# Page 4 | Claris FileMaker Reviews 2026. Verified Reviews, Pros & Cons | Capterra

> Page 4 - Is Claris FileMaker the right Database solution for you? Explore 206 verified user reviews from people in industries like yours to make a confident choice.

Source: https://www.capterra.com/p/162784/FileMaker/reviews

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Claris FileMaker

4.3 (206)

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Last updated March 13th, 2026

# Page 4 - Reviews of Claris FileMaker

## Showing most helpful reviews

Showing 76-100 of 206 Reviews

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Most Helpful

Rating

Company Size

Reviewer's Role

Length of Use

Frequency of Use

TR

Thomas R.  
Application Developer  
Food Production  
Used the software for: 6-12 months

### "Great Platform For The Right Use Cases"

September 22, 2020

5.0

I use it daily for development tasks for a platform that my company runs on. We are always adding features as user requests come in, as well as modernizing legacy features to make use of better ways to accomplish given tasks that available with newer versions of the platform.

Pros

Feature set is quite large. Very easy import/export of data. Great tool for proof-of-concepts for large systems, or for small to mid-size applications.

Cons

Initial login interface is not very customizable. To truly make a custom login, you have to essentially "log in" with a dummy account, go to a specified layout, and then re-log in with the credentials supplied by the user. This opens up potential security holes. Using the native security virtually eliminates this gap, but leaves little to no customization of initial user experience. The FileMaker platform is still not easy to replicate asynchronously, and it does not scale all that well to multiple widespread locations without serious effort.

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

AW

Alexander W.  
EDV-Administrator  
Retail  
Used the software for: 2+ years

### "FileMaker Bewertung"

February 12, 2024

5.0

Pros

Mit FileMaker kann man relativ schnell und simpl Layouts anpassen. Dadurch ist FileMaker sehr flexibel und kann den Arbeitsalltag dadurch sehr optimieren.

Cons

Man wird leider von FileMaker gezwungen immer auf der aktuellsten Version und auf dem aktuellensten MAC Betriebssystem zu bleiben. Deswegen müssen wir auf Windows ausweichen.

Review Source

SQ

Shahid Q.  
R&D Manager  
Industrial Automation  
Used the software for: 2+ years

### "Lots of possibilities"

December 6, 2019

5.0

Pros

Any type of process or data collection is possible. You will need to learn some basic programming for the scripting if you do it yourself or hire an professional. The layouts and scripts allow you to create any type of form or view for the user. We have dashboards for departments to only show what they need and it is very helpful. Windows and apple products both can be used on the same database, which is awesome.

Cons

There are some things that were available when we started using filemaker custom app, but now we have to revise scripts and layouts to utilize new features. Not something bad really, just tweaking of the app to make it even more powerful. The bad thing about being able to do much is the requests from staff for new additions.

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

RM

Risa M.  
Corporate Account Representative  
Facilities Services  
Used the software for: 2+ years

### "Great way to stay organized and up to date"

November 13, 2019

5.0

Great product. Keeps production high, everything extremely organized and easily accessible, and will handle all of your needs.

Pros

My favorite part about this software is the amount of things you can accomplish using it. I work for a facilities maintenance company and we track all of our emergency and normal schedule work orders, our contractors, and all of our customers as well. It stays organized, up to date, and we maintain a high production rate using it.

Cons

The only thing I dislike is the main interface can be a little intimidating when first learning it as there is a lot going on, and a lot of tabs and buttons that can easily change settings and usage. But, once you get to know it, it gets easier and easier and will be a great asset to your company.

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

VR

Verified Reviewer  
IT Support  
Higher Education  
Used the software for: 1-2 years

### "Easy to get started and develop. "

October 25, 2017

5.0

Very affordable. If you have the time and some programming skills and the time, you can build your own solutions or if you have the money, you can get a custom made solution. Maybe most important, your uses will love it.

Pros

Can do just about anything you want. Great online community and support. Good security and server encrypted. Love the iOS native application and your users will too.

Cons

Needs a company sponsored tutorial on advanced scripting. The knowledge base is out there but needs to be brought under the FileMaker roof.

Review Source

VR

Verified Reviewer  
Business Analyst / Application Developer  
  
Used the software for: 1-2 years

### "Easy to learn and use"

April 16, 2018

5.0

Pros

It was so easy to learn and get started with Filemaker. I had never written any type of script before and was so proud of being able to create a useful app that people in my organization could use. It was so nice to hear that I had made someone's day/job easier.

Cons

There are so many different ways to do something that it is sometimes confusing to figure out the best way to handle a situation with an eye to how it may behave in the future in the event that requirements change.

Review Source

VR

Verified Reviewer  
Analista de sistema  
  
Used the software for: 6-12 months

### "Development of mobile applications, desktop and web easily and with excellent learning curve."

June 11, 2018

4.0

Pros

I used FileMake for its ease to create applications with charts that can be displayed on different devices. Also for the simplicity to make your application can be scalable. I started using FileMaker without any knowledge of the platform and in a short time I had a first version of a CRM that was used by 100 users, from different devices and with integration with other web applications.

Cons

If you often use object-oriented languages, finding a way to organize, encapsulate and reuse the source code can be a challenge. Another aspect that I think could be improved is the autocompletion in the script editor

Review Source

PA

Phillip A.  
padams7@me.com  
Insurance  
Used the software for: 2+ years

### "I have been a Filemaker Pro user for years"

October 5, 2019

5.0

I was able to overcome old paper inventory systems by integrating an invoicing and CRM system together.

Pros

I like the fact that I can create almost anything with this platform. from Inventory Management to client Management, Lead Systems, Invoicing and Product Categories. I once automated a product catalog with this software for thousands of products.

Cons

Sometimes the scripting between modules was difficult to figure out, but I was able to find help with thie support and forums.

Switched from

[QuickBooks Online](https://www.capterra.com/p/190778/QuickBooks-Online/)

Ease of use for invoicing

Review Source

BT

Becky T.  
Accounting  
Utilities  
Used the software for: 2+ years

### "Great database application with so many options!"

October 15, 2021

5.0

Pros

The customization that you can achieve for your own application is great. This can be use for so many different things within a company. I used it to build an al inclusive app for our field personnel. Time keeping, safety tracking & training, crm, project management, inventory and scheduling all in one application our managers could use on their mobile devices.

Cons

Hosting and license cost is pretty high even for a mid size business.

Review Source

HS

Hannah S.  
Postdoctoral Researcher  
Medical Devices  
Used the software for: 2+ years

### "Gets the job done"

May 5, 2022

3.0

My group uses FileMaker to database thousands of devices. It gets the job done but there's probably much better options out there.

Pros

The software is reliable enough that I have access to what I need and is pretty customizable. I like the new barcode add on (though it's functionality leaves a lot to be desired).

Cons

We've had issues with OS compatibility and some of the features are overly complicated to implement. Our database could be much better with very thorough customization but it would take an annoying amount of effort to get there.

Review Source

Vicent P.  
Programador Full Stack  
Internet  
Used the software for: 1-2 years

### "Upload a large amount of files for your hosting."

May 15, 2018

5.0

It makes it much easier for me to upload files and images in order to use it on my website, database or apps.

Pros

Very useful system with communication to the database to use the files that you enter from filemaker and management of contacts with the clients available for your projects, ideal to make a trade development.

Cons

It becomes somewhat slow in terms of the response that appears in the emails, sometimes requests checks for the communication of files.

Review Source

Brad M.  
Business Systems Analyst II  
Publishing  
Used the software for: 1-2 years

### "Top Notch DB Management Software"

January 19, 2018

5.0

Pros

Flexible, the users love the experience and as an admin it is easy to create new solutions. In less than 1 year of using, we've saved thousands in old manual processes, now that we have moved them into FileMaker!!!

Cons

When it comes to notifications, the FileMaker folks have a ways to go, there are nice workarounds to accomplish notifications but it's not a clean interface for doing mass notifications to end-users.

Review Source

CR

Casey R.  
Administrative Assistant  
Executive Office  
Used the software for: 2+ years

### "Filemaker Pro Advanced"

January 7, 2019

4.0

Overall, FileMaker has made our business run much more smoothly. We are converting all of our old paper records to electronic, and this software helps us keep track of everything.

Pros

We're using this software to create a database with 50+ years of grant history. FileMaker has totally changed the way we do business! I love that it is able to perform time saving tasks such as, creating personalized letters, emails and reports. I love that It easily stores and organizes all of our old records, giving us the paper free office we've been yearning for.

Cons

\-We use FileMaker to issue random passwords and various types of access- it regularly bugs out and occasionally needs restarted in order for access changes to be reflected. -I dislike that it is not user friendly for most average people. (We have a IT company who is creating our database)

Review Source

JB

Jack B.  
CIO  
Construction  
Used the software for: 2+ years

### "A Dream for Entry-Level Developers"

December 19, 2018

4.0

We were able to take a concept that was just barely not capable in MS Access and many other platforms and create it on Filemaker in less than 6 months, and have been slowing modifying it and adding to it as we go, all without the need for a skilled salaried position.

Pros

Their simple yet comprehensive set of no-code scripts steps that are available to use.

Cons

The licensing and hosting challenges. there are different ways to host and an annual license for a set amount of users is needed every year. The way your license is provided to you depends on how and where you buy the license from and how it is going to be hosted. Can be very daunting when doing it the first time.

Review Source

RO

Robert O.  
IT Manager  
Airlines/Aviation  
Used the software for: 2+ years

### "Drag and Drop Database programming"

November 20, 2019

5.0

FileMaker has come a long way since we first started using it in version 3. Some 25 years or so. We are currently upgrading our servers and work stations to be able to take advantage latest version, 18.

Pros

FileMaker offers a drag and drop database programming tool. Data is stored in related tables and if the tables are planned properly, the access to all the data is easy.

Cons

I would like to see an easier way to access external data. FileMaker offers access to external data but not to all data. If it's SQL there doesn't seem to be a problem but to other ODBC access such as Microsoft Access (.accdb files) the access seems to be a bit more difficult.

Review Source

NF

Nicolas F.  
CTO  
Information Technology and Services  
Used the software for: 2+ years

### "Filemaker as a low code platform"

September 18, 2019

4.0

Is an excepcional platform to develop quickly small or medium projects, to test user cases or interfaces (GUI) , and overall, if you want to integrate different types of platforms on a single project.

Pros

Definitely, is very quick to implement. Every little or not so little change takes almost nothing comparing to others platforms.

Cons

Is not as robust as other platforms, is not transactional, queries are not as fast as on other platforms, script editor is not very handful, has a limit on the size of the DB.

Reason for choosing Claris FileMaker

Usually, the kind of project that matches with Filemaker cannot be done with other platforms unless you increase the budget.

Review Source

ALL

Angel Luis L.  
Developer  
Program Development  
Used the software for: 2+ years

### "A comfy tool to develop your ideas"

September 18, 2019

4.0

We have developed a solution that generates dynamically medical informs with multiple data about the sick person on a record time through the development tools that filemaker provides to the developers and the way that de customer can test the improves.

Pros

\- The easy way that you can plasmate a sketch of your idea. - The results that you obtain with a minimum of knowledge on aplications development - The way to develop apps that can works on a Mac or PC and iOS Platform

Cons

\- The absence about more colours at the scripts interface. - Versions history. - More control finding and changing variable names or script steps for example.

Review Source

Sergey M.  
Manager, Technology Infrastructure and Compliance  
Hospitality  
Used the software for: 2+ years

### "Expensive but worth it"

February 13, 2019

5.0

Pros

This review is for a server / client product. Not a SaaS version of FM. I have been supporting FileMaker server / client environment for many years now. While the databases that are hosted in FM are rather simple, I like how FM server handles the load and availability. From the administration stand point, this system is so simple to manage. Build in back up schedules will never leave you with lost data.

Cons

Cost! While it's a very nice and robust database management platform, I do find it very expensive.

Review Source

MR

Michi R.  
owner  
Marketing and Advertising  
Used the software for: 2+ years

### "Custom Database Solution"

August 8, 2019

5.0

In our business we use FileMaker not only for us, but, we help clients customize their solutions. We love being able to custom tailor a solution and design the layouts and user interface to fit our needs. Custom, custom, custom is all I have to say. We have used it for CRM, accounting and custom solutions that can also integrate nicely with the web.

Pros

I have been utilizing this software for almost 10 years now. The best part of FileMaker is the ability to customize your database to suit your needs. However, you do need knowledge on how databases work in order to customize. I love being able to design my own layouts, injecting my own design and workflow into the user interface.

Cons

Personally I don't see cons, however, for someone who is looking for an out of the box solution, you can find some starter solutions, but without development skills, you would need to hire a developer to help you customize a solution to suit your individual business needs.

Review Source

VR

Verified Reviewer  
Software Associate  
Information Technology and Services  
Used the software for: Less than 6 months

### "Best and easy CRM tool"

November 29, 2022

5.0

The overall experience felt better and easier to other CRM software that are complext to even set up.

Pros

The simplicity of the application is marvelous. You can learn everything in a short span of time.

Cons

Some functionalities like, you can't find out where you have used a script particularly. A script can be written and a part of the program can be asked to preform that script. But the location of the script cannot be identified at wholesome.

Review Source

一生

一真 生.  
会社員  
Electrical/Electronic Manufacturing  
Used the software for: 2+ years

### "共有ができる"

December 17, 2022

4.0

Pros

ノーコードでシステムを開発できるため、初心者でも簡単に社内アプリの開発が可能です。

Cons

開発したアプリのデータを自動で他のソフトで扱える形式に変換できないため少し使い勝手は悪く思います。

Review Source

VR

Verified Reviewer  
Director  
  
Used the software for: 6-12 months

### "Just Awesome!"

July 19, 2018

5.0

Pros

My experience in designing relational databases is from MS Access 2003 - before they changed the interface. Filemaker is very reminiscent of that style of simplicity and functionality.

Cons

Honestly, it's hard to complain about FM because it just works. Whereas the question is not, "What do I dislike?" but rather "What do I like least?" I will say that I am left longing for more visually appealing templates and themes. That would be nice.

Review Source

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