FileMaker
FileMaker is a low-code, cross-platform relational database management system and application development platform developed by Claris International, a subsidiary of Apple Inc., designed to enable users to build custom business applications for data management, workflow automation, and integration with other systems.[1] Originally released in 1985 as a product of Nashoba Systems and acquired by Claris in 1988, it has evolved into a versatile tool supporting desktop, mobile, web, and cloud deployments across Windows, macOS, Linux (for server hosting), iOS, iPadOS, and web browsers.[2][3] The platform's core components include FileMaker Pro for desktop app creation and management, FileMaker Go for iOS devices, and FileMaker Server or Claris FileMaker Cloud for hosting and sharing solutions, allowing teams to collaborate on tasks such as customer relationship management, inventory tracking, project organization, and reporting.[4][5] Key features emphasize ease of use for non-developers through drag-and-drop interfaces, scripting for automation, and relational database capabilities that support structured data storage and querying without requiring extensive programming knowledge.[1] In recent versions, FileMaker has integrated artificial intelligence functionalities, such as natural language search and AI-assisted app building, to accelerate development and enhance data insights. As of the 2025 release (version 22), these include advanced AI tools like model response generation and semantic search.[1][6] Historically, FileMaker traces its roots to Claris, formed as an Apple subsidiary in 1987 to handle third-party software publishing, before refocusing on the FileMaker product line and rebranding the company back to Claris in 2019 to expand beyond databases into a broader low-code ecosystem including tools like Claris Studio for web content and Claris Connect for integrations.[7][8] Today, it serves over one million users worldwide across industries like healthcare, education, manufacturing, and nonprofits, prized for its security features—including AES-256 encryption, SSL/TLS support, and compliance with SOC 2 and ISO standards—and scalability from individual use to enterprise deployments.[1][9]Overview
Description and Purpose
FileMaker is a cross-platform relational database management system (RDBMS) developed by Claris International, a wholly owned subsidiary of Apple Inc.[10] As a low-code platform, its core purpose is to empower non-developers—such as business professionals, educators, and individuals—to create custom databases, interactive forms, detailed reports, and automated workflows tailored to specific needs in business operations, educational environments, and personal projects.[1] This accessibility stems from its design philosophy, which prioritizes rapid application development without requiring deep programming expertise.[11] At its foundation, FileMaker employs relational data modeling to structure information across interconnected tables, enabling efficient data organization, retrieval, and analysis. Users leverage a intuitive drag-and-drop interface to design layouts for data presentation and interaction, complemented by built-in tools for secure data entry, validation, and error prevention.[1] These elements combine to form a versatile environment for building scalable solutions that handle complex datasets while maintaining simplicity for end-users.[5] With roots in the original FileMaker Pro application launched in 1985, the platform has evolved significantly from a desktop-focused tool to a comprehensive full-stack development environment supporting web, mobile, and cloud deployments.[7] The 2025 release marks a pivotal advancement with integrated AI-assisted features, such as natural language processing for query generation, document text extraction, and semantic search using vector embeddings, allowing users to derive insights from data more intuitively.[12] Technically, FileMaker accommodates up to 256 million fields across the entire database file and supports theoretically unlimited records, limited primarily by available disk space and system resources.[13]Platforms and Deployment Options
FileMaker Pro, the primary development and runtime application, supports Windows 11 Pro and Enterprise editions, as well as macOS Sonoma 14 and Sequoia 15.[14] For mobile access, FileMaker Go enables deployment on iOS and iPadOS devices with a minimum of 2 GB RAM and a 2.39 GHz hexa-core 64-bit CPU, supporting offline data entry and synchronization when connectivity is restored.[14] Web-based access is provided through FileMaker WebDirect, compatible with modern web browsers across platforms.[1] Server editions extend support to Linux, including Ubuntu 22.04 LTS and 24.04 LTS, with Docker containerization available since version 16 in 2016 for streamlined Linux deployments.[15] Compatibility with ARM-based Apple Silicon processors has been native since FileMaker Pro 19.3.2 in 2021, allowing optimized performance on modern Mac hardware without emulation.[16] Deployment options for FileMaker applications include local single-user mode for standalone use on desktops or mobiles, ideal for individual or offline scenarios.[1] Multi-user client-server architecture leverages FileMaker Server, which hosts databases for concurrent access and supports up to hundreds of simultaneous connections depending on hardware and configuration.[14] Cloud hosting is facilitated through FileMaker Cloud, which in its 2025 release (version 2.22) introduces automatic upgrades during maintenance windows to ensure seamless updates without downtime.[17] This version requires FileMaker Pro 2023 or newer and FileMaker Go 2024 or later for compatibility.[18] Hardware requirements emphasize reliability for production use: FileMaker Pro recommends at least 8 GB RAM and an Intel Core i5 or equivalent Apple Silicon processor, with 512 GB SSD storage advised for macOS installations.[19] FileMaker Server specifies a minimum of 8 GB RAM, scaling to 16 GB or more for high-load environments, and supports Windows Server 2019/2022, macOS 14/15, or Ubuntu LTS distributions.[20] The 2025 updates enhance hybrid cloud and on-premise deployments, allowing flexible AI model hosting on local infrastructure for optimized performance, privacy, and control via the FileMaker Server Admin Console.[21] These features enable organizations to balance data integration needs with deployment security, such as syncing mobile changes to central databases.[22]History
Origins and Early Development
FileMaker originated as a database management tool known as Nutshell, developed by Nashoba Systems, a small software company based in Concord, Massachusetts, and released in 1984 for MS-DOS systems.[23] Designed initially as a flat-file database, Nutshell featured variable-length fields, indexed word searches, and a menu-driven interface, making it suitable for basic data organization tasks on IBM PC-compatibles; it was distributed by Leading Edge Model D computers.[23] In 1985, Nashoba partnered with Forethought Inc.—the creators of the presentation software that would become Microsoft PowerPoint—to adapt and release an enhanced version for the Apple Macintosh, renaming it FileMaker to leverage the Mac's graphical capabilities.[24] This collaboration marked the product's shift toward a more user-friendly, forms-based graphical user interface (GUI) built on Nutshell's core data engine, targeting non-technical users such as small business owners for tasks like contact management and inventory tracking.[25] Early sales were often bundled with Apple hardware to promote adoption among Macintosh users seeking accessible database solutions.[25] The initial Macintosh release, FileMaker I in April 1985, was a Mac-only flat-file database that emphasized ease of use with drag-and-drop layout design and support for text, number, date, and calculation fields, positioning it as a simpler alternative to more complex tools like dBase or Paradox.[23] By 1988, following Nashoba's acquisition by Apple's Claris subsidiary in 1988, the product evolved into FileMaker II, which introduced basic relational linking between multiple files, allowing users to connect data across databases without advanced programming knowledge.[25] This version also added foundational scripting capabilities for automating repetitive tasks, such as data entry or report generation, further enhancing its appeal for small business workflows.[26] FileMaker II maintained the Mac-exclusive focus but included multi-user support for shared access, reflecting growing demand for collaborative tools in professional settings.[23] The transition to cross-platform compatibility began with FileMaker Pro 1.0 in 1990, released under the Claris banner as a stabilized iteration on the Macintosh while laying groundwork for Windows integration in subsequent updates.[25] This version refined the relational model with improved file linking and introduced previews of ODBC connectivity for external data exchange, enabling basic integration with other systems like spreadsheets.[27] Version 2.0, released in 1992, incorporated AppleEvents for deeper Macintosh system integration, such as automating interactions with other applications via inter-process communication.[25] Throughout its early development, FileMaker was marketed as an intuitive, low-code solution for small businesses, distinguishing itself through visual design tools and minimal setup requirements compared to command-line-heavy competitors.[24]Acquisition by Claris and Rebranding
In 1987, Apple formed Claris Corporation as a wholly owned subsidiary to develop and market software applications separately from its hardware business.[7] The following year, in August 1988, Claris acquired Nashoba Systems, gaining control of the FileMaker database software, which had been developed for the Macintosh in 1985.[8] Claris quickly rebranded the product as FileMaker II to align with its naming conventions for other applications, positioning it as a flagship offering targeted at small businesses and individual users for easy database creation and management.[25] By the mid-1990s, FileMaker had become Claris's most successful product amid declining sales for its other software lines, prompting a strategic refocus. In January 1998, Claris announced it would discontinue or return most non-FileMaker products to Apple, lay off around 300 employees, and rename itself FileMaker, Inc. to emphasize its core database platform.[28] This restructuring streamlined operations under Apple's ownership while allowing FileMaker, Inc. to operate with greater autonomy as a subsidiary dedicated to enhancing the product's cross-platform capabilities and user accessibility.[29] FileMaker, Inc. continued as an Apple subsidiary through the 2000s, deepening integration with the Apple ecosystem, exemplified by the 2010 launch of FileMaker Go, a mobile app that enabled users to access and interact with FileMaker databases on iPhone and iPad devices shortly after the iPad's debut.[30] This move expanded the platform's reach into mobile enterprise applications, supporting features like offline data access and synchronization with desktop versions. Under Apple's stewardship, the company shifted toward enterprise-grade enhancements, including improved security and scalability, while maintaining consistent profitability for over 80 consecutive quarters by the late 2010s.[7] In August 2019, FileMaker, Inc. rebranded back to Claris International, Inc., reviving the original name to signal a broader vision beyond the FileMaker product line, including the acquisition of Stamplay to develop Claris Connect, a no-code integration platform for connecting custom apps with third-party services.[7] This rebranding underscored Claris's evolution into a workplace innovation platform, with FileMaker remaining central but complemented by tools for automation and data connectivity, all while leveraging Apple's resources for ongoing development.[31]Major Updates and Transitions
FileMaker underwent significant technological advancements starting in the early 2000s, with version 7 (2004) introducing full Unicode support, enabling the handling of international characters and multilingual data storage without prior limitations on text encoding.[32] This shift marked a key transition toward global usability, allowing developers to build applications for diverse linguistic environments. Building on this, version 8 (2005) enhanced web publishing capabilities through updates to Instant Web Publishing in FileMaker Server Advanced, providing more robust options for sharing database content via web browsers and integrating with external data sources like XML.[33] Platform expansions continued with version 11 (2010), which integrated mobile support via FileMaker Go for iOS devices, enabling users to access and interact with FileMaker databases directly on iPhones and iPads without custom app development. This move democratized mobile deployment, bridging desktop and handheld workflows for field-based applications. In 2016, Claris launched FileMaker Cloud for AWS, introducing cloud-hosted server options that simplified deployment and scaling without on-premises hardware, leveraging Amazon's infrastructure for reliable, managed hosting. Version 19 (2020) added Linux support for FileMaker Server, allowing deployments on CentOS and later Ubuntu distributions, which facilitated integration with enterprise IT environments favoring open-source operating systems. Docker support for containerized deployments was later enhanced in subsequent releases, culminating in 2025 with optimizations for AI workloads, enabling scalable, isolated environments for machine learning integrations on Ubuntu 24.04.[15] Recent developments reflect a strategic pivot toward low-code/no-code paradigms for enterprise applications, amplified by the 2023 rebranding to Claris FileMaker, which unified the platform with tools like Claris Connect and Studio for seamless integrations across apps and services.[34] Version 19 (2020) introduced JavaScript integration, permitting developers to embed and execute JS libraries within web viewers for dynamic, web-like interactivity in custom apps.[35] Following Apple's 2019 re-establishment of Claris as a focused subsidiary, updates emphasized privacy enhancements, such as improved data encryption and compliance with evolving regulations like GDPR, aligning with Apple's ecosystem priorities.[35] The 2025 release (version 22) advances AI capabilities with features like natural language querying for finds and SQL operations, allowing users to perform complex searches via conversational prompts processed by integrated AI models.[36] JSON handling was upgraded for more efficient parsing and manipulation, supporting advanced data interchange in API-driven workflows. Additionally, collapsible script workspaces improve code organization by enabling folding of script sections, enhancing developer productivity in large projects. FileMaker Cloud 2025, with its auto-upgrade rollout starting November 6, 2025, incorporates these features alongside bolstered security and performance for cloud-based enterprise solutions.[18]Version History
FileMaker has seen over 20 major releases since its inception as a commercial product in 1990, evolving from a Macintosh-only database to a cross-platform low-code application development tool with advanced AI capabilities by 2025.[23][12] The following table summarizes key versions, focusing on release dates, primary new features, and notable notes such as platform expansions or support timelines.| Version | Release Date | Key Features | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| FileMaker Pro 1.0 | October 1990 | Forms-based GUI for database management. | Macintosh-only; standardized naming under Claris.[23] |
| FileMaker Pro 2.0 | October 1992 | Multiplatform support with shared file format (.fm). | Added Windows compatibility, enabling cross-platform use.[23] |
| FileMaker Pro 3.0 | December 1995 | Relational database capabilities; introduced scripting for automation; new .fp3 file format. | Enhanced data relationships and task automation.[23] |
| FileMaker Pro 4.0 | September 1997 | Plug-in architecture for extensibility; Web Companion for web publishing. | Supported early web integration.[23] |
| FileMaker Pro 5.0 | September 1999 | ODBC/JDBC support for external data connectivity; MS Office-style toolbar; .fp5 file format. | Improved interoperability with other databases.[23] |
| FileMaker Pro 6.0 | September 2002 | Enhanced stability and performance optimizations. | Minor update focused on reliability.[23] |
| FileMaker Pro 7.0 | May 2004 | Multiple tables per file; visual relationships graph; .fp7 file format. | Marked shift to true relational model.[23] |
| FileMaker Pro 8.0 | August 2005 | PDF report generation; script variables; tab controls on layouts. | Added advanced reporting and UI flexibility.[23] |
| FileMaker Pro 9.0 | July 2007 | Native SQL database engine; conditional formatting; Web Viewer for embedding web content. | Boosted query performance and visual customization.[23] |
| FileMaker Pro 10.0 | January 2009 | Script triggers for event-based automation; saved finds; customizable status toolbar. | Introduced reactive scripting.[23] |
| FileMaker Pro 11.0 | March 2010 | Interactive charts and Quick Reports; recurring imports; Inspector panel for design. | Enhanced data visualization and import workflows.[23] |
| FileMaker Pro 12.0 | April 2012 | Layout themes; container fields for media; iOS app design tools; WebDirect for browser access. | Expanded mobile and web deployment.[23] |
| FileMaker Pro 13.0 | December 2013 | Custom themes and slide controls; database encryption at rest. | Improved security and UI customization.[23] |
| FileMaker Pro 14.0 | May 2015 | Script Workspace for organized scripting; button bars; top/bottom navigation parts. | Streamlined development interface.[23] |
| FileMaker Pro 15.0 | May 2016 | In-product updates; undo/redo for scripts; External SQL Data Source (ESS) adapter enhancements. | Added maintenance and error-handling tools.[23] |
| FileMaker Pro 16.0 | May 2017 | cURL options for web services; JSON parsing functions; REST API via FileMaker Data API. | Enabled modern API integrations.[23] |
| FileMaker Pro 17.0 | May 2018 | Master-detail layouts; default field values; multiple file attachments in emails. | Simplified complex UI and file handling.[23] |
| FileMaker Pro 18.0 | May 22, 2019 | Add-on table relationships; "Perform Script by Name" step; improved UI and security options like variable-based encryption. | Enhanced scripting flexibility and Japanese era support (Reiwa).[37] |
| FileMaker Pro 19.0 | May 20, 2020 | Execute FileMaker Data API script step; enhanced cURL for Insert from URL; mobile-optimized features like drag-and-drop charts. | Introduced AI-assisted data migration and Claris branding transition; support ended December 19, 2024.[38][39] |
| FileMaker 2023 (20.0) | April 25, 2023 | Increased scalability for larger datasets; enhanced security with usage tracking; Admin Console improvements. | Focused on enterprise reliability; version 20.3.2 released February 2024.[34][36] |
| FileMaker 2024 (21.0) | June 4, 2024 | Native semantic search; initial AI integrations for natural language queries; improved server performance. | Added AI-driven data analysis tools; FileMaker Go 2024 with better offline sync; support until June 2026.[40][41] |
| FileMaker 2025 (22.0) | July 8, 2025 | Built-in AI script steps and functions (e.g., prompt-based analysis, RAG, LLM integration); PDF extraction; natural language search; own AI Model Server support. | Advanced AI tools like turning questions into queries; version 22.0.2 (bug fixes) in August 2025; improved FileMaker Go offline capabilities; support until July 2027.[12][15][41] |