Welcome to Claris™ FileMaker Pro™, which helps you quickly create custom apps that work seamlessly across iPad, iPhone, Windows, Mac, and the web. For information about new and changed features in FileMaker Pro, see Help. About this guide.
Before you begin
Welcome to Claris™ FileMaker Pro™, which helps you quickly create custom apps that work seamlessly across iPad, iPhone, Windows, Mac, and the web.
For information about new and changed features in FileMaker Pro, see Help.
About this guide
This Installation Guide tells you how to install FileMaker Pro on your Windows or Mac computer. Unless noted otherwise, the information in this guide pertains to both platforms.
FileMaker Pro is a low-code tool with pro-code power. So, while you don’t have to be a developer to make an app, if you are, we’ve got you covered. Using FileMaker Pro, any problem solver can: Drag and drop to create layouts. Use built-in templates and add-ons. Import CSV files, XML, and spreadsheets. Create mobile apps. Run apps on Mac. FileMaker is a cross-platform relational database application from Claris International, a subsidiary of Apple Inc. It integrates a database engine with a graphical user interface and security features, allowing users to modify the database by dragging new elements into layouts, screens, or forms.
Filemaker Pro Templates
Where to find FileMaker documentation
For the most up-to-date version of this guide and other FileMaker® product documentation, see the Product Documentation Center.
For late-breaking information and release notes about FileMaker Pro, see the Knowledge Base.
Customer Support, Knowledge Base, and Community
- For help with installing, starting, or reinstalling FileMaker Pro (excluding data recovery), in FileMaker Pro, choose Help menu > Service and Support or visit Support.
- For tips, technical advice, and more information about FileMaker Pro, visit the Knowledge Base.
- To ask questions and get advice from other users, in FileMaker Pro, choose Help menu > FileMaker Community or visit the FileMaker Community.
Information in the Knowledge Base and the FileMaker Community may not be available in all languages.
Product notifications
FileMaker Pro automatically checks for software updates and upgrades to new software versions. You can update your software with minor changes when you receive the update notification, or by choosing Help menu > Check for Updates. (You cannot upgrade your software for new and changed features this way; see Upgrading FileMaker Pro from a previous version.)
You can turn off notifications by choosing Edit menu > Preferences (Windows) or FileMaker Pro menu > Preferences (macOS).
About the license certificate file or license key
Depending on how you purchased FileMaker Pro software, you received either a license certificate file or a license key.
License certificate (.fmcert) file: This file is available for you to download, depending on how you purchased the software.
- If you purchased FileMaker Pro as a download from the Claris Store website, you received an email with a link to your Electronic Software Download page. Your license certificate file is available from that page.
- If you signed up for a Claris FileMaker Cloud® subscription or free trial, this file is available from the Subscription page in Claris Customer Console.
- License key: If you purchased a boxed version of FileMaker Pro, your unique, 35-character license key is in the box.
Filemaker Pro For Windows 10
You must have a valid license certificate file or license key to install the software. Otherwise, you can install the software only as a trial. Don't lose your license certificate file or license key; keep it in a safe place in case you need to reinstall the software.
Backing up your FileMaker Pro download
Make a backup copy of your FileMaker Pro software download in case you need to reinstall the software. See this article in the Knowledge Base.
Requirements for features
Some features of FileMaker Pro require additional software.
| Feature | Software requirement |
|---|---|
| Send Mail script step using an email application | A supported email application. See FileMaker Pro technical specifications. This requirement does not apply to SMTP mail. |
| Phone dialing (Windows only) | Phone dialer or other Telephony API (TAPI) compliant software. |
| ODBC and JDBC features | FileMaker ODBC and JDBC drivers, which are available in the xDBC folder in the installation disk image and at Downloads and Resources. macOS: ODBC Manager, a freeware product from Actual Technologies. See FileMaker ODBC and JDBC Guide and Help. |
Converting the trial version to the full version of FileMaker Pro
If you've installed the FileMaker Pro trial version on your computer, you can convert to the full version of FileMaker Pro by providing your license certificate file or license key without uninstalling the trial version first. See Help.
Upgrading FileMaker Pro from a previous version
If you are upgrading FileMaker Pro from a previous version of FileMaker Pro, upgrade to the new version before uninstalling the previous version.
Filemaker Pro 7
- Install the upgrade using your license certificate file (or license key, if you purchased a boxed version). See About the license certificate file or license key.
- Move plug-ins, dictionary information, and your preferences to the new version of FileMaker Pro. See the Knowledge Base.
- If you plan to use only the latest version, uninstall the previous version.
If you purchased a boxed, upgrade version of FileMaker Pro and choose to uninstall the previous version before upgrading to the latest version, make sure you have the license key for the previous version. When you install FileMaker Pro with an upgrade license key, if a previous version isn't installed, you are asked to enter the license key for the previous version of the product.
Opening files from previous versions
Files created by any version of FileMaker Pro since version 12 are in the FileMaker Pro 12 file format (FMP12) and have the filename extension .fmp12. To use files created with versions earlier than 12, you’ll need to convert them to the FMP12 format. See Help.
Automating the installation process
Filemaker Pro Templates
If you’re installing FileMaker Pro on multiple computers (as allowed by your FileMaker Pro software license) or if you want to do a silent installation, you can automate the process. Use the file, Assisted Install.txt, to keep user interaction to a minimum. See FileMaker Pro Network Install Setup Guide. For information on licensing, visit our website.