--- description: Review of Claris FileMaker Software: system overview, features, price and cost information. Get free demos and compare to similar programs on Software Advice Ireland. image: https://gdm-localsites-assets-gfprod.imgix.net/images/software_advice/og_logo-55146305bbe7b450bea05c18e9be9c9a.png title: Claris FileMaker | Reviews, Pricing & Demos - SoftwareAdvice IE --- Breadcrumb: [Home](/) > [CRM Systems](/directory/4153/crm/software) > [Claris FileMaker](/software/162826/filemaker) # Claris FileMaker Canonical: https://www.softwareadvice.ie/software/162826/filemaker Page: 1 / 10\ Next: [Next page](https://www.softwareadvice.ie/software/162826/filemaker?page=2) > FileMaker is an app development solution that lets users create and deploy apps. Users can make apps across mobile, cloud and on-premise environments, and no programming skills are required. FileMaker provides built-in templates to create apps for contact management, content management, inventory and task management. The solution can be deployed on-premise or in the cloud. FileMaker allows users to customize their apps with their company brands, logos and colors. It provides reporting and charting tools to make summary reports, charts, graphs and dashboards. Users can export data from the dashboard in Excel and PDF format. The solution helps users create two-way connections with Microsoft SQL Server, Oracle, MySQL, PostgreSQL and IBM DB2 data sources. It provides 256-bit encryption to protect data stored in a server. Support is provided via online forum and phone. > > Verdict: Rated **4.3/5** by 206 users. Top-rated for **Likelihood to recommend**. ----- ## Quick Stats & Ratings | Metric | Rating | Detail | | **Overall** | **4.3/5** | 206 Reviews | | Ease of Use | 4.1/5 | Based on overall reviews | | Customer Support | 3.9/5 | Based on overall reviews | | Value for Money | 4.0/5 | Based on overall reviews | | Features | 4.3/5 | Based on overall reviews | | Recommendation percentage | 80% | (8/10 Likelihood to recommend) | ## About the vendor - **Company**: Claris - **Founded**: 1985 ## Commercial Context - **Starting Price**: US$16.50 - **Pricing model**: Per User (Free Trial) - **Pricing Details**: Claris FileMaker is available on a subscription basis and billed annually. There are two pricing plans available starting at $19/user/month. FileMaker Essentials: $19/user/month for 5-10 users. FileMaker Standard: $39/user/month for 5-99 users. For more than 100 users, please contact Claris sales. - **Target Audience**: Self Employed, 2–10, 11–50, 51–200, 201–500, 501–1,000, 1,001–5,000, 5,001–10,000, 10,000+ - **Deployment & Platforms**: Cloud, SaaS, Web-based, Mac (Desktop), Windows (Desktop), Windows (On-Premise), Linux (On-Premise), Android (Mobile), iPhone (Mobile), iPad (Mobile) - **Supported Languages**: Chinese, Dutch, English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Spanish, Swedish - **Available Countries**: United States ## Features - API - Access Controls/Permissions - Agile Methodologies - Application Management - Audio File Management - Backup and Recovery - Batch Processing - Billing & Invoicing - Budget Management - Business Process Automation - CRM - Calendar Management - Calendar/Reminder System - Charting - Client Portal - Code Development - Code Editing - Collaboration Tools - Collaborative Development - Compatibility Testing ## Integrations (48 total) - AWS Lambda - Asana - Breeze - Calendly - Chatwork - Clarifai - CloudSign - Docparser - Docusign - Dropbox Sign - Eventbrite - Formstack Suite - Freshdesk - Google Calendar - Google Drive ... and 33 more integrations ## Support Options - Email/Help Desk - FAQs/Forum - Knowledge Base - Phone Support - Chat ## Category - [CRM Systems](https://www.softwareadvice.ie/directory/4153/crm/software) ## Related Categories - [CRM Systems](https://www.softwareadvice.ie/directory/4153/crm/software) - [Content Management Systems](https://www.softwareadvice.ie/directory/4543/cms/software) - [Business Process Management Software](https://www.softwareadvice.ie/directory/4351/bpm/software) - [Low Code Development Platform](https://www.softwareadvice.ie/directory/4382/low-code-development/software) - [Integrated Development Environment (IDE) Software](https://www.softwareadvice.ie/directory/4413/ide/software) ## Alternatives 1. 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But it is also a hobbyist's dream come true as other kinds of data processors can be created such as for note-making and planning screenplays (please visit https://notemakerdatabase.com for proof — both these data processors are offered free). In a strange way, it's these non-business applications that highlight FileMaker's incredible power as a platform for building any kind of a data processor. Only because FileMaker is incredibly customisable and highly versatile that NoteMaker and ScriptPlanner have become possible. The promotional phrase "low code" is a misnomer. The level of sophistication of NoteMaker and ScriptPlanner could never be achieved with "low code" or "no code" (ie, just click and pick). So, even though FileMaker is promoted as "low code" (to compete with internet-based database-creation software) — yes, it's true in the sense that an invoice and other business applications can be developed with little recourse to code, but — it's not a true picture of the powerful high-code capability that is FileMaker. FileMaker is what is called an All-In-One. 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. 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. There is a large body of professional developers who work full-time to build custom solutions for small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs). So, with FileMaker comes a healthy community of skilled personnel. If you are an SME, speak to a FileMaker developer and as well as to other database providers and see what they can do to help you manage your valuable resources. > > **Cons**: Versions 19, 20 and new (released June 2024) version 21 have focused on empowering professional database builders to deliver and connect their systems to the cloud, network servers and mobile devices (such as smart phones and tablets) and to build more effective e-commerce websites — all at the "cost" of providing hobbyists with more functions for building (perhaps innovative) data processors in and of themselves for delivering to local hard drives of fellow hobbyists. But the full-on evolution of FileMaker in entering the greater digital world is understandable if it is to maintain competitiveness with MS's ubiquitous Access, MYOB, giant SAP and solely internet-based database-creation platforms such as Caspio and the like. By all accounts, FileMaker continues to be competitive in this crowded marketplace of solution-providers to small-to-medium businesses and organisations. But, alas, some hobbyists miss powerful functions like While(). Since v18, nothing like While() has been implemented. Instead, functions that enable greater deployment options, increased connectivity and improved websites have dominated FileMaker's evolution since v18. So headlong has FileMaker jumped into the brave new world that it has become all about empowering professional developers — rarely taking a look back to see some of the hobbyists who have been left behind. > > I've known FileMaker since version 5, and I've since never stopped feeling privileged to be working in its Rapid Development Environment where database objects such as fields, records, portals, labels, icons, relationship graphs are readily available. It is one of the best put-together software ever conceived. ----- ### "The only database you will EVER need" — 5.0/5 > **allison** | *10 February 2020* | Government Administration | Recommendation rating: 10.0/10 > > **Pros**: Ease of Use Features Stability Updates Integrations > > **Cons**: Licensing prices . Fees to obtain newer and better versions. > > We use Filemaker for all of our database and customer relation needs. It is extremely easy to set up and teach users how to navigate. Much different software integrate very easily with Filemaker. Filemaker is a dream to work with. If you can imagine it you can create it with a FileMaker layout. You can even use it to set up your website. Users can also access your databases via a web interface with no need for a license. Another great feature is the mobile apps which run very smoothly. ----- ### "Build your own... everything\!" — 5.0/5 > **Gary** | *6 November 2019* | Education Management | Recommendation rating: 8.0/10 > > **Pros**: FileMaker allows anyone to create anything. Ok , that's a bit of an exaggeration. The truth is, with a little work, you can build most every kind of database you would need - Payroll, CRM, Time Management, Mass Market Email, Inventory, etc. And what you can't build, you can find skilled developers to build for you. Plus there are add-ons galore, and FileMaker is compatible with any system that allows for an API interface. > > **Cons**: There are only three things wrong with FileMaker. They are 1) the price, 2) the price, 3) the price. It's not that the price tag is not necessarily hefty, but the pricing structure makes entry difficult for a small business. Yet, FileMaker is IDEAL for small businesses in every other way\! > > We use FileMaker for everything. We recently installed an SMS system (as an API tagged to SendHub). We can now send messages, track messages, view threads, and analyze usage - all from within our CRM which was built entirely in-house in FileMaker. ----- ### "One of my very favourite products\!" — 5.0/5 > **Phil** | *6 January 2022* | Computer Software | Recommendation rating: 10.0/10 > > **Pros**: The simplicity to create applications from scratch is my fav feature. I was up and running quickly and producing quality applications in no time. I just enjoy using FileMaker\! > > **Cons**: There is always room for improvement and I would suggest the developer GUI could use some work. While I find it simple to use, for the most part, there are a couple of areas that might be improved. > > I developed several applications for clients using FM. It was a pleasure to use and the solutions I provided were reasonably complex. I have successfully created custom apps such as scheduling, billing, quoting and testing. These apps were created for Plumbing \& Heating, Optometry and a College. ----- ### "Overall ease of use if familiar with WYSIWYG programming, otherwise can be difficult to manipulate." — 4.0/5 > **Alison** | *11 October 2017* | Recommendation rating: 8.0/10 > > **Pros**: I like the granularity of the software and the fact that it can be almost limitless in the possibilities. We use this software to keep our IT asset database, and when we lost the member of our team who managed our database to retirement, we found ourself in a quandary the first time it did not function as needed due to a change in our insurance company's requirements. I was able to figure out the software on my own and rebuild our database in simplified form within three weeks, and fully import all of our assets. Layouts are easily modifiable and integrate well into other applications, like mail. Scripts were easily definable through a little trial and error for this novice. Additionally, the fact that multiple people at our organization can be viewing a single record at once is quite helpful, even if only one can edit at a time, which is easily understandable. Overall, a solid product. > > **Cons**: In terms of cons, Filemaker, while robust, is not very friendly for new users. It is easy to override data that is not locked, and when items are locked, they tend to not be able to function in scripts as well as unlocked data. Additionally, while the data in fields may be requisite for locking, with the chance of change being a rarity, it is not fragile enough to warrant it be locked and unlocked in layout every time. A protective middle-ground would be nice to be able to implement with the click of a button rather than having to write a script to go "Are you sure?". Additionally, my IT director of several years was unable to rebuild or modify our database without issue despite 16 years of IT experience and many more years than myself with FM. My background in WYSIWYG programs like Adobe GoLive prepared me for their natural, if sometimes clunky, nature. I wish the software was less clunky, and more user-friendly, because it would be great for general IT users. > > We are able to build our IT assets database using this software. We are able to replicate our insurance claim form within it to pull information from our asset record and have another layout for the repairs. We are able to seamlessly find a record, make a new insurance repair record, click a button to email our insurance provider, print mailing and asset labels, and communicate back to the user with just three layouts including the labels. Our previous database, before being rebuilt was 53 layouts but was able to be streamlined to just the three using some slick little boxes that keep a record of repairs on a single device, and by using buttons. This makes filing insurance repair claims much quicker than filling out their excel and PDF forms by hand and also gives us a location to keep our own record. ----- Page: 1 / 10\ Next: [Next page](https://www.softwareadvice.ie/software/162826/filemaker?page=2) ## Links - [View on SoftwareAdvice](https://www.softwareadvice.ie/software/162826/filemaker) ## This page is available in the following languages | Locale | URL | | de | | | en | | | en-AU | | | en-GB | | | en-IE | | | en-NZ | | | fr | | ----- ## Structured Data