Claris FileMaker

Apple-owned platform for building custom database apps across Mac, Windows, iPad, iPhone and web.

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Verified facts: 4 of 4
Alternatives ranked: 6
Approved reviews: 0
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About Claris FileMaker

FileMaker has been around since the 1980s and is now sold by Claris, an Apple subsidiary. Developers and power users design tables, relationships, layouts and scripts in FileMaker Pro on Mac or Windows, then deploy the same app to colleagues on desktops, on iPad and iPhone through FileMaker Go, and in the browser through WebDirect. Apps can work offline on iOS devices and sync later, which keeps it popular in field service, healthcare, education, events and small businesses with bespoke systems. A large community of independent developers builds and maintains custom solutions. Licensing is now subscription-based through Claris plans: Starter for 5–10 users and Max for larger teams, each priced per user per month billed annually and including hosting options, with a free trial. It runs on Mac, Windows, iOS and the web. The proprietary file format and scripting tie you to the platform, and per-user costs add up quickly compared with hosted no-code databases.

Best for: Businesses that want a bespoke database app on desktops and iPads, built in-house or by a consultant.

What works

Same app runs on desktop, iPad, iPhone and web
Strong offline and mobile capabilities on Apple devices
Large community of experienced independent developers

Why people leave

Proprietary format and scripting create lock-in
Per-user subscriptions are expensive for larger teams
Android is not supported natively

Top Claris FileMaker alternatives

See all 6

1
Microsoft Access
Windows desktop database often already included in Microsoft 365.
66.5
2
Ninox
Hosted database that began as a Mac and iPad app, at a lower price.
62.6
3
Tap Forms Pro
Inexpensive Apple-only database app for individuals and small teams.
59.6
4
Quickbase
Enterprise web platform for operational apps without desktop clients.
57.2
5
Airtable
Web-first and easier to share, if offline iPad use is not essential.
53.6

Why people left Claris FileMaker

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Claris FileMaker: common questions

Is Claris FileMaker free?

No, Claris FileMaker is a paid product. Starter plan: US$22 per user/month billed annually (checked on Claris FileMaker's own site).

Is Claris FileMaker open source?

No, Claris FileMaker is not open source.

What platforms does Claris FileMaker run on?

Claris FileMaker is available for macOS, Windows, iOS and Web.

What are the best alternatives to Claris FileMaker?

The highest-ranked Claris FileMaker alternatives right now are Microsoft Access, Ninox and Tap Forms Pro. See the full ranked list for pricing, platforms and verified facts.

See all 6 Claris FileMaker alternatives

Claris FileMaker facts

4 of 4 verified

Starter plan: US$22 per user/month billed annually; Checked Oct 25, 2026claris.com(opens source in a new tab); “Starter (Formerly Essentials) US$22 Per user, per month Billed annually Buy now 5-10 users only.”
Max plan: US$45 per user/month billed annually; Checked Oct 25, 2026claris.com(opens source in a new tab); “Max (Formerly Standard) US$45 Per user, per month Billed annually Buy now 5-99 users.”
Platforms: macOS, Windows, mobile, web; Checked Oct 25, 2026claris.com(opens source in a new tab); “Enjoy native cross-platform deployment across macOS, Windows, mobile, web, and multi-user systems.”
iPad and iPhone: Yes, via FileMaker Go; Checked Oct 25, 2026claris.com(opens source in a new tab); “Access your FileMaker apps on iPad and iPhone—ideal for field work or time away from a desk.”