FileMaker Reviews & Pricing

by Claris | Founded 1998, San Francisco, California

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Low-Code Development Platforms
CRM Software
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What is FileMaker?

Industry Specialties: Serves all industries.

FileMaker, a robust software from Claris International Inc., excels in Low-Code Application Development, enabling users to create custom applications with minimal coding expertise. It is particularly well-suited for small to medium-sized businesses and industries such as retail, healthcare, education, and finance, where tailored solutions can streamline operations and enhance productivity. The platform's unique benefits include its user-friendly interface, cross-platform compatibility, and strong integration capabilities with other software systems.

Popular features of FileMaker include its drag-and-drop design tools, pre-built templates, and powerful data management functionalities. Users appreciate the ability to quickly develop and deploy applications that meet specific business needs without extensive programming knowledge. Compared to similar products, FileMaker stands out for its ease of use and flexibility, making it a preferred choice for organizations seeking efficient and customizable solutions.

Pricing for FileMaker varies based on the number of users and specific requirements, with options for annual or monthly subscriptions. For precise pricing details, it is recommended to contact SelectHub for a tailored quote.

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User Sentiment i

Based on 181 reviews:

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#13

FileMaker is ranked #13 in the Low-Code Development Platforms product directory based on the latest available data collected by SelectHub. Compare the leaders with our In-Depth Report.

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FileMaker Pricing

Based on our most recent analysis, FileMaker pricing starts at $17 (Monthly).

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Starting From: $16.50
Pricing Model: Monthly
Free Trial: Yes, Request for Free

Training Resources

FileMaker is supported with the following types of training:

Documentation
In Person
Live Online
Videos
Webinars

Support

The following support services are available for FileMaker:

Email
Phone
Chat
FAQ
Forum
Help Desk
Knowledge Base
Tickets
Training
24/7 Live Support

FileMaker Benefits and Insights

Why use FileMaker?

Key differentiators & advantages of FileMaker

Rapid Development: FileMaker allows for quick creation of custom applications, reducing the time from concept to deployment significantly.
Cost Efficiency: By enabling in-house development, FileMaker reduces the need for expensive external developers and consultants.
Cross-Platform Compatibility: Applications built with FileMaker can run on Windows, macOS, iOS, and the web, ensuring broad accessibility.
Scalability: FileMaker solutions can grow with your business, accommodating increasing data and user demands without significant rework.
Integration Capabilities: FileMaker seamlessly integrates with other systems and databases, such as SQL, XML, and ODBC, enhancing its utility in diverse IT environments.
User-Friendly Interface: The intuitive drag-and-drop interface allows non-technical users to build and modify applications, democratizing development.
Robust Security: FileMaker provides strong security features, including encryption, authentication, and access control, ensuring data protection.
Customizable Workflows: Tailor workflows to match specific business processes, improving efficiency and reducing manual errors.
Real-Time Data Access: Users can access and update data in real-time, facilitating timely decision-making and collaboration.
Comprehensive Support: FileMaker offers extensive documentation, community forums, and professional support services to assist users at all levels.
Automated Tasks: Automate repetitive tasks with scripts and triggers, freeing up time for more strategic activities.
Visual Reporting: Generate detailed, visually appealing reports and dashboards to gain insights and track performance metrics effectively.
Mobile Accessibility: FileMaker Go allows users to access applications on iOS devices, supporting mobile workforces and remote operations.
Version Control: Built-in version control features help manage changes and updates, ensuring consistency and reliability in application development.
Community and Ecosystem: A vibrant community and a wide range of third-party add-ons and plugins extend FileMaker’s functionality and support innovation.

Industry Expertise

FileMaker is particularly well-suited for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) that need to create custom applications for managing their data and processes. It's also popular with departments within larger organizations looking for a cost-effective way to build solutions tailored to their specific needs. FileMaker's ease of use and flexibility make it a good choice for both non-technical users and experienced developers.

FileMaker Reviews

Based on our most recent analysis, FileMaker reviews indicate a 'great' User Satisfaction Rating of 86% based on 181 user reviews from 1 recognized software review sites.

181 reviews

86%

of users would recommend this product

Synopsis of User Ratings and Reviews

Based on an aggregate of FileMaker reviews taken from the sources above, the following pros & cons have been curated by a SelectHub Market Analyst.

Pros

User-Friendly Design: FileMaker empowers users with limited coding experience to build custom applications with its intuitive interface and drag-and-drop functionality.
Tailored Solutions: The platform offers extensive customization, enabling developers to adapt applications to unique business requirements, such as crafting specific workflows or data visualizations.
Effortless Integrations: FileMaker seamlessly connects with various web services through REST APIs, allowing businesses to integrate existing tools like payment gateways or marketing automation platforms.
Accelerated Development: FileMaker's rapid application development capabilities allow for quick prototyping and deployment, enabling businesses to swiftly respond to evolving market demands.

Cons

Cost Can Be Prohibitive: While often lauded as cost-effective, the licensing model, particularly for larger teams, can present a significant upfront investment for some businesses.
Complexity for Advanced Needs: Beyond basic application building, tackling intricate features or extensive customization often demands specialized FileMaker development expertise, which not all businesses have readily available.
Performance Bottlenecks: Scaling applications to accommodate large datasets or complex operations can sometimes lead to performance issues, potentially impacting user experience.

Researcher's Summary:

Can FileMaker really make application development a walk in the park, or is it more like navigating a thorny thicket? User reviews from the past year suggest that while FileMaker offers a compelling blend of power and user-friendliness, it's not without its drawbacks. Many users, particularly those new to coding, praise FileMaker for its intuitive interface and drag-and-drop functionality, enabling them to build functional applications with relative ease. This ease of use, however, doesn't necessarily translate to building complex applications with advanced features, which often demands a steeper learning curve and more specialized knowledge.

FileMaker shines in its ability to integrate seamlessly with other services like Zapier and popular databases, a feature often highlighted as a key differentiator compared to competitors with more limited integration options. This versatility makes it a popular choice for businesses looking to streamline workflows and connect disparate systems. However, a recurring concern among users revolves around cost, particularly for larger teams or organizations. While FileMaker might be a more affordable option compared to enterprise-grade platforms like Salesforce or Microsoft Power Apps, the pricing structure, which is often subscription-based, can become a significant expense as usage scales.

Furthermore, some users report performance issues when working with large datasets or complex applications, which can hinder productivity and lead to frustration. Overall, FileMaker seems best suited for small to medium-sized businesses or departments within larger organizations seeking to build custom applications with moderate complexity. Its intuitive interface makes it approachable for non-coders, while its powerful features and integration capabilities provide the flexibility to handle a wide range of business needs. However, organizations with more complex requirements or large datasets might need to carefully evaluate the platform's limitations and consider whether a more robust, albeit potentially more expensive, solution might be a better fit.

Key Features

Notable FileMaker features include:

Drag-and-Drop Interface: Simplifies the creation of layouts and forms by allowing users to drag and drop elements into place.
Cross-Platform Compatibility: Supports macOS, Windows, iOS, and web browsers, ensuring accessibility across various devices.
Built-In Templates: Offers a variety of pre-designed templates for common business applications like inventory management and invoicing.
Customizable Fields: Allows users to create custom fields tailored to specific business needs, enhancing data organization.
Script Workspace: Provides a visual scripting environment to automate workflows and repetitive tasks without extensive coding knowledge.
Data Integration: Facilitates integration with external data sources such as SQL, XML, and ODBC, enabling seamless data exchange.
Security Features: Includes robust security options like SSL encryption, user authentication, and role-based access control to protect sensitive information.
Cloud Hosting: Offers FileMaker Cloud for easy deployment and management of applications in a cloud environment.
Reporting Tools: Provides comprehensive reporting capabilities, including customizable charts and graphs for data visualization.
Mobile Optimization: Ensures that applications are optimized for mobile devices, allowing for on-the-go access and functionality.
API Support: Supports REST APIs for integrating with other web services and applications, enhancing interoperability.
Version Control: Includes features for tracking changes and managing different versions of an application, aiding in collaborative development.
Extensive Documentation: Offers detailed guides, tutorials, and community forums to assist users in maximizing the software's capabilities.
Third-Party Add-Ons: Supports a wide range of third-party plugins and add-ons to extend functionality and customize the user experience.
Real-Time Collaboration: Enables multiple users to work on the same database simultaneously, improving team productivity.
Data Visualization: Includes tools for creating interactive dashboards and visual reports to better understand and analyze data.
Automated Backups: Provides options for automatic backups to ensure data integrity and recovery in case of system failures.
Custom Web Publishing: Allows users to publish FileMaker data to the web, creating custom web applications accessible via a browser.
Localization Support: Supports multiple languages, making it suitable for global teams and international projects.