# Claris FileMaker Reviews 2026. Verified Reviews, Pros & Cons | Capterra > Is Claris FileMaker the right Database solution for you? Explore 207 verified user reviews from people in industries like yours to make a confident choice. Source: https://www.capterra.com/p/162784/FileMaker/reviews --- Claris FileMaker 4.3 (207) [View alternatives](https://www.capterra.com/p/162784/FileMaker/alternatives/) Provider data verified by our Software Research team, and reviews moderated by our Reviews Verification team. [Learn more](https://www.capterra.com/our-story/) * * * Last updated April 14th, 2026 # Reviews of Claris FileMaker Ease of use 4.1 Customer Service 3.9 ## Pros and Cons in Reviews Lisa D Office ManagerProfessional Training & Coaching, 11 - 50 employeesUsed the software for: More than 2 years. “It’s a highly customizable and capable platform, but the cost can add up quickly with licensing, upgrades, and cloud services, especially for a growing business.“ April 30, 2026 Lisa D Office ManagerProfessional Training & Coaching, 11 - 50 employeesUsed the software for: More than 2 years. “One of the main challenges has been occasional database lag.“ April 30, 2026 Elizabeth L PRODUCT MANAGERRetail, 501 - 1,000 employeesUsed the software for: 1-2 years. “Claris FileMaker is a powerful low-code platform that makes it easy to build, deploy, and scale custom database apps.“ January 28, 2026 KK Kris K OwnerAlternative Medicine, 2 - 10 employeesUsed the software for: More than 2 years. “The hosting part was a bit clunky. “ September 25, 2025 Con K Data Processing DeveloperComputer Software, Self-employedUsed the software for: More than 2 years. “It has the design tools to create the front-end (or the user interface), it has a superb internal programming language (aka "middleware") to create the logic and finally it has an astonishing storage capacity for data (the "backend") — here, we're talking about millions of records. As experience grows so too will your ability to create more sophisticated applications.“ June 20, 2024 TS TED S CFOLaw Practice, 11 - 50 employeesUsed the software for: More than 2 years. “The system seems to be outdated and the support was insufficient“ January 3, 2025 Con K Data Processing DeveloperComputer Software, Self-employedUsed the software for: More than 2 years. “Warning: the more you learn the more addictive FileMaker becomes. When you experience the magic of the simple Go to Layout script step, creating layouts becomes explosive. When you the learn the more complicated Loop script step, creative use for it explodes. And that's how it is: the more you learn, the more empowered you feel, the more you dare to be creative.“ June 20, 2024 Ben E OwnerPublishing, Self-employedUsed the software for: 1-2 years. “I love FileMaker as my primary CRM but the lack of integration with iCloud et al means that it cannot serve as a core part of my workflow.“ June 8, 2023 ## Showing most helpful reviews Showing 1-25 of 207 Reviews Sort by: Most Helpful Rating Company Size Reviewer's Role Length of Use Frequency of Use Chiara G. Pm Non-Profit Organization Management Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Great tool for related database " April 19, 2025 5.0 I like very much the tool as it's easy to learn, it doesn't need deep coding knowledge and it's very user-friendly. The community is great as you can find a lot of documentation and information to use it. Pros Ease of use, very intuitive and user-friendly and allows you to create a related database easily and quickly Cons Visual elements are not responsive with window size Alternatives considered [Microsoft Access](https://www.capterra.com/p/233275/Microsoft-Access/) Reason for choosing Claris FileMaker Ease of setting up and deployment of the tool Switched from [Microsoft Excel](https://www.capterra.com/p/176574/Excel/) In order to create related database and the ease of use of crm and contacts Review Source Ben E. Owner Publishing Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "So many missed opportunities" June 8, 2023 5.0 I love FileMaker as my primary CRM but the lack of integration with iCloud et al means that it cannot serve as a core part of my workflow. Right now, I'm obliged to keep my personal and business life separate which might seem fine on the surface but I would like to take advantage of Filemaker for personal projects too, which is hard right now. Pros Claris Filemaker is overall excellent for creating custom databases. It offers a user-friendly interface and a wide range of features that make it easy to design and manage databases. If you know how to use iTunes, you know how to use Filemaker. It's got power and simplicity. Cons What frustrates me about FileMaker - as a freelancer - is the lack of out-of-the-box integration with Google, CardDav and CalDav servers, and - unforgivably - iCloud (considering that Claris is owned by Apple. Alternatives considered [Daylite for Mac](https://www.capterra.com/p/116272/Daylite-for-Mac/) Reason for choosing Claris FileMaker Flexiblity and customizability, as well as maintaining a similar standard of ease of use. Switched from [Daylite for Mac](https://www.capterra.com/p/116272/Daylite-for-Mac/) I wanted a bit more flexibility than Daylite could offer, and I dislike the subscription model. I thought that Filemaker would be most cost-effective in the long term. Review Source VR Verified Reviewer Office Manager Professional Training & Coaching Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Great Tool" April 30, 2026 4.0 Overall, I’m satisfied with Claris FileMaker. It’s a highly customizable and capable platform, but the cost can add up quickly with licensing, upgrades, and cloud services, especially for a growing business. The value is there if you’re using it to its full potential, but it’s definitely an investment. The transition from a physical server to the cloud was not seamless and required time and support from our developer to get everything working properly. Since completing the move, performance and reliability have improved, and we’ve experienced fewer disruptions. While deployment was a bit of a challenge, the end result has been a more stable system. Pros What I like most about Claris FileMaker is its strong customization capabilities and data management functionality. It allows us to tailor the system to fit our specific business needs. The platform also provides a solid level of security, which is important for managing sensitive business data. Customer support has been helpful when needed, and working with a developer has made it possible to fully customize and optimize the system for our workflows. Cons One of the main challenges has been occasional database lag. We recently increased our cloud processing capacity, which has helped improve performance, but some lag still remains. A portion of this is likely tied to the level of customization in our system, and we’ve been working with our developer to address it. It would be helpful if there were more built-in API options or customization templates to streamline development and improve overall efficiency. Review Source TS TED S. CFO Law Practice Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Using FileMaker" January 3, 2025 3.0 The system seems to be outdated and the support was insufficient Pros Flexibility of tracking costs and medical specials. Cons Cumbersome with regards to creating separate settlement memos. Review Source Elizabeth L. PRODUCT MANAGER Retail Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "Claris FileMarker - yes!" January 28, 2026 5.0 Claris FileMaker is a powerful low-code platform that makes it easy to build, deploy, and scale custom database apps. Pros Very flexible and customizable with strong database tools, fast development, cross-platform access, and solid integration options. Cons Pricing can be high for small teams, and advanced features require time to learn and may need technical expertise. Review Source Henrik W. Support technician Marketing and Advertising Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Super easy application development" April 16, 2023 4.0 I've been using FileMaker for 25 years and it's a tool that just keeps on giving. Pros File Maker is super easy to set up and super easy to become proficient in. It's super reliable to use a tool that's 30 years old, and still getting powerful additions regularly. Cons FileMaker is an oddball in the database field, and it can be hard to find best practices and tutorials for FileMaker. Reason for choosing Claris FileMaker FileMaker is a tool that feels like it's made brand for humans, and it's complete product, not just a database tool, but a complete application development environment. Switched from [PostgreSQL](https://www.capterra.com/p/48791/PostgreSQL/)[MySQL](https://www.capterra.com/p/11482/MySQL/)[Microsoft Access](https://www.capterra.com/p/233275/Microsoft-Access/) FileMaker is much more easy to deploy and keep. And it's complete product, not just a database tool, but a complete application development environment. Review Source Glen S. Freelance Graphic Designer Graphic Design Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Fabulously easy to use Database software" February 21, 2020 5.0 I use it to manage contacts and expenses and I have built the database that a photo library use to run their business every day! I cannot fault this software! Pros I first started using this years ago when I ran an art department for a publishers, and wanted something more robust than Excel to manage the data! I instantly fell in love with this humble but powerful software! Once you get past the "If Then" stuff it's a doddle to set up very complex seeming databases that analyse, your data and build reports for you! Cons If anything it's pretty minor they could use an idiots walk through to get you over the initial hurdles of understanding logic queries, but even without this, this software is so elegantly simple even a moron like me managed to get by! Switched from [Microsoft Excel](https://www.capterra.com/p/176574/Excel/) Excel was far to weak to manage the vast amount of text I needed to store, I was recording notes and also due dates against actuals to see how we were performing, building custom reports to so clearly where bottle-necks were! I could not have accomplished what I did without this software acting as the back bone! Review Source Nicolas M. Technical Engineer Printing Used the software for: 2+ years ### "FileMaker Pro is the easiest database manager for everyone" March 2, 2021 5.0 Very stable ! We use it now on our Windows server and several Win and Mac clients. Pros The easy and stable way to use it and improve it daily, as you want. Cons Only iOS mobile App (no Android). Restriction without big consequence for me. Alternatives considered [Odoo](https://www.capterra.com/p/135618/Odoo/) Reason for choosing Claris FileMaker First on the market with light knowledge and stable result : we use it since 1995 ! Review Source OJ Olen J. Executive Director Non-Profit Organization Management Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Filemaker is worth the investment" June 16, 2025 5.0 I have been using Filemaker since version 1 in the 1980's when I was learning database design at university. The company has been gradually and systematically improving the product, adopting the best practices and technology. The price point has remained appropriate considering the value. Many of our solutions were started 30 years ago, and work just as well, or even better today. We also add new solutions and making processes more efficient on a daily basis. The point is that the investment in Filemaker for the past 30 years at this company has been completely worth the cost. For example, using Filemaker to automate our processes in our small company saves the cost of at least 3 employees out of 12. That is a 25% reduction in payroll for using Filemaker. There is a broad base of other companies and users that provide training, tutorials, and plug-in products that there is virtually nothing you cannot do. Pros Filemaker is completely customizable, they incorporate all the latest technology and best practices. For the past 30 years it has been a stable platform which is consistently improving. Cons When the API returns the record id for a newly created record, it would be valuable to also return the uuid. Review Source KK Kris K. Owner Alternative Medicine Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Hightly recommend Filemaker" September 25, 2025 5.0 Filemaker was amazing in that it let us have exactly what we wanted and nothing more. We could make interactions work our way rather than a generic way that appeased the masses. Pros It made making our own application simple. We could build exactly what we wanted without the extra. Cons The hosting part was a bit clunky. We opted for remote hosting which helped, but it was still not ideal. Review Source OLI Osmund Lind I. CEO and Chairman Commercial Real Estate Used the software for: 2+ years ### "30 years of joy" December 16, 2024 4.0 This is perhaps an unusual review, based on 30+ years with FileMaker. As Editor-in-Chief of Australian Macworld, I used it to drive a Macintosh Products Guide describing all the thousands of software and hardware available to Mac users. It was a formidable project published in print by us annually. Apple at the time had tried to build its own, first in HyperCard of all things, but asked us nicely if they might borrow ours. Since then I have used FM for many purposes both privately and in business, primarily because you can have a new ad hoc database up and running in one day. Flexibility is its main advantage, combining search and report output in almost any combination you want. Example: for the Product Guide we first entered data for each product in appropriate fields, then exported the entire set tab-delimited to a text editor, performed advanced manual and automated editing using UNIX-based and GREP scripts, imported the (huge) and now textually clean file back into FM, then used report functions to re-export it with formatting codes for each field to a professional typesetting machine that could print 100 magazine pages without modification. That began in late 1980s long before FM became relational. Today and with FM of the 2020s, I often ask people why they use a spreadsheet where FM gives them better summaries and overviews. I gave up on accounting software for invoicing and built it in FM because there I could tie it to non-accounting to data, notes and full data on real estate properties, contracts, reminders and so forth, all available in one place. In a broadband company, we could track disparate sets of data on thousands of customers, from IP addresses and routers to subscription and invoicing data. With the same tool we could run the technical network and take care of the financials. Then, here is an oddball: For my sailing yacht I built an “inventory” db of permanent stores and current provisions. Clickable images of the interior allowed us to click on a cupboard and see what it contained, or vice versa we could find the location of a spanner by clicking on it. Food supplies were automatically updated as we consumed or purchased, and based on dietary tables it could calculate how many days they’d last. Travel logs were of course also implemented and timestamped. The point of these examples is not that it can be done, but that FM is so intuitive that you are tempted to use it. Numbers, text, images, sounds, web URLs, mail, who cares – they can all find their space. A Swiss Army knife. FM has limitations in large corporations, but for smaller work groups it is efficient, self-explanatory, and something we found invaluable: non-programmers on staff were triggered and motivated to learn more and contribute to developing. Some even became developers themselves. Pros Versatility and rapid development. It motivates non-professional staff. Cons Pricing policy. Sometimes slow to integrate with industry standards; the Filemaker Go solution works but is clumsy. Review Source SZ Scott Z. Owner Computer Software Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Claris FileMaker is perfect for beginner to Advanced database and application developer" February 9, 2023 5.0 From its first relational version, FileMaker Pro 3, our experience has gotten better and better with more feature and more developers creating add-on features to extend the software's functionality and deployment. Pros Every new version of Claris FileMaker has improved its feature set as an easy to use relational database. The Scripting environment has become easier with type-along assistant and the ability to cut and paste code between calculation ans scripts in other databases. The ability to quickly deploy the software in a browser has made it an extremely versatile application. Cons There is no true runtime client engine for a networked solution. Separating the user interface from the data in the same file is not possible. Review Source JC John C. VP Operations Food Production Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Moldable Data Management and Manipulation" May 8, 2023 4.0 We've used this for years and will likely continue and I have personally used this for many projects to make database create and cataloging of items easy. Love how easy it integrates with iPads as well. Pros This software is very easily manipulated to create databases to store data, create reports and worksheets and many other tasks. We use it daily for operations. Cons The newer versions of it seem to run slower. In fact, we reverted back to version 18 for our production environment because of slowness issues. This was on FAST machines with lots of RAM. Consider an older version. Alternatives considered [Microsoft Access](https://www.capterra.com/p/233275/Microsoft-Access/) Reason for choosing Claris FileMaker Apple integrations, cost, simplicity/ Review Source JH Jim H. Technology Director Education Management Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Filemaker has brought to light data service saving hours of data manipulation producing tears of joy" June 8, 2017 5.0 Keeping Data secure and yet available to our employees gives them a sense of in control. We use the data to produce a daily log of their activity and then use that data to bill our customers. It is so much better than trying to find the data from their individual reports and then creating the reports on a monthly basis. Now we simply hit a button and the reports are done. I love how as a developer we can see our users appreciate the software because it makes their jobs easier and gives them the sense that they can concentrate on other things rather than the record keeping. Our users are happier and excited about bringing the qualifiers of the data to light so they can justify their work. In an app that tracks trouble requests, a log is created to show all that the tech people do to facilitate repair issues. No longer are those in charge wondering what their subordinates are doing. They can just open the app and see what they've accomplished. Pros I love that if you can think it, Filemaker can produce it. Given the time to develop motion, you can get the software to repeat that motion over and over. That saves time and time is money. I love how it provides mental exercise while developing but also is intuitive when it comes to building a custom application that the whole business can take advantage. After an introduction to a new "app" built in Filemaker, it isn't long that all departments ask "what could it do for us?" And the answer is "what do you need". It is so versatile. Integration with things like email, Google, Office can lead to great productivity. Cons The think I like least is the capability in reports to do some word processing capabilities. But it's still a great Form library. But I wish it could insert a page break that would be understood while printing a report. Review Source MP Michael P. Attorney Law Practice Used the software for: 2+ years ### "My Most Valuable Tool" December 5, 2020 5.0 Excellent customer support and a vast library of online k knowledge and solutions. Pros I have been using FileMaker since probably 1988. That would be 32 years. It is the most valuable tool in my office. I can easily create a database to manage specific information. I have databases I set up early on that I still use. I created a time and billing program when Macs still ran on system 9, and it has worked ever since with no modifications. I have been using FileMaker in court to win cases since the first Apple laptop computer. Kf you want command of your information, FileMaker is the tool to help you do it. Cons 1\. It does not work well with Adobe Acrobat. When I import pdf's I am unable to annotate them or even highlight passages. 2. FileMaker server requires ports used for web hosting. I had to set up my website host computer at a separate location. I am sure I could have found a workaround, but that is beyond my ability. Reason for choosing Claris FileMaker Ease of use. Review Source JB Julia B. Exec. Director, IT & Eng Higher Education Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Claris FileMaker SaaS" April 28, 2021 5.0 Used FileMaker for decades for two departments. Conservative users didn't want to convert to a more advanced system. Transition to the hosted solution is a time, money, management saver. Pros Serves well the client that are used to it and non-technical. If you use FileMaker go for SaaS - reasonably priced, easy to transition, easy to manage. Cons Limited functionality, but serves well for what it is used by specific departments. Would prefer to use the same DB system as the rest of the college. Review Source VR Verified Reviewer Developer Computer Software Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Still great after all these years" February 7, 2024 4.0 Pros When you need something more than off-the-shelf software, FileMaker allows you to build a custom app quickly. Cons It can be slightly expensive for smaller businesses. Review Source VR Verified Reviewer HelpDesk Real Estate Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "Claris FileMaker for Business" July 15, 2022 4.0 FileMaker can do the job. It is flexible and adaptable. There are other easier to learn, cleaner, and modern database solutions out there that don't require specific certification courses to learn the nuances of. Pros This software gets the job done. You can create databases and stores and more with this software; it's very flexible. Cons This database solution was by far the hardest software I've had to learn how to use. Frequently our company had to hire consulting companies to manage our legacy databases after our lead designer left the team. Review Source SR Stephanie R. Event Manager Events Services Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "It Works, but is it the best?" December 18, 2018 4.0 If you're looking for an all in one platform, this isn't my first choice. Honestly, it's probably not in the top five for me. If you're looking for a database management software for tracking customers, sending invoices and proposals, and software you can update as your company grows, this is great. You'll probably need something better in the long run, but it's a good start. Pros The ease of creating forms and spreadsheets for data tracking with this software was pretty great. We used this mainly in our event planning business and I didn't really have a complaint. You can tell the program what information you need and it will track it and input what ever you've indicated you need it to input. It definitely depends on user input and you have to take the time to ensure your databases are updated. If you do that, you won't have a problem. Cons The only real aspect I didn't like was that there was no workflow type tracking. As our business grew, this is something we desperately needed, but it was never marketed to us as such, so I can't really complain about this. If you're looking for an all in one platform, this wouldn't be my first choice. Review Source JM Jeff M. Senior Consultant Information Technology and Services Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Powerful database system with easy to learn/use interface, but also powerful development back-end." June 8, 2017 5.0 The feature I enjoy most is the capability to use the product cross platform. I have a Windows 10 PC running at my desk, I use an Apple MacBook Pro on the road, along with my iPad where ever, and FileMaker gives me the ability to use my database applications on all those platforms. Pros Import your Excel spreadsheet, place a few fields on a form, within minutes you have created a user interface as a starting point for what can become a very powerful business application. Using the database manager, you can create links between data tables quickly and visually. Cross platform capable! Run the application on a PC, Mac, iPad, iPhone, or use a web interface (requires the server product). Once you start using this product, and it becomes an integral part of your business operation, you can either teach yourself the advanced features, or hire a consultant to help you out as there is a very strong developer community. The development language is a easy to learn scripting language. Cons FileMaker still struggles to gain acceptance in IT departments, and yet it is a legitimate application development environment with very powerful capabilities. Review Source SS Sandra S. Hotelier Hospitality Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Software that has turned into ransomware." October 30, 2020 5.0 You are offering an upgrade price so it shouldn't matter what version you are using, you should be able to upgrade if your software stops working because is no longer supported with the operating system you are currently using. Pros Excellent software and easy to use. Have been using this software for the last 25 years. Cons The software has suddenly turned into ransomware. Windows 10 is no longer supported by Filemaker, I now find myself in the position of being forced to buy completely new software in order to access my files. It wouldn't be so bad if I could upgrade but no apparently I can't upgrade from my version to Filemaker Pro 19. Review Source VR Verified Reviewer Finance Manager Used the software for: 2+ years ### "It is so flexible and easy to customise." December 12, 2017 4.0 We use it to track over 10,000 clients. We have previously tried customised software but this has been the most reliable. Pros It is so easy to add new fields and reports. It's reliable, fast to load and works on both PC and Mac. Cons As with all software these days, it's hard to get a direct answer from customer support. New versions don't support all the features we are using. New versions don't support our current setup. Review Source AB Andrew B. Owner Public Safety Used the software for: 2+ years ### "As good as you want to make it" December 1, 2021 4.0 Good, just know it is only and good as how much time you can dedicate to making it. Pros The software if fully customizable and it truly as good as you want to make it. Cons For someone that doesn’t work in the development on a regular basis, I found myself having to relearn everything anytime I wanted to make a change. Review Source WR Wendy R. Payroll Accountant Used the software for: 2+ years ### "First data base I ever used!" June 18, 2018 4.0 This database has been used at both my jobs over the last 20 years....so it must tried and true to be used for so long. Pros I was brought into a job where I had to learn this program on my own. With the "help" tab and a little ingenuity I was able to pick up on the concept right away. I was able to build my own forms from the already set up data base. As years went on we had to change the forms and the information we collected and it was a cinch to figure out without the use of the "help" tab. When I moved into a new job I was able to test my knowledge of FileMaker pro in an updated version. As I had the basics down I was able to figure out how to use it for calculations as well as counts and general use of the database. I had to pretty much put together a balance sheet using a data base. It was interesting and fun to figure out. Cons I don't really have anything I can remember that was irritating to me that I thought should be done differently. Review Source VR Verified Reviewer Renewal Marketing Specialist Insurance Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Decent Program if you have a company to set it up for you" October 15, 2019 4.0 This is a good program if you have a company or person dedicated to setting it up, creating your applications, and forms. Filemaker support is very minimal and you have to look at hiring an outside vendor familiar with FileMaker to help with the set up and addition of new things. The price is excellent for this as is, but start adding in the support you need and the cost to add new things or make changes, it starts getting up there if you make a lot of changes. We are in the process of switching over to another product that does have a monthly fee, but 100% supported and no additional charge every time we need to add a new application. Pros Options to choose font, color, formatting (test only, currency, etc). Ease of use for existing forms Cons Making any changes to existing applications/forms and adding new ones. Almost have to have a computer programming degree Review Source Similar Products Featured ## Send me user reviews about this product ### Fill out the form and we'll send a list of the top-rated software based on real user reviews directly to your inbox.