Prepare
- Upload FileMaker files
Guide
FileMaker Pro is a cross-platform database application with graphical database design tools, popular in workgroups and small businesses.
What You Can Upload
.fp3files (FileMaker Pro 3-4).fp5files (FileMaker Pro 5.x-6.x).fp7files (FileMaker Pro 7-11).fmp12files (FileMaker 12+)- ZIP archive with database files
What You Get Out
DataMeans extracts your data into multiple modern formats:
| Output | Description |
|---|---|
csv/{TableName}.csv | One CSV file per table with all row data |
xlsx/{TableName}.xlsx | Excel workbook per table |
xls/{TableName}.xls | Legacy Excel format per table |
json/{TableName}.json | JSON array of records per table |
json/{TableName}.jsonl | Newline-delimited JSON (streaming-friendly) |
postgres.sql | PostgreSQL CREATE TABLE + INSERT statements |
schema/schema-graph.json | Relationship graph for visualization |
schema/er-model.json | ER model for diagram tools |
report.json | Structured extraction report |
report.md | Human-readable extraction summary |
How to Export / Obtain Files
- Close FileMaker if the database is open
- Locate the database file (
.fp3,.fp5,.fp7, or.fmp12) - Upload directly or in a ZIP archive
Alternative: Use FileMaker's built-in export:
- File > Export Records > CSV
Supported Features
- Table and field structure extraction
- Record-level data extraction
- Data type detection and mapping
- Multiple table support
- Container field handling (metadata)
Known Limitations
- Encrypted databases require decryption before upload
- Scripts and layouts documented but not converted
- Container fields export as metadata references
- Older versions (
.fp3,.fp5) may have better support than newer formats
Last updated: January 2026
Technical reference
Overview
FileMaker is a cross-platform relational database application developed by Claris International (a subsidiary of Apple Inc.). It combines a database engine with a graphical user interface for creating custom applications. FileMaker uses proprietary file formats that store database schemas, data, forms, scripts, and security settings in single files. The platform is designed for non-programmers to create database applications through visual tools.
History and Background
- 1985: Nashoba Systems releases FileMaker for the Macintosh, distributed by Forethought.
- 1988: Claris acquires Nashoba Systems; the product is rebranded FileMaker II.
- 1990: FileMaker Pro 1.0 released for the Macintosh.
- 1992: FileMaker Pro 2.0 introduces cross-platform compatibility with the first Windows version.
- 1995: FileMaker Pro 3.0 introduces the relational model (relationships and portals) and the
.fp3format. - 1997: FileMaker Pro 4.0 adds a plug-in architecture and web publishing via the Web Companion.
- 1998: Claris is renamed FileMaker, Inc. and concentrates development on FileMaker.
- 1999: FileMaker Pro 5.0 introduces the
.fp5format and a built-in ODBC driver. - 2004: FileMaker Pro 7 introduces multiple tables per file.
- 2009: FileMaker Pro 10 adds script triggers.
- 2010: FileMaker Go released, bringing FileMaker databases to iOS.
- 2012: FileMaker Pro 12 introduces the
.fmp12format and layout themes. - 2017: FileMaker Pro 16 introduces card windows and JSON functions.
- 2019: FileMaker, Inc. is renamed Claris International, Inc.
- 2020: FileMaker 19 adds JavaScript integration in the web viewer and Core ML model support.
File Format Specifications
File Extensions:
.fm: Early FileMaker and FileMaker Pro 1-2 format.fp3: FileMaker Pro 3-4 format.fp5: FileMaker Pro 5-6 format.fp7: FileMaker Pro 7-11 format (binary).fmp12: FileMaker Pro 12+ format (binary)
File Structure:
- Single file contains entire database (tables, layouts, scripts, security)
- Proprietary binary format
- FileMaker Pro can host files peer-to-peer for up to 5 concurrent users; FileMaker Server supports larger deployments
- Maximum file size: 8 TB (since FileMaker Pro 7)
- Cross-platform compatibility (Mac, Windows, iOS)
Internal Components:
- Tables: Data storage with fields and records
- Layouts: User interface designs
- Scripts: Automated workflows and calculations
- Relationships: Links between tables
- Security: Accounts, privilege sets, and encryption
Data Types and Structures
| Type | Description | Storage | Use Cases |
|---|---|---|---|
| Text | Unicode text strings | Variable | Names, descriptions, notes |
| Number | Numeric values | Range 10^-400 to 10^400 | Calculations, IDs, quantities |
| Date | Date values | Internal format (years 1-4000) | Birth dates, due dates |
| Time | Time values | Internal format | Schedules, durations |
| Timestamp | Date and time | Internal format | Audit trails, events |
| Container | Files, images, media | Embedded or external | Photos, documents, attachments |
| Calculation | Computed expressions | Formula result | Derived values, business logic |
| Summary | Aggregated values | Computed | Totals, averages, counts |
Database Structure:
- Relational model with tables linked by relationships
- Layouts provide different views of data
- Scripts automate user interactions and data processing
- Value lists for dropdowns and validations
- Container fields can store files up to 4 GB
- Support for 64 quadrillion total records over the lifetime of a file
Version Differences
| Version | Year | Key Changes | File Format | Compatibility Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pro 1.0 | 1990 | First release under the FileMaker Pro name | .fm | Compatible with Macintosh only |
| Pro 2.0 | 1992 | Cross-platform (first Windows version) | .fm | Compatible with Macintosh and Windows |
| Pro 3.0 | 1995 | Relational model, relationships and portals | .fp3 | Compatible with Macintosh and Windows |
| Pro 4.0 | 1997 | Plug-in architecture, Web Companion | .fp3 | Compatible with Macintosh and Windows |
| Pro 5.0 | 1999 | New file format, built-in ODBC driver | .fp5 | Compatible with Macintosh and Windows |
| Pro 6.0 | 2002 | XML import/export | .fp5 | Compatible with Macintosh and Windows |
| Pro 7.0 | 2004 | Multiple tables per file, 8 TB file size | .fp7 | Compatible with Macintosh and Windows |
| Pro 8.0 | 2005 | PDF output, script variables, tab controls | .fp7 | Compatible with Macintosh and Windows |
| Pro 9.0 | 2007 | External SQL data sources, conditional formatting | .fp7 | Compatible with Macintosh and Windows |
| Pro 10.0 | 2009 | Script triggers | .fp7 | Compatible with Macintosh and Windows |
| Pro 11.0 | 2010 | Charting, filtered portals | .fp7 | Compatible with Macintosh and Windows |
| Pro 12.0 | 2012 | New file format, layout themes, external container storage | .fmp12 | Compatible with Macintosh, Windows, and iOS |
| Pro 13.0 | 2013 | WebDirect, popovers | .fmp12 | Compatible with Macintosh, Windows, and iOS |
| Pro 14.0 | 2015 | Script Workspace, button bars | .fmp12 | Compatible with Macintosh, Windows, and iOS |
| Pro 15.0 | 2016 | External SQL support for PostgreSQL and IBM DB2 | .fmp12 | Compatible with Macintosh, Windows, and iOS |
| Pro 16.0 | 2017 | Card windows, JSON functions, cURL options | .fmp12 | Compatible with Macintosh, Windows, and iOS |
| Pro 17.0 | 2018 | Master-detail layouts, data migration tool | .fmp12 | Compatible with Macintosh, Windows, and iOS |
| Pro 18.0 | 2019 | File-based script steps, redesigned import dialog | .fmp12 | Compatible with Macintosh, Windows, and iOS |
| Pro 19.0 | 2020 | JavaScript integration, Core ML support, add-ons | .fmp12 | Compatible with Macintosh, Windows, and iOS |
Compatibility Notes:
- Files can be converted upward but not downward
- The
.fmp12format requires FileMaker Pro 12 or later .fp3and.fp5files must first be converted to.fp7(using FileMaker Pro 7-11) before conversion to.fmp12- Runtime solutions were discontinued in FileMaker 19
- Multi-user hosting provided by FileMaker Server or FileMaker Cloud
Technical References
- Claris Help Center
- Wikipedia: FileMaker
- FMP12 File Format Documentation
- Claris Community
- Claris Resources
To learn how to use this format with DataMeans, see the User Guide.