is its flexibility and ease of customization. It allows me to create tailored solutions that perfectly fit my business needs without requiring extensive programming knowledge. The drag-and-drop interface makes it easy to build complex databases and workflows quickly. Additionally, the ability to integrate with other apps and platforms enhances its functionality, making it a powerful tool for managing various aspects of our operations. The robust community and resources available for support are also major pluses.

**What do you dislike about Claris FileMaker?**

the pricing structure may be a bit high for small businesses or individuals, particularly when scaling up with additional users.

**What problems is Claris FileMaker solving and how is that benefiting you?**

The ability to integrate FileMaker with other software we use has enhanced our data consistency and accessibility across platforms, further boosting productivity. Overall, FileMaker has helped us improve our data management, workflow efficiency, and inter-departmental communication, leading to better decision-making and business outcomes.

  ### 28. Decades of making databases for my businesses

**Rating:** 4.5/5.0 stars

**Reviewed by:** Bill O. | Vice President, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)

**Reviewed Date:** September 23, 2024

**What do you like best about Claris FileMaker?**

When we were in a multi-platform environment, with Mac and PC, compared to MS Access, it was easy to learn as a DIY project for me, the business owner. There are good help resources and a good forum for asking questions.

**What do you dislike about Claris FileMaker?**

I can't think of any, but I have used it for so many years that they have significantly improved.

**What problems is Claris FileMaker solving and how is that benefiting you?**

I have used it to store staff information and track sales incentive progress. I have also built a tour group costing, pricing, cataloging, travel documents, exports for airlines, travel insurance, and tour host lists. I have also used it for at-home hobby projects.

  ### 29. Very easy to use Claris FileMaker at my work place.

**Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars

**Reviewed by:** Dr. Simon M. | Surgeon &amp; Developer Database Solutions (FileMaker Customer Applications), Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)

**Reviewed Date:** January 29, 2025

**What do you like best about Claris FileMaker?**

Claris FileMaker is very easy to use to design forms and collect data for our organization.

**What do you dislike about Claris FileMaker?**

There are no down sides to the use of Claris FileMaker.

**What problems is Claris FileMaker solving and how is that benefiting you?**

Management of health data in the health sector in my country.

  ### 30. Powerful creative software for all

**Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars

**Reviewed by:** Ralph L. | Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)

**Reviewed Date:** March 04, 2024

**What do you like best about Claris FileMaker?**

Apart from its ability in allowing one's creative abilities to flow, the software caters to just about any real-life situation where there's a need to be met or a problem to be solved.  It becomes almost addictive because the solving of one small problem leads to the solving of more ambitious ones.  It's quite amazing what can be achieved, be it for one person or for a team of people.

**What do you dislike about Claris FileMaker?**

As good as the software is, its price is too high for an individual or for a group of less than 5.  The company in my view seems to be too heavily focussed on large organisations.  Unfortunately this puts it out of reach for many first-timers.

**What problems is Claris FileMaker solving and how is that benefiting you?**

There's such a variety of situations where Claris Filemaker has made my clients run their businesses so much more efficiently.  

The amount of time saved in every-day processes and the resulting cost saving, easily outweighs their initial investment in the software.  

Examples such as  a sporting club for young athletics whereby the clumsy scoring method was replaced with a slick immediate process run with minimum effort by just about anybody.  Then the health care business that was able to prepare its requirements well in advance, then issue work-instructions and finally see a summary of how well their business was coping - no more wild guesses!  

A community market-place run by a team of people every month is now able to assign 150 plus sites to all vendors - many months in  advance - with no more worries about double booking!  And the collection of fees is now longer such a tedious task, because those in debt are immediately tracked and notified.  I could go on with many more situations where Claris Filemaker has been a tremendous godsend to productivity!...

  ### 31. Flexible Development Tool

**Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars

**Reviewed by:** Angela M. | Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)

**Reviewed Date:** March 04, 2024

**What do you like best about Claris FileMaker?**

FileMaker is a great tool for creating software solutions quickly. My users love the rapid turnaround time from new request to new feature in the live environment.

**What do you dislike about Claris FileMaker?**

There is currently no certification available for intermediate to advanced developers.

**What problems is Claris FileMaker solving and how is that benefiting you?**

We have an internal ticketing app that is used to request services from the IT department. This eliminates the hallway requests that may not get done. It also provides a history of requests related to our mission-critical software. We have an automated email that is sent to customers when we receive new orders. This prevents our front desk from having to personally call each customer after an order arrives. We have a custom label app for one of our departments. This reduces the time required to print their custom labels. We have an app that tracks the weekly instrument checks. This provided a higher level of accountability for instrument checks. We are in the process of automating some frequent tasks in a legacy app that is not modifiable. This will save time for several of our employees.

  ### 32. FileMaker helps my small business customers ... HIGH RELIABILITY....

**Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars

**Reviewed by:** R C. | Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)

**Reviewed Date:** March 04, 2024

**What do you like best about Claris FileMaker?**

FileMaker is a fantastic platform for customer with 20 employees.  It allows flexibility for building a solutions, and is great for not have to tell the customer "No you cannot have that."

**What do you dislike about Claris FileMaker?**

Licensing seems overly complicated.  Claris studio is a new seperate product.  Its seems Claris is updating their licensing to make it more simple, but I haven't seen tha simplification yet.

**What problems is Claris FileMaker solving and how is that benefiting you?**

Building an end-to-end app without the need of piles of complex coding.  I can write PHP, some JS, and a number of old school languages like Fortran, etc.   FileMaker programming is greatly simplified... and the underlying database engineer easily chew through 50 millions records.   I can always add complex code...if I have a tricky customer project.   However a vast majority of features with are built with fairly simple priogramming.   Much simplier than say SQL statements.  Although...I can fire SQL states off to FileMaker, and it can process them.  So know some developers who love SQL ... take advantage of that.  

To extend the product...to support every edge case I can think of, I leverge the Monkey Bread plug in... which is super inexpensive... a couple bucks per user per month.  So if you think you cannot interact with a weird piece of external technology... you can by adding one plug-in!

Calling FileMaker "Low Code"... is kinda dumb.  It can do Zero code...or it can build Professional Code Apps.   What do you call a product that can do both?  I call it endlessly flexible.  Awesome stuff!

  ### 33. Two decades for a small business

**Rating:** 4.5/5.0 stars

**Reviewed by:** Cliff S. | Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)

**Reviewed Date:** March 03, 2024

**What do you like best about Claris FileMaker?**

FileMaker is a database for small to medium sized groups - ideal for a little business.  Straight from the box, it does the boring, necessary stuff: invoices, packing slips, bill of goods, etc.  Easy to customize to our specific needs: layouts customized to our specific business. 
 Startup was quick: we just chose their invoice system, and then over the years, customized it to our needs.
 With this tiny business (just me, doing everything from warehouse to packing to postage and shipping) Filemanker does all the daily, monthly, and yearly paperwork.  Over twenty years, I've written about 500 short scripts, each handling a little job (add taxes to this job; check to make sure each package gets delivered; add up quarterly sales taxes; show which items are running low stock)

 It's in use all the time, and my business runs smoothly because of it.

**What do you dislike about Claris FileMaker?**

It took a few days of fooling aroud to get the hang of writing custom scripts.  It's a bit clumsy in connecting to Excel, Word, and email -- one of those places where copy and paste still has a use, even in the 2020's.

**What problems is Claris FileMaker solving and how is that benefiting you?**

My business runs on Filemaker.  It captures online orders, prints out invoices & packing slips & postage; keeps track of warehouse stock.

  ### 34. Versatile tool that keeps getting better

**Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars

**Reviewed by:** Fred S. | Probation Specialist/Data and Analysis Manager, Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.)

**Reviewed Date:** January 12, 2023

**What do you like best about Claris FileMaker?**

FileMaker has been around for decades and has a massive community of developers at every stage. The product gets better year after year and is much than any Microsoft product I have used. You can create a shared hosted database in minutes, with no programming. It has saved my clients and me tons of time and money. The server version is also very stable.

**What do you dislike about Claris FileMaker?**

I wish the server version was more powerful for websites to use as a backend or more powerful just to use with more that 250 people. I think this is the main limitation of the program.

**What problems is Claris FileMaker solving and how is that benefiting you?**

We needed a more powerful tool than a spreadsheet, which could share data amongst several remote staff, allowing them to run reports and enter data as needed. We needed the tool to be easy to program and modify as needed.

  ### 35. FMP is so versatile and feature rich

**Rating:** 4.5/5.0 stars

**Reviewed by:** Philip S. | Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)

**Reviewed Date:** March 04, 2024

**What do you like best about Claris FileMaker?**

It is adabtable and developers who have just a little knowledge can do anything with it.  You can make an app that functional and looks very smart quickly and easily.  You can experiment as you are developing.  While the traditional schema based layout is clunky limiting, the fact you can integrate  things like SQL and JSON means you can  do pretty much anything easlily and quickly. It is such a rich and empowering application.  I use FMP all the time for very different things.  There is a very active and supportive base of users to help new users.

**What do you dislike about Claris FileMaker?**

The expense of having mutltiple users.  Some of the features are a bit clunky

**What problems is Claris FileMaker solving and how is that benefiting you?**

Organisation and storage of data.  But importantly we are using it more to develop protypes for products.

  ### 36. Nearly two decades developing performance business solutions using FileMaker

**Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars

**Reviewed by:** Kirk R. | Consultant | CEO Advisor - Business Transformation, Information Technology and Services, Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.)

**Reviewed Date:** August 07, 2019

**What do you like best about Claris FileMaker?**

Single integrated environment for all tools, from schema, to business logic scripts, to GUI layout, radically reducing time-to-value, plus rapid deployment options. Deploy to desktop, iOS mobile and web, all instantly available, API suport to the world, and a built in web viewer - nothing like it on the market. 

#1 time-to-value equation. Compared to full stack development, time-to-value is thousands of times faster, and far more manageable.

**What do you dislike about Claris FileMaker?**

Deployment at scale - over 2,000 concurrent users - takes some creative engineering, but doable.

**Recommendations to others considering Claris FileMaker:**

Context is king in FM development

**What problems is Claris FileMaker solving and how is that benefiting you?**

Can develop any variety of business application solutions in far shorter time that any of the competitive products. It also has always supported live development, so you can edit live applications and databases, without forcing a reinstall of anything

  ### 37. Claris FileMaker is still the best choice

**Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars

**Reviewed by:** Charles M. | Software Business Analyst, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)

**Reviewed Date:** March 02, 2024

**What do you like best about Claris FileMaker?**

Claris FileMaker is a powerful application builder in the low-code space and gives skilled developers an incredible amount of flexibility to build exactly what is needed for a business user.

**What do you dislike about Claris FileMaker?**

The authenctication process has become more complex with the addition of the Claris ID. If you do not have the additional resources and skill to manage this technical challenge, you are limited in your automation options.

**What problems is Claris FileMaker solving and how is that benefiting you?**

Custom workflows for business are the most common problems solved with Claris FileMaker. Vertical solutions in the CRM and ERP category force users to learn the provided workflows and then bend the user's workflow into those pre-built flows. I use Claris FileMaker to solve specified use cases by the business users and business owners who only want specifc workflows or integrations.

  ### 38. An amazing toll that will change you business

**Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars

**Reviewed by:** Joao C. | CEO, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)

**Reviewed Date:** March 05, 2024

**What do you like best about Claris FileMaker?**

Claris FileMaker stands out as a remarkable solution with its intuitive user interface and a rich set of features that cater to diverse needs. The software effortlessly combines user-friendliness with powerful capabilities, offering customizable templates, advanced scripting options, and an overall seamless workflow. What truly sets FileMaker apart is its exceptional connectivity, allowing easy integration with a plethora of tools. Whether linking with internal systems or integrating third-party applications, FileMaker proves to be a versatile and invaluable asset for businesses seeking efficiency and productivity in one comprehensive package.

**What do you dislike about Claris FileMaker?**

The price and the fact that its still missing and Android version.

**What problems is Claris FileMaker solving and how is that benefiting you?**

With FileMaker, the possibilities are limitless—anything you can imagine, you can achieve. This robust platform provides an impressive array of tools to tackle any challenge you encounter. Whatever you need to solve, FileMaker offers an amazing toolkit to effortlessly address and overcome it. The platform's versatility empowers users to turn their creative ideas into practical solutions, making it a go-to choice for those seeking a comprehensive and powerful toolset.

  ### 39. Rapid development with surprising depth

**Rating:** 4.5/5.0 stars

**Reviewed by:** Peter D. | Owner, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)

**Reviewed Date:** April 19, 2018

**What do you like best about Claris FileMaker?**

I can build a multi-user relational database app for Mac, Windows, iPhone, iPad and web out of the box. Improved Javascript integration opens up a world of code libraries on top of existing ability to read/write external SQL databases and integrate with 3rd party APIs. FileMaker is an excellent tool for integrating various data sources into one place.

**What do you dislike about Claris FileMaker?**

User interface is somewhat old-fashioned, although FMI appears to be taking steps to improve this. Built-in controls are a little dated and limited but this can be overcome with the excellent inline web viewer control.

**Recommendations to others considering Claris FileMaker:**

If you're looking for a cross-platform database/rapid application development environment with a very shallow learning curve, I highly recommend FileMaker Pro.

**What problems is Claris FileMaker solving and how is that benefiting you?**

I've built quick 'n' dirty one-off apps to massage data and I've built full-featured ERP systems... FileMaker's simplicity belies its power. The ability to make schema or layout changes to a hosted file and have those changes take effect before your users' eyes is priceless.

FileMaker is an excellent tool for a business whose model and/or processes don't fit the norm. Build in your own business rules, logic, and processes. Use custom privilege sets to limit data and functionality access. Sign in with oAuth (Google, Facebook, Azure), or Open/Active Directory.

  ### 40. Filemaker allowed a novice like me to take our business into a totally paperless company

**Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars

**Reviewed by:** Verified User in Printing | Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)

**Reviewed Date:** March 04, 2024

**What do you like best about Claris FileMaker?**

The combination of graphical page layout design features alongside very easy to understand scripting technologies and connecting that to real world systems is amazing. The online Community and 3rd party forums and groups are very mature and growing. That alone is worth diving into the Filemaker universe. If you don't know how to do something help for ease of implementation is just a click away. I would call that the best customer support on earth. I took our entire company operation into Filemaker and completely did away with every last piece of physical paper. We use it every minute of every day to run our business. And, it seemed pretty easy for me to integrate considering the complexity of the task.

**What do you dislike about Claris FileMaker?**

Some technologies, such as connecting to cloud storage should be easy right at the start. We have a great 3rd party service and really shouldn't have to pay for that. However, overall Claris is paying attention, listening to users and developers and much has changed in the last few years. Absolutely game changing on my fronts. Installing a local server and ssl was previously a pain in the neck, but Claris has improved that and just about everything 10 fold in the past few years.

**What problems is Claris FileMaker solving and how is that benefiting you?**

It is becoming easier to do most everything now, because of the focus on low-code development and listening to the big time developers. A few years ago it seemed Claris was taking things in a different direction that would leave people like me behind. I now feel secure that the future looks bright and the many hundreds of hours invested in the product will continue to evolve in a manner to last.

  ### 41. FileMaker Developer since 1996

**Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars

**Reviewed by:** Daniel F. | Senior FileMaker Developer, Enterprise (> 1000 emp.)

**Reviewed Date:** March 04, 2024

**What do you like best about Claris FileMaker?**

Visual development environment with concepts that more closely match the layperson's assumptions about how things should work. Allows people without an IT background to create useful tools for themselves and their colleagues. Rapid development. Create something that works for one person, share it with the server version and it instantly scales to multiple users (compare and contrast to MS Access where you need to rewrite code to deal with the database tables being moved to SQL Server). Instantly deploy to Mac, Windows, iOS (iPhone/iPad), web browser. Build stand-alone iOS app easily. Integrates well with other products/solutions.

**What do you dislike about Claris FileMaker?**

Some development tasks involve too many dialog boxes. Performance with large numbers of users can be slow. Pricing can be confusing. Hard to follow standard development practices like versioning, continuous delivery.

**What problems is Claris FileMaker solving and how is that benefiting you?**

Business requirements are always changing and the sooner the applications can be modified to match, the better. FileMaker does this well.
Integrating with data sources external to the business allows faster and more accurate record-keeping. FileMaker is adequate for this.
Being able to deliver the applications via the browser rather than a dedicated client reduces the impact on IT department resources. FileMaker does this well.

  ### 42. Not For Profit Developer, 30 years using FileMaker

**Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars

**Reviewed by:** Ian R. | Pastoral Care - Professional Supervisor, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)

**Reviewed Date:** March 07, 2024

**What do you like best about Claris FileMaker?**

FileMaker is easy to use for rapid, staged, development.  It is good to be able to be agile when users desire a new feature in a solution.  FileMaker's continual upgrading while being careful no to break solutions which do not use the new features is a big plus.  The FileMaker Community is very responsive and helpful.

**What do you dislike about Claris FileMaker?**

For small, not-for-profit, clients, the licensing structure and costs can be a barrier to taking it on.

**What problems is Claris FileMaker solving and how is that benefiting you?**

The powerful Scripting of FileMaker allows for very innovative solutions to be developed in a relatively short time period.  The WebDirect interface for FileMaker is very important to many of my solutions.

  ### 43. FileMaker Pro Gave Me a Professional Career

**Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars

**Reviewed by:** Paul M. | Engineer, Information Technology and Services, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)

**Reviewed Date:** November 21, 2023

**What do you like best about Claris FileMaker?**

Easily the best thing about FileMaker is the ease in which a new user, and even a new developer, can started building useful tools.  For the office stuck in Excel Hell, using siloed spreadsheets instead of true databases, FileMaker is a great platform to use to introduce security, sharing, and automation of data flows.
The second best thing about FileMaker is the fantastic degree to which it can be extended to support more and more complex requirements and processes.
The third best thing about FileMaker is the great community of active developers ready to give advice and help.
But my favorite thing about FileMaker is that it has given me a 25+ year career that has allowed me to support my family in better fashion than anything else I've ever found.

**What do you dislike about Claris FileMaker?**

All software has it limits, but FileMaker continually improves to extend its limits and add new features, and simplify existing capabilities.

**What problems is Claris FileMaker solving and how is that benefiting you?**

When I needed a simple sign-up tool for a Christmas Party yesterday, I built it from scratch and hosted it with backups and security inside of 90 minutes.
In 2020, when I was working with a COVID-19 testing lab and they needed a patient-accession database that would allow patients to enter their information on-line, I built it in FileMaker in three hours, and hosted it using WebDirect and it was ready the next morning.  That app eventually was extended to track patients, schedule appointments, take in test results and report them in human-readable format, report to the state, bill insurance companies, and much, much more.
My team just used FileMaker to build a tool for a start-up that would expand a Bill of Materials into Purchase Orders for the various vendors, changing an hours-long manual process that the business had twice previously failed to automate, into a simple task taking seconds.
These are only a few of many examples of businesses from tiny to very, very large using FileMaker to quickly solve problems around information storage and management.

  ### 44. Filemaker is my task automation toolset

**Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars

**Reviewed by:** Henry C. | Webmaster, Marketing and Advertising, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)

**Reviewed Date:** November 20, 2023

**What do you like best about Claris FileMaker?**

I have been using Filemaker as long as I can remember. I love it's powerful graphics engine for creating beautiful user interfaces and robust database management tools. The product has really matured over the years and has kept pace with the latest trends in information technology keeping very relevant over time. The natural language script coding and reference tools make transforming algorithms into working programs a breeze. Combine ChatGPT's code writing skills with Filemaker and have you a powerful duo. Wrap all this around Filemaker server for the total workplace automation engine on the market today. The Filemaker community support is amazing. I am usually able to get answers to questions within 24 hours. It's like having free paid support. Looking to taste Filemaker on a limited budget? Checkout a Filemaker Developer Subscription. What more can I say.

**What do you dislike about Claris FileMaker?**

The server placing model needs more work.

**What problems is Claris FileMaker solving and how is that benefiting you?**

Great for automating manual and repetitive tasks like spreadsheets and form letters as well as emails.

  ### 45. Powerful and simple rapid application development

**Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars

**Reviewed by:** Carl S. | Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)

**Reviewed Date:** November 19, 2023

**What do you like best about Claris FileMaker?**

FileMaker can be extended to do ANYTHING and deploys anywhere. It fits the bill of RAD: Rapid application development environment. It's functionality is always increasing. It has a great foundation - it's been around since the 80's and is not lacking features, and it's pace of development of new features is quick, it is fully functional and modern. FileMaker integrates with anything which is important these days. Customer support is great, development can by DIY or professional or a mix.

**What do you dislike about Claris FileMaker?**

I have no compaints for it's target audience. I'm a software development house and I nearly exclusively reach for FileMaker for every project, whether for backend, frontend, or both.

**What problems is Claris FileMaker solving and how is that benefiting you?**

Business maganement - Easy integration with other systems, user interface that deploys anywhere, secure and stable.
App Development - Backend for custom/native iOS and Android apps to integrate via a REST API. The server is secure, stable, and performant for business applications.
Data Analysis - Rapid application backend development for GPS trackers for example. Server side scripting for grabbing data from a variety of sources and sending custom reports.
Web backend for web forms.

  ### 46. A multifaceted tool to get your job done

**Rating:** 4.0/5.0 stars

**Reviewed by:** Fred C. | Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)

**Reviewed Date:** November 21, 2023

**What do you like best about Claris FileMaker?**

Out of the box, you can get running with template solutons, or if you make your own, it can really be quite simple. Then as your knowledge grows you can grow it into an extremely complex interactive database solution (or "app," as they like to call it now). Your user base can be small or huge, it can grow, and you can expand your licensing with your business or organization.

**What do you dislike about Claris FileMaker?**

Although Claris FileMaker is easy to use,  a new user is in no way leveraging its capability, the learning curve can be long, so for a fully customized product you will likely need to hire a developer. Also the some users are a little suprized at the licensing cost.

**What problems is Claris FileMaker solving and how is that benefiting you?**

I use a maintain a personally designed app that allows me to track client licensing. As well as recording my work time for my employer.

  ### 47. Claris Filemaker

**Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars

**Reviewed by:** Verified User in Marketing and Advertising | Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.)

**Reviewed Date:** July 09, 2024

**What do you like best about Claris FileMaker?**

The depth of detail it goes into on contacts and companies is vast and you can find contacts and companies based on many search criteria

**What do you dislike about Claris FileMaker?**

It takes a while to learn hacks to improve searches

**What problems is Claris FileMaker solving and how is that benefiting you?**

Claris is a an excellent platform to contain huge amounts of data and search through it quickly and effectively

  ### 48. FileMaker Continues to deliver amazing results for developers and their clients

**Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars

**Reviewed by:** M L. | Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)

**Reviewed Date:** March 05, 2024

**What do you like best about Claris FileMaker?**

Integrated client, server, and development environment. Rapid application development. Drag and drop design. Claris Community is amazing. Claris support is very responsive. I can integrate with almost any other software platform.

**What do you dislike about Claris FileMaker?**

There are a few amazing developer tools put out by the developer community that might be integrated into the product directly.

**What problems is Claris FileMaker solving and how is that benefiting you?**

Totally custom development for my clients. Ease of development means lower costs for me and my clients. Time to market is exceptionally fast.

  ### 49. FileMaker is an excellent fast-development database solution for under 150 users

**Rating:** 4.5/5.0 stars

**Reviewed by:** Mat U. | Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.)

**Reviewed Date:** March 04, 2024

**What do you like best about Claris FileMaker?**

FileMaker allows for fast development of both the front-end and back-end of databases.

**What do you dislike about Claris FileMaker?**

No good way to incorporate change logs or code branching. It also doesn't scale well beyond 150 simultaneous users. The effort for a system to run fast on WAN networks requires a good and experienced developer.

**What problems is Claris FileMaker solving and how is that benefiting you?**

FileMaker is the core database where we have built a contact management and reservation system that generates over 100 million in revenue each year.

  ### 50. A swiss knive for business processes

**Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars

**Reviewed by:** Philippe M. | General manager, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)

**Reviewed Date:** March 04, 2024

**What do you like best about Claris FileMaker?**

Creating applications like you and you busines (or association) need them

**What do you dislike about Claris FileMaker?**

1) It lacks generic elements. You have to develop everything.
eg. You shouldn't have to develop yourself a menu structure, button bar system, mail system.
2) basic functionalities heavily depending on plugins
3) some lay-out behaviour is outdated
4) buggy add-ons

**What problems is Claris FileMaker solving and how is that benefiting you?**

Creating apps that we need, like we need them and not like an external developer thinks we need them.


## Claris FileMaker Discussions
  - [Can I create a correlation between inventory and customer database?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/can-i-create-a-correlation-between-inventory-and-customer-database) - 4 comments, 1 upvote
  - [What is the best way to integrate with Google Calendar?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/13940-what-is-the-best-way-to-integrate-with-google-calendar) - 1 comment, 1 upvote
  - [Hello how easy is it to apply for help with framework coding in our files?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/12192-hello-how-easy-is-it-to-apply-for-help-with-framework-coding-in-our-files) - 2 comments, 1 upvote
  - [What is FileMaker Licensing for Teams?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/licensing-for-teams) - 1 comment, 1 upvote
  - [Sending the same message to a found group.](https://www.g2.com/discussions/33205-sending-the-same-message-to-a-found-group) - 1 comment

- [View Claris FileMaker pricing details and edition comparison](https://www.g2.com/products/claris-filemaker/reviews?section=pricing&secure%5Bexpires_at%5D=2026-06-17+01%3A30%3A19+-0500&secure%5Bsession_id%5D=46e85746-50a4-4eab-b049-f7a50cc91e89&secure%5Btoken%5D=593ac5eeea70602e22ae57116c4c0500a1435e73e2ea40ce9e01bc056031d34d&format=llm_user)
## Claris FileMaker Integrations
  - [Apple Mail](https://www.g2.com/products/apple-mail/reviews)

## Claris FileMaker Features
**Administration**
- Application Deployment
- Native Deployment
- Data Security
- Access Control
- Scalability
- Lifecycle Management

**Functionality**
- Ease of Use
- File Management
- Multi-Language Support
- Customization
- Straight-Out-the-Box Functionality
- Help Guides
- Patching & Updates

**Application Design**
- UI Code Extending
- Programming Code Extending
- Customized Branding
- Application Templates
- Workflows

**Automation**
- Workflow Automation
- Workflow Mapping
- Real-Time Updates

**Data Control**
- Data Migration
- Data Synchronization
- Data Security

**Development**
- Application Templates
- UI Code Extending
- WYSIWYG Editor
- Collaborative Development

**Publishing**
- Application Deployment
- Platform Compatability
- Lifecycle Management

**Agentic AI - Low-Code Development Platforms**
- Adaptive Learning
- Natural Language Interaction
- Proactive Assistance

## Top Claris FileMaker Alternatives
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