FileMaker for Mac

Powerfully low-code

Claris FileMaker, previously Filemaker, is a low-code application platform that runs on desktops, iOS, and web browsers, and includes tools for building relational database applications with integrated logic and multi-device access. It combines a database engine, layout editor, scripting system, and hosting services in a unified runtime environment. 

Claris FileMaker supports structured data modeling, form-based interfaces, automation scripts, and API-based integrations. Core modules include FileMaker Pro for development, FileMaker Server and cloud hosting for deployment, and WebDirect for browser-based execution. The system processes records, layouts, scripts, and relationships within a single, file-based solution architecture that supports role-based access control and networked data sharing.

Claris FileMaker FileMaker Pro desktop module contains the schema editor, relationship graph, calculation engine, and layout builder used to define tables, fields, indexes, and interface views. It runs compiled database files locally and connects to hosted files over network sessions. Layout mode renders object layers, field bindings, and script triggers. Schema changes apply directly to active files, and large schema edits can lock structures during modification.

Build, deploy, scale

The scripting subsystem uses the Script Workspace, which executes ordered command steps for data updates, conditional logic, imports, exports, and external calls. Scripts attach to buttons, object events, and transaction flows. The calculation engine evaluates expressions using typed functions and stored variables. Long-running scripts execute on client or server contexts depending on configuration. However, native scripting syntax is proprietary and not interchangeable with common programming languages.

Multi-user operation depends on FileMaker Server or cloud-hosted instances, which manage record locking, session state, scheduled scripts, and backup routines. WebDirect renders layouts through a browser session using a server-side engine that translates interface objects to HTML output, with partial feature differences from desktop execution. Mobile runtime occurs through FileMaker Go on iOS. Browser rendering and mobile execution do not support every desktop layout object and script behavior.

Integrated runtime

Claris FileMaker operates as an integrated database and application runtime across desktop, server, mobile, and browser environments. It includes schema design, scripted automation, API connectivity, and hosted multi-user access. The platform uses proprietary file formats, scripting syntax, and deployment tooling. Browser and mobile runtimes implement partial feature subsets, and large hosted solutions depend on server resource configuration and network session limits.