--- 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: '2026-08-04' 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 Claris FileMaker incredibly **easy to use** , simplifying form design and data collection for various tasks. (9 reviews) - Users value the **flexibility** of Claris FileMaker, enabling seamless cross-platform development and custom app deployment. (8 reviews) - Users love the **easy creation** capabilities of Claris FileMaker, enabling rapid development and deployment of ideas and features. (7 reviews) - Users value the **seamless integration capabilities** of Claris FileMaker, enhancing workflow across various applications and platforms. (7 reviews) - Users appreciate the **customizability** of Claris FileMaker, enabling seamless adaptations to meet evolving business needs efficiently. (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 to navigate complex features and layouts effectively. (4 reviews) - Users struggle with **navigation difficulties** , finding it hard to manage layouts and references in Claris FileMaker. (3 reviews) - Users find **cost issues** with Claris FileMaker, citing charges for API transactions and high costs for broader use. (2 reviews) - Users find **database limitations** challenging, especially with older templates and concerns over speed in complex applications. (2 reviews) - Users find **difficult customization** challenges in Claris FileMaker due to complex layout and field management issues. (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's potential. (2 reviews) ## Claris FileMaker Reviews ### 1. Great for creating and managing databases **Rating:** 4.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Higher Education | Enterprise (> 1000 emp.) **Reviewed Date:** October 03, 2017 **What do you like best about Claris FileMaker?** Works incredibly well to create and manage databases. Super customizable and easy to set up what you need it to do. **What do you dislike about Claris FileMaker?** Very easy to accidentally delete something, and there's not much for "undo" or going back to the original. We have to use a backup server to mitigate the issue. **Recommendations to others considering Claris FileMaker:** Note that there are user/license limits and definitely take that into account when purchasing. **What problems is Claris FileMaker solving and how is that benefiting you?** Much better than google or box for in-depth databases. ### 2. Fantastic, Flexible, Foolproof **Rating:** 4.5/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Entertainment | Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** April 25, 2017 **What do you like best about Claris FileMaker?** FileMaker allows you to do a lot of customization to fit your workplace needs, and is usable by those both tech-savvy and tech-illiterate. **What do you dislike about Claris FileMaker?** Not always the best-looking or sleekest interface, but it gets the job done. Also, that you cannot recover old versions of an entry is sometimes nerve-wracking if an edit goes wrong. **Recommendations to others considering Claris FileMaker:** Have your most tech-savvy person set it up, and touch base occasionally to tweak to the company's needs **What problems is Claris FileMaker solving and how is that benefiting you?** At my work we have over 20,000 contacts, which we manage through FileMaker. It allows us to customize our contact logs (ex. for clients we have different entry forms than for contacts) and the searches are wonderful in their flexibility. ### 3. FileMaker for sales **Rating:** 4.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Entertainment | Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.) **Reviewed Date:** November 06, 2017 **What do you like best about Claris FileMaker?** I am able to easily keep all my contacts updated and in one place for mailers, giveaways, cards and more. **What do you dislike about Claris FileMaker?** Getting started in filemaker is challenging until you become accustomed to how the software works. **What problems is Claris FileMaker solving and how is that benefiting you?** We are saving time by keeping all of our contacts and customers information organized and easily accessible. ### 4. Great relational database that is approachable even for the non-programmer. **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Steve F. | Business Information Systems, Building Materials, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** December 22, 2016 **What do you like best about Claris FileMaker?** The development environment is intuitive and the development tools keep getting better and better. The support for iPad and iPhone is very useful and nicely done. Web access is a great feature. It is a database that even a non-programmer can modify an existing application or create a new one. The ability to run on Windows, Mac OSX and iOS is very useful and helpful to us as well. **What do you dislike about Claris FileMaker?** The web access features are coming along but not quite at the point that I can use it for anything but a "reference only" user, one that doesn't need to print or interact much with the database. **What problems is Claris FileMaker solving and how is that benefiting you?** We are consolidating several older databases into one and FileMaker is easily replacing them and adding features we didn't have as well as keeping pace with new technologies. ### 5. Filemaker: A multi-use tool **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Staffing and Recruiting | Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** June 16, 2017 **What do you like best about Claris FileMaker?** I like that Filemaker is a great way to organize yourself in an efficient way. There should never be any miscommunication in the office if everyone utilizes this tool to its full potential. **What do you dislike about Claris FileMaker?** The only thing I dislike is that sometimes there are duplicate names and it would be better if the system could recognize it so that you can double-check when entering a client/candidate. **Recommendations to others considering Claris FileMaker:** Use it to its full potential, there are so many features that even a big company may not use, but could work efficiently with others **What problems is Claris FileMaker solving and how is that benefiting you?** Organizing and avoiding miscommunication. The tools allow us to input a variety of notes on a certain client or candidate that will help keep track of our contact with the, ### 6. FILEMAKER **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Design | Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** December 26, 2017 **What do you like best about Claris FileMaker?** Description details on folder/how its itemized really help for reconciliation on files. **What do you dislike about Claris FileMaker?** It slows down when you open/change to a new folder. **What problems is Claris FileMaker solving and how is that benefiting you?** Finance/work details/description ### 7. For Small and Large Business Teams, Nothing Beats FileMaker **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Alan D. | Founder/Principal, Information Technology and Services, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** June 07, 2016 **What do you like best about Claris FileMaker?** 1. FileMaker is a Rapid Application Development platform. I can build working software for my business and clients faster in FileMaker than any other platform. What takes weeks and months in other platforms takes hours and days in FileMaker. 2. FileMaker is constantly improving. Performance, security, design, integration and automation enhancements have been coming at a regular pace for over a decade now. 3. FileMaker is not going away and is backed by Apple. In a time when software companies and databases come and go, FIleMaker has stood the test of time. Only Oracle and handful of other databases have been around as long as FileMaker. **What do you dislike about Claris FileMaker?** There are places where FileMaker can improve. The development tools give me native support for somewhere between 60% and 90% of what I need for a product depending on the complexity of the requirements before I need to turn to work-arounds and/or third party products. **Recommendations to others considering Claris FileMaker:** In my experience, there is no other custom development platform that delivers value faster, better and cost effective for small and large business teams. FileMaker's ability to deploy to Mac, Windows, iOS and the Web combined with its ability to develop and integrate rapidly makes it a smart choice for many small and large business teams. **What problems is Claris FileMaker solving and how is that benefiting you?** I automate redundant tasks, remove waste and streamline business processes. I can make almost any process better, faster and more cost effective with FileMaker. In my own business, I used FIleMaker to automate my e-commerce business to the point where I, by which I mean only me, was one of the top 25% sellers on Amazon. That's efficiency! For my client's, it's commonplace to replace manual, paper-based processes with automated, FIleMaker-based ones. Processes that took hours and days now take seconds and minutes to complete. ### 8. I decent if not slow and sometimes bug ridden file management software. **Rating:** 3.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Matthew Q. | Owner/Director, Marketing and Advertising, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** November 19, 2016 **What do you like best about Claris FileMaker?** The ability to collaborate in a file system and store information on a serve that can be shared back and forth is the best aspect of this software. It seems to update fairly quickly and works well most of the time. **What do you dislike about Claris FileMaker?** Slow. This software can load and work very slowly. I've had information disappear and I dislike that fact that only one person can be editing a document at one time. I've needed to change information in a document in the past and someone neglected to exit out of the document before leaving their station. It resulted in me not being able to access the document for hours. **Recommendations to others considering Claris FileMaker:** If you need software that will work to create and support a database while allowing remote access then give this a try. **What problems is Claris FileMaker solving and how is that benefiting you?** The software does allow for the ability to access and use the database which is a huge help and the benefits I've realized is the ability to share information and the database with whomever I need to remotely. ### 9. Filemaker **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Construction | Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** November 30, 2017 **What do you like best about Claris FileMaker?** Filemaker is a place where most business needs are met. It records all purchase orders. **What do you dislike about Claris FileMaker?** Filemaker unexpectedly closes from time to time. **What problems is Claris FileMaker solving and how is that benefiting you?** The benefits include, recording purchase orders, multiple vendors, contacts, etc. ### 10. Filemaker Rocks **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Francisco L. | Project Consultant, Design, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** May 16, 2017 **What do you like best about Claris FileMaker?** The ability to change the back end and push forward changes quickly. **What do you dislike about Claris FileMaker?** When you don't use the Filemaker templates it can slow down the performance of your system. **Recommendations to others considering Claris FileMaker:** Explore the Filemaker Solutions thoroughly to see if one will work for you before deisigning a custom one. **What problems is Claris FileMaker solving and how is that benefiting you?** Order entry, Rolodex, Quotes, Purchase Orders, Product Database. ### 11. FileMaker Pro, FileMaker Pro Advanced & FileMaker Server **Rating:** 4.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Computer Software | Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** January 12, 2017 **What do you like best about Claris FileMaker?** Database-backed rapid application development environment allows creation of full-features cross-platform business applications in about half the time of more traditional programming environments. In it's sweet spot—small-to-medium sized companies with up to 200 or so users—nothing can touch it. The traditional IT Dept. complaints (poor network performance, difficult to integrate with other systems) have become much less valid over time. **What do you dislike about Claris FileMaker?** For a development environment that makes many things easy, some features are surprisingly absent. For example, there's no search-and-replace in the scripting environment. **Recommendations to others considering Claris FileMaker:** FileMaker makes it easy to create terrible applications, but if you know what you're doing you can create elegant systems with great performance. **What problems is Claris FileMaker solving and how is that benefiting you?** As an independent software developer, we've built hundreds of systems using FileMaker, for organizations in many different business categories. Work Orders and Invoicing, Inventory Management, Mobile Sales and more. Many of our clients have increase their business dramatically without adding staff. ### 12. Flexible Software being Actively Developed to Meet Current/Future Demands **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Computer Software | Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** January 04, 2017 **What do you like best about Claris FileMaker?** I like how flexible the FileMaker software is to meet so many varied needs and it is intuitive to program with. I am very thankful that it is being actively developed to meet the technological & security needs of today and tomorrow. A friend recently told me about a solution they had developed with Panorama and when I went to look at it on the website, I was shocked to see how many years it had been since any update had been released. I don't understand why a new solution would be developed with a "stale" tool!?! I also really like how there is an active and very helpful community to provide support. I really like the runtime solution capability that has existed for several years/versions to be able to support non-profit users around the world. **What do you dislike about Claris FileMaker?** The cost can seem high at times, but when you consider a solution developed with it can replace other applications with cost, it really isn't unreasonable. **What problems is Claris FileMaker solving and how is that benefiting you?** I will be implementing iPad functionality for men in the field to do materials & labor data entry by themselves. Developing solutions is rapid and you can leverage code from other solutions. ### 13. A great way to create a custom application **Rating:** 4.5/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Computer Software | Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.) **Reviewed Date:** July 11, 2017 **What do you like best about Claris FileMaker?** Ease of use, all in one place. The GUI and the structure in one tool. Complicated processes are not complicated to produce. **What do you dislike about Claris FileMaker?** Pricing on this product has increased over the years, good news so has the features. **What problems is Claris FileMaker solving and how is that benefiting you?** This tool is very flexible. I have seldom found a business problem that could not be addressed and improved upon. ### 14. Database and Application tool for the rest of us **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Computer Software | Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** August 08, 2017 **What do you like best about Claris FileMaker?** FileMaker is easy to learn, basic for beginners and very advance for experts **What do you dislike about Claris FileMaker?** FileMaker Inc does not put itself out into the IT community to prove it can keep up with the big database companies like Oracle. **Recommendations to others considering Claris FileMaker:** Great community of developers and users. Filemaker can do anything! **What problems is Claris FileMaker solving and how is that benefiting you?** I develop with FileMaker for small to medium companies solving work flow issues from sales to customer management to production, to marketing to shipping to inventory to purchasing to accounting to reporting ### 15. Filemaker gets the job done **Rating:** 2.5/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Media Production | Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.) **Reviewed Date:** October 03, 2017 **What do you like best about Claris FileMaker?** What I like most about Filemaker is that all of our information is in one place. **What do you dislike about Claris FileMaker?** I dislike the interface. It is difficult to navigate when I haven't used it in a while. **What problems is Claris FileMaker solving and how is that benefiting you?** We are able to keep all of our bids in one place and edit with multiple users. ### 16. I am truly fascinated with my experience with File Maker! **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Tim A. | Principal, Primary/Secondary Education, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** December 21, 2016 **What do you like best about Claris FileMaker?** There are many aspects of File Maker that I like. The fact that it can create amazing solutions across different platforms is a start. I like the fact that I can associate files/information to QR Codes generated by the program itself. **What do you dislike about Claris FileMaker?** I don't know of anything that I dislike. **Recommendations to others considering Claris FileMaker:** I certainly recommend using FileMaker to create apps so that your workplace is more efficient! **What problems is Claris FileMaker solving and how is that benefiting you?** I am currently principal at Albany Elementary School in South Central Kentucky. A friend and I have developed a solution that has kept and will continue to keep children safer in our public school. This solution allows me to keep up with the daily changes in custody of our students and communicates these changes in realtime to the faculty and staff who need to know. This is my second year of using the solution, and I cannot imagine a day without it. Currently, I have a neighboring school who is using it as well. In a conversation with the principal there, she stated that she wanted it next year as well. I feel this solution will have a national impact on schools across the nation. Numerous schools have visited our parent pickup protocol and claim that it is second to none! I have already presented at some state meetings with fellow administrators. Many of them want to implement it as well. Next year, I have been approved to present this app at the National Elementary Principal's Conference in DC. The United States Department of Justice has written an article about it as well. Please check this out: https://schoolsafetyinfor.org/QR-codes.html ### 17. Good for managing large files **Rating:** 4.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Hospital & Health Care | Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.) **Reviewed Date:** July 29, 2017 **What do you like best about Claris FileMaker?** I can easily upload and export large excel files **What do you dislike about Claris FileMaker?** Hard to delete multiple rows, I needed a coworker to help me get started **Recommendations to others considering Claris FileMaker:** Make sure you have someone who can help you set it up and provide guidance **What problems is Claris FileMaker solving and how is that benefiting you?** managing large samples ### 18. Best way to turn ideas into custom apps **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Marty T. | President, Computer Software, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** October 27, 2016 **What do you like best about Claris FileMaker?** FileMaker gives us the tools to build really cool custom apps in a fraction of the time needed for other development tools. I can build a custom app once and easily deploy to desktop, web, and mobile. **What do you dislike about Claris FileMaker?** I would like to see some additional modern UI components. **What problems is Claris FileMaker solving and how is that benefiting you?** We have built apps that: - Manage a medical mission team in the jungles of Papua New Guinea - Keep track of schedules, resources, and billing for contractors - Manage thousands of projects for a large television studio - Help very small companies get the benefits of custom software just like larger companies do We use FileMaker to help our clients get more value and spend less money to get the benefits of custom software. ### 19. FIlemaker **Rating:** 4.5/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Food Production | Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.) **Reviewed Date:** June 29, 2017 **What do you like best about Claris FileMaker?** Filemaker is very easy to use to get a solution up and running. They are constantly improving third party integrations. **What do you dislike about Claris FileMaker?** Limited training on the web there are courses but a limited number of people to take them from. **What problems is Claris FileMaker solving and how is that benefiting you?** Multiple custom solutions for software ### 20. file maker is a great program for a simple application **Rating:** 2.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Construction | Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** July 31, 2017 **What do you like best about Claris FileMaker?** I like the available information for each customer. and the ease of finding said information **What do you dislike about Claris FileMaker?** the program is just a tad basic for larger customer bases. and that can be frustrating. **Recommendations to others considering Claris FileMaker:** This is a simple application and very easy to train new employees with. Im glad we have it **What problems is Claris FileMaker solving and how is that benefiting you?** we are solving our need for customer database with file maker. It does its job ### 21. Excellent **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Printing | Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** November 07, 2016 **What do you like best about Claris FileMaker?** I love the easy Functionality of it it works great , I think the program does its job works just like I've come to know and love. Very powerful (much more powerful than I can ever understand let alone use) but simple enough so that I can make it do what I want. This app is a good client for hosted FM solutions with a few considerations. I created a FM file using FM 14. I am using the FM Go 14 app. But it will not connect from a FM 14 Server. **What do you dislike about Claris FileMaker?** We have nothing to dislike about the software it works well The app has tons of potential especially if you have the desktop version on your Mac. But there a this problem with the iOS version. If your layout has a portal reading information from another table it will not scroll or move with your fingers. It gets stuck. They have known about this problem for sometime now. What's interesting is it wasn't like this in earlier versions. You could move around in a layout regardless if there was a portal. If this problem was fixed I would give it five stars. **What problems is Claris FileMaker solving and how is that benefiting you?** It helps us keep track of all jobs that we produce ### 22. Immensely powerful and easy-to-use **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** David G. | Marketing & New Product Development, Biotechnology, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** January 24, 2017 **What do you like best about Claris FileMaker?** Designing your own relational database is exceedingly easy with FileMaker. The interface is very intuitive and the performance/speed is amazing. **What do you dislike about Claris FileMaker?** Can't think of anything I dislike about FileMaker. It's powerful, fast, and affordable. **Recommendations to others considering Claris FileMaker:** FileMaker is the best database I've ever used. If you're considering using it, you can't go wrong. It's affordable, flexible, and powerful. **What problems is Claris FileMaker solving and how is that benefiting you?** We track our inventory, sales orders, and purchase orders with FileMaker. And we also use it for CRM. ### 23. FileMaker forever..! **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Computer Software | Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** December 30, 2016 **What do you like best about Claris FileMaker?** Very fast creation process....Also, does not depend on the main languages.It works in a non-complicated environment. A solution can be created only in hours.Something can be done for the business at any size.The report and print features are great.Graphics and web viewer features are sufficient. (improvable)..Almost all file types can be imported.Creating a script in FileMaker can take a while, but after taking a look at the script directory, you can start building your FileMaker solution right away. **What do you dislike about Claris FileMaker?** Interface design skills... It would be great if it was entirely web-based (of course, android).Even,I think Filemaker layout architecture should be based on Jquery interface elements.. There must be a solution for Android devices.Price of multiple licenses. **Recommendations to others considering Claris FileMaker:** Theres no better.. **What problems is Claris FileMaker solving and how is that benefiting you?** Product sales,ordering etc. ### 24. Filemaker for Enrollment and Lead Management **Rating:** 4.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Education Management | Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** January 11, 2017 **What do you like best about Claris FileMaker?** FileMaker allows the user to fully customize their experience. My organization uses FileMaker to organize our leads and enrolled students. Searches are easily completed with desired specifications. Additionally, we are able to alter the layout of our view page on demand. **What do you dislike about Claris FileMaker?** FileMaker isn't as flashy as other CRMs and is not cloud based which can be problematic for remote work at times. If two people are accessing the same lead concurrently, one user is not able to make changes or save edits. This rarely comes up but has caused issues in the past. **What problems is Claris FileMaker solving and how is that benefiting you?** Through our use of FileMaker, we are able to uniformly track data and leads. All users are able to access the database across our server and edit leads as needed. ### 25. Limited Customization for Project Management **Rating:** 4.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Internet | Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.) **Reviewed Date:** July 31, 2017 **What do you like best about Claris FileMaker?** Bare bones, easy to navigate because there's not much to it. **What do you dislike about Claris FileMaker?** Drop down menus and spacing can be limiting when you need to add more information to a system you already have in place. **Recommendations to others considering Claris FileMaker:** Could be the administrators choice, but greater opportunity for notes and editable content areas. **What problems is Claris FileMaker solving and how is that benefiting you?** Tracks project progression, can easily see where we are in job. ### 26. Fast and efficient custom app development **Rating:** 4.5/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Marie N. | Directrice des ventes et marketing, Computer Software, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** October 28, 2016 **What do you like best about Claris FileMaker?** FileMaker is by far the best choice for a custom development (mobile or desktop) that will be both powerful and affordable. The platform offers limitless possibilities of functionality and design for a professional app, whatever the size of your business. **What do you dislike about Claris FileMaker?** Not being a developper myself, I have to rely on professionals for the more complex parts of programing. That being said, there is a FileMaker Certification process and it is easy to find a consultant of expert to help. **What problems is Claris FileMaker solving and how is that benefiting you?** Time-saving is key here! Not having to track down information in endless documents or paper forms really helps the business to do more with less. ### 27. Filemaker for nonprofits **Rating:** 4.5/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Performing Arts | Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** July 17, 2017 **What do you like best about Claris FileMaker?** The interface is easy to use and there is a very robust system for finding the exact data I need. **What do you dislike about Claris FileMaker?** Sometimes it is hard to distinguish which fields to use when exporting data. **What problems is Claris FileMaker solving and how is that benefiting you?** We use Filemaker for our many programs and it's a great way to increase communication and connection among the difference centers of our workplace. ### 28. Certified FileMaker Consultant **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Gerald C. | Chief Engineer, Computer Software, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** July 07, 2016 **What do you like best about Claris FileMaker?** Improved server performance and great new features in FileMaker Go such as iBeacons support. FileMaker has vastly improved over the years, and I'm glad that the company is investing in supporting new technologies. Cross platform support, not just via Mac and Windows clients, but on iOS with GO and browser support for WebDirect or Custom Web publishing, gives us many opportunities to meet the needs of our customers. **What do you dislike about Claris FileMaker?** Changes in the licensing terms now force people to have their own FileMaker server. Also FileMaker still focuses on marketing to the end user, and how easy it would be for them to create their own solution. When realistically it's a development platform where consultants like myself can help customers with their business challenges. Lack of source control, lack of deployment tools, lack of multi-developer support, lack of automated testing, the need for better stylesheet support, better interface elements, ad infinitum. **Recommendations to others considering Claris FileMaker:** FileMaker is a great platform for any sized business. **What problems is Claris FileMaker solving and how is that benefiting you?** We can solve many problems with FileMaker. We work with many small-medium businesses to solve their business data challenges. I think a lot of people buy FileMaker for their business, then they are discouraged that it's harder than FileMaker led them to believe, and they get rid of it. Or they develop something that doesn't work well, and they think the product doesn't meet their needs. When really FileMaker can really do just about anything, if they work with consultants like ourselves. ### 29. This is everything I ever needed **Rating:** 3.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Entertainment | Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** July 27, 2017 **What do you like best about Claris FileMaker?** I love the ability to create my own paperwork that is customized to me and my brain. **What do you dislike about Claris FileMaker?** It has a learning curve. It takes time to understand-definitely not user friendly unless you learn a bit first. **What problems is Claris FileMaker solving and how is that benefiting you?** I don't use it for business problems. Benefits are the customizable nature. ### 30. Easy to develop a database without being a database developer **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Hospital & Health Care | Enterprise (> 1000 emp.) **Reviewed Date:** December 21, 2016 **What do you like best about Claris FileMaker?** Relative ease to develop a relational database, and once in use the relative ease to train users how to get at their data. **What do you dislike about Claris FileMaker?** The ability to overwrite records by thinking one is in the find mode but in reality is in browse mode. **What problems is Claris FileMaker solving and how is that benefiting you?** We are now able to follow one research subject through various testing paradigms and look at the individual record or the test group record with ease. Keeping notes on subjects electronically has saved time over looking through a book of records. Keeping all tests linked to one subject easily gives us an overview of how that subject is performing as an individual over time in all aspects. ### 31. Best custom app development tool out there **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Thomas M. | Customer Applications Developer, Computer Software, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** July 13, 2016 **What do you like best about Claris FileMaker?** The incredible flexibility of this software. Power users can make quick and dirty applications to fill a certain need or companies can hire consultants to develop a FileMaker solution that will run their entire business. Extremely versatile and powerful. **What do you dislike about Claris FileMaker?** The trend toward requiring users to use server no matter what size their business is. And the price tag on the server software itself. Also, the WebDirect feature does not support FireFox. **Recommendations to others considering Claris FileMaker:** There are a lot of great consultants that can help set you up with the solution you need. Developing a solution from scratch can cost a good deal of money, but you can get a very real return on your investment if you hire a good consultant who will help you optimize your processes and create a custom application that supports and augments those processes. **What problems is Claris FileMaker solving and how is that benefiting you?** Almost any and all business problems. A solution can be made to manage inventory, customers, processes of any sort, you name it FileMaker can be made to do it. ### 32. Custom CRM **Rating:** 3.5/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Government Relations | Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** April 13, 2017 **What do you like best about Claris FileMaker?** I love the filemaker is full customizable to my specific client needs. everything has a place **What do you dislike about Claris FileMaker?** finding a great filemaker developer is not as easy as it sounds! **What problems is Claris FileMaker solving and how is that benefiting you?** Client track has been revolutionized for us. Also, we've compelted automation within filemaker with automatic reminders for client outreach and task being created without us having to go in and do it. ### 33. Great product constantly improving **Rating:** 4.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Information Technology and Services | Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.) **Reviewed Date:** July 31, 2017 **What do you like best about Claris FileMaker?** FileMaker Pro allows you to build sophisticated, polished software tools within minutes. It's not only very capable as a database product, it's also exceptionally easy to use. **What do you dislike about Claris FileMaker?** I would love more web-centric features and more efficient exporting options. **What problems is Claris FileMaker solving and how is that benefiting you?** We produce software using FileMaker. ### 34. FileMaker Pro **Rating:** 3.5/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Sports | Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** January 26, 2017 **What do you like best about Claris FileMaker?** You can customize a database to do exactly what you need it to! **What do you dislike about Claris FileMaker?** The version that we use is a little dated, and some of the layouts aren't the most compatible with the new Windows. Other than that, I have no complaints. **Recommendations to others considering Claris FileMaker:** Be sure to get the most up to date version of the product. Again, we are using a dated version, so I have to imagine that the newest version offers a lot more! **What problems is Claris FileMaker solving and how is that benefiting you?** The biggest problem that we have is the connectivity between databases, to have an all-encompassing area where we can document every aspect of our business in one central location. Each year, we need to file and document nearly 5000 ticket orders each year, so to create the databases and layouts to perfectly reflect the information we need is a huge plus. ### 35. Perfect for finding quick but powerful solutions for business **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** John W. | Owner, Information Technology and Services, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** June 23, 2016 **What do you like best about Claris FileMaker?** An interface that enables users to create simple relational database systems for themselves and developers to add enterprise standard features. The sharing capabilities are second to none, allowing solutions to be accessed via web browsers and devices for users on the move. All this for a low entry cost and realistic pricing for the SME market. **What do you dislike about Claris FileMaker?** There is little to dislike, perhaps the lack of a dedicated app for Android or Windows phone - but the ability to access via browser a fully functional system takes care of that. **Recommendations to others considering Claris FileMaker:** If you have a basic knowledge of Database systems, download a trial version and see how easy it is to build a functional relational database system to manage any aspect of your business. **What problems is Claris FileMaker solving and how is that benefiting you?** I solve problems for my customers ranging from simplifying their business processes such as Estimating and Invoicing to creating sales pipeline management. I have customers ranging from Membership Organisations to Charities, Building Contractors to Dog Kennels. FileMaker provides them all with a scalable solution for just a single user or 100's all built on the same platform Each business has it's own specific requirement and the flexibility of FileMaker allows for Bespoke solutions to be built at an off the shelf price. ### 36. Massive fan! **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Non-Profit Organization Management | Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.) **Reviewed Date:** July 13, 2017 **What do you like best about Claris FileMaker?** FileMaker is extremely robust and simple. **What do you dislike about Claris FileMaker?** Need to have decent database knowledge in order to get some of the biggest benefits. **What problems is Claris FileMaker solving and how is that benefiting you?** We utilize FileMaker for budgetary, inventory, and staffing management solutions. In addition we rely heavily upon their advanced reporting functionality. ### 37. use file maker in our law practice for last 10 years **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Law Practice | Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** April 13, 2017 **What do you like best about Claris FileMaker?** auto saves all changes to the file without having to hit save. **What do you dislike about Claris FileMaker?** two people cannot access files at the same time. we also use it for billing and it is less than user friendly **What problems is Claris FileMaker solving and how is that benefiting you?** we now can access filemaker from home was well as in the office ### 38. FileMaker is the fastest way to deploy a rich UI databse soltuion I have seen. **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Tom O. | Owner, Information Technology and Services, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** June 13, 2016 **What do you like best about Claris FileMaker?** I really like the speed and ease which a database solution can be created, deployed, and modified. The multiple ways to access the database is also a great benefit. The cost/performance of the FileMaker platform is extremely good and they have a number of licensing options. **What do you dislike about Claris FileMaker?** The lack of clear, searchable documentation from FileMaker about the product. The FileMaker Community is a great resource when the documentation fails to provide answers. The other thing I dislike is the general limit of 100 web based users. If you have more than 100 users you need to use the Web API or find a different product. **Recommendations to others considering Claris FileMaker:** If you need a good relational database product, and you can benefit from the rapid development and deployment it provides you should look into it. FileMaker allows access to data on desktop clients, iOS, Proprietary Web interface, and a PHP API. Well wort the look especially for the price of the product. **What problems is Claris FileMaker solving and how is that benefiting you?** Inventory control, order processing, shipping integration, payment integration, eCommerce integration, image and document management, basically all aspects of business operations. We have seen great results in reducing the labor hours to complete many tasks. This is a huge savings. We are saving approximately 10x per year of what we have invested in the FileMaker platform. ### 39. File Maker Pro review **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Susie S. | Media Consultant, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** July 21, 2016 **What do you like best about Claris FileMaker?** Easy to use and pull reports from. I like the fact that once you implement the information you don;t need to go back and save it each time like you would normally do. **What do you dislike about Claris FileMaker?** Many of the features such as how to add an attachment are hard to find. I have not received any training or support on how to use this tool. **Recommendations to others considering Claris FileMaker:** It would be good for them to have some demo's on YouTube or a way for a live training session to show people how to use this tool. The only reason why I use it is because our head office requires me to. **What problems is Claris FileMaker solving and how is that benefiting you?** Filemaker helps to keep me organized, and is a great tool for pulling reports. Similar to a CRM, but not as easy to use. ### 40. FileMaker Review **Rating:** 2.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Rucy C. | Foreign Rights Assistant, Publishing, Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.) **Reviewed Date:** February 24, 2017 **What do you like best about Claris FileMaker?** Works well for keeping track of editorial content **What do you dislike about Claris FileMaker?** Clunky Doesn't work well for the purposes of my department, foreign rights **What problems is Claris FileMaker solving and how is that benefiting you?** We're keeping track of projects in between various departments with different functions. ### 41. Great Organizational Tool **Rating:** 4.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Dana G. | Server, Restaurants, Enterprise (> 1000 emp.) **Reviewed Date:** January 04, 2017 **What do you like best about Claris FileMaker?** The dynamic usability. It's able to help me answer many questions quickly. **What do you dislike about Claris FileMaker?** It has a tendancy to freeze when i do certain actions, often times I accidentally click on an icon 1 too many times and it will lead me to a freeze. **What problems is Claris FileMaker solving and how is that benefiting you?** Remembering customer and clients quickly. ### 42. Filemaker- Longtime User **Rating:** 3.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Chandy R. | Director, Education & Student Programs, Hospitality, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** August 08, 2016 **What do you like best about Claris FileMaker?** I like that it is easy to create new layouts and that not a lot has changed over the years so our older staff feel very comfortable with it. **What do you dislike about Claris FileMaker?** The interface looks very dated. I would like it if there were more applicable templates and we didn't have to do so much from scratch. We don't have a staff person who does IT so the creation of new layouts takes forever and they all look super dated because we don't have a template to work from. **Recommendations to others considering Claris FileMaker:** It seems a little behind the times. Doesn't have all the bells and whistles that other software has, but it is easy to use. **What problems is Claris FileMaker solving and how is that benefiting you?** We use Filemaker as our membership database. We are an Association ### 43. FileMaker **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Kimmyanne T. | IT MANAGER, Medical Practice, Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.) **Reviewed Date:** April 14, 2017 **What do you like best about Claris FileMaker?** The database is user friendly and the ease in generating reports **What do you dislike about Claris FileMaker?** There is nothing I don't like about the software **What problems is Claris FileMaker solving and how is that benefiting you?** I was able to merge another database with FileMaker and it has conserve manpower ### 44. FileMaker a platform that works the way you work!!! **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Brandy H. | Senior Evangelist, Computer & Network Security, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** June 06, 2016 **What do you like best about Claris FileMaker?** I have to say my favorite part about the FileMaker platform is it's adaptability. FileMaker is not specific to one industry or type of business. If you make it, sell it, service it...FileMaker is for you! I have seen the platform streamline processes that were taking employees an entire day and reduce that to a click of a button. The efficiencies it provides to your workflow are tremendous. FileMaker, as a software solution, is extremely flexible. Where most products are rigid and make you fit your solution / need into a tiny box that the software understands FileMaker is the polar opposite. **What do you dislike about Claris FileMaker?** The only draw back to the solution is that initially it may seem complex. But honestly once you get started even a beginner with the platform can make solutions that are functional. **Recommendations to others considering Claris FileMaker:** I would like to see companies give the solution a solid look. All too often clients are looking for an off the shelf solution because they believe that to be the easiest way. What they don't realize is a "canned product" is exactly that....canned. It offers the same solution for everyone. Whereas FileMaker allows you to customize the solution to your specific needs. You need to capture a signature; got it. You want to take a picture and upload it to a record; no worries. And these are all standard features in the solution, not an add on or costly module enhancement. **What problems is Claris FileMaker solving and how is that benefiting you?** The business problems that we were facing is the need for an operational solution to handle everything from order receipt through shipment. FileMaker has been the solution that we have built our entire operational workflow on and we are more than pleased with our results. ### 45. A secret that shouldn't be a secret. **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Dan D. | Owner, Computer Software, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** June 06, 2016 **What do you like best about Claris FileMaker?** It's amazing how a "database" can be developed using the same tool. No building out a file(s) on one server then creating an interface or client with another tool then managing it 3 or 4 ways. You create, design, share. Browser or an iPad. I have people all the time trying to figure out a way to get their data on the iPad. I say Filemaker and they stare blankly or say "I use a PC." Some how the myth is there that a database requires a huge fancy server or that Filemaker is only on Mac OS. **What do you dislike about Claris FileMaker?** That Filemaker is something of a secret. The guys with the big SQL Servers like to pooh-pooh it. While they spend 6 months to get a beta I usually have one in a few days. I have to admit though it has been driving me a bit crazy that Filemaker has been pushing out new versions almost every year now. They release great features but I find my self having to jump back and forth between versions because not all clients are ready to upgrade. **Recommendations to others considering Claris FileMaker:** Contact a Filemaker developer in your area and ask them if they know of any businesses that are of a similar kind and size that are using Filemaker. Check with people who are using it and see if it meets your needs. **What problems is Claris FileMaker solving and how is that benefiting you?** I'm getting people out in the field to collect data on their iPads then sharing the data back at the office. Eliminating the paper trail. I have clients that no longer have to collect 3 pieces of paper each day with 15-30 employees scattered over 7 locations working 4, 8 or 12 hour shifts. ### 46. We've been using Filemaker for over 10 years to run multiple regattas. **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Ernst M. | Member, Sports, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** December 23, 2016 **What do you like best about Claris FileMaker?** It can do almost anything you can think of. **What do you dislike about Claris FileMaker?** Not much. So far it's done everything I've asked it to do. **Recommendations to others considering Claris FileMaker:** Buy it now. **What problems is Claris FileMaker solving and how is that benefiting you?** We manage a bunch of regatta entries and advancements that draw data from external sources. ### 47. Inconvenient glitches **Rating:** 1.5/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Hospital & Health Care | Enterprise (> 1000 emp.) **Reviewed Date:** January 23, 2017 **What do you like best about Claris FileMaker?** I like that I can collate jobs by service line, cost center, initiator, etc. **What do you dislike about Claris FileMaker?** The email and print functions are frequently malfunctioning. I often have to save an action order or job opener as a PDF and then print which is terribly inconvenient. **What problems is Claris FileMaker solving and how is that benefiting you?** We track all of our marketing projects in FMP. While it's a great database, it doesn't export or allow us to track measurable results. ### 48. Filemaker keeps our technology and assets organized **Rating:** 4.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Simon L. | System Administrator, Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.) **Reviewed Date:** November 04, 2016 **What do you like best about Claris FileMaker?** The insane flexibility and power, and the fact that it's a native Mac application. **What do you dislike about Claris FileMaker?** It is organized just a little differently than most databases, so what you learn about Access will only halfway help you here. **What problems is Claris FileMaker solving and how is that benefiting you?** Asset tracking. The flexibility and report generation is what really helps us out. ### 49. Data collection made easy **Rating:** 4.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Jane L. | Owner, Design, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** October 31, 2016 **What do you like best about Claris FileMaker?** Ease of use, and vast collection of existing templates makes any project easy. **What do you dislike about Claris FileMaker?** having to keep up with new versions in order to open client files **What problems is Claris FileMaker solving and how is that benefiting you?** Having an easy way to manage data which can be understood by many employees/clients, without having to go through extensive training. ### 50. Improvements All Around **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Dan W. | President, Information Technology and Services, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** August 09, 2016 **What do you like best about Claris FileMaker?** With FileMaker 15 the "apparent" features may seem small, but under the hood FileMaker has made great strides on security, performance and stability. We have noticed major improvements especially in stability between earlier versions of FileMaker Server and version 15. **What do you dislike about Claris FileMaker?** Would like to have had more improvements in the development environment. **Recommendations to others considering Claris FileMaker:** Try it - just drag a Excel spreadsheet into FileMaker and PLAY. You will be amazed with the results! **What problems is Claris FileMaker solving and how is that benefiting you?** We are seeing a 10 to 1 improvement in productivity for our users. ## 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?page=10§ion=pricing&secure%5Bexpires_at%5D=2026-08-06+05%3A50%3A22+-0500&secure%5Bsession_id%5D=8659b091-4662-407b-8b97-3a3bd639ec8a&secure%5Btoken%5D=388447db222dbaccf5acad1b7e8e5e93f8485452621a463541cf857352a500de&format=llm_user) ## Claris FileMaker Integrations - [Apple Mail](https://www.g2.com/products/apple-mail/reviews) ## Claris FileMaker Features **Additional Functionality** - Continuous Integration - Drag & Drop - Backup and Recovery - Multiple Programming Languages Supported - Continuous Deployment - Code Development - For No-Code Development - Version Control - Configurable Workflow - Graphical User Interface - For Low-Code Development - Activity Dashboard - Generative AI - UI Prototyping - Source Control - Software Development - API - Data Import/Export - Web App Development - Custom Development - Code Repository Integration - Data Security - Mobile Development - Access Controls/Permissions - Game Development - Collaboration Tools - Application Security - Alerts/Notifications - Automated Testing - Integrated Development Environment - Offline Access - Debugging - AI Copilot - Reporting/Analytics - Compatibility Testing - Pre-built Templates - Third-Party Integrations - Data Modeling - Customizable Branding - Data Visualization - Code Editing **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 - Workflow Management - Change Management - Deployment Management - Performance Management - Compliance Management - Lifecycle Management - Task Management - Document Management - Database Support **Application Design** - UI Code Extending - Programming Code Extending - Customized Branding - Application Templates - Workflows - Rules-Based Workflow - Project Workflow **Automation** - Workflow Automation - Workflow Mapping - Real-Time Updates **Data Control** - Data Migration - Data Synchronization - Data Security - Real-Time Data - Data Aggregation and Publishing **Development** - Application Templates - UI Code Extending - WYSIWYG Editor - Collaborative Development **Publishing** - Application Deployment - Platform Compatability - Lifecycle Management - Mobile Access - Deployment Management - Project Management - Integrations Management - Template Management - Application Management - Document Management - Workflow Management - Iteration Management - Requirements Management - Calendar Management - Task Management - Forms Management **Agentic AI - Low-Code Development Platforms** - Adaptive Learning - Natural Language Interaction - Proactive Assistance **Additional Functionality** - Custom Development - Audit Trail - AI-assisted Development - Collaborative Development - Document Storage - Approval Process Control - Alerts/Notifications - CRM - Access Controls/Permissions - Third-Party Integrations - Drag & Drop - Reporting & Statistics - Monitoring - Real-Time Reporting - Customizable Reports - Performance Monitoring - Version Control - Database Support - Data Import/Export - Graphical Workflow Editor - Visual Modeling - Business Process Automation - AI Copilot - Activity Dashboard - API - Data Visualization - Generative AI - Customizable Forms - Customizable Fields - Web/Mobile App Development ## Top Claris FileMaker Alternatives - [Salesforce Headless 360 Platform (formerly Salesforce Platform)](https://www.g2.com/products/agentforce-360-platform-formerly-salesforce-platform/reviews) - 4.5/5.0 (3,768 reviews) - [Quickbase](https://www.g2.com/products/quickbase/reviews) - 4.5/5.0 (1,538 reviews) - [Zoho Creator](https://www.g2.com/products/zoho-creator/reviews) - 4.3/5.0 (153 reviews)