Choose the best Claris FileMaker licence for you

Claris FileMaker licences can be confusing and it’s easy to end up paying for things you don’t need. We’ll help you pick the best Claris FileMaker licensing option for your needs at the best price, and we’ll arrange it all for you. This is a hassle-free approach with the added security of knowing you’re guided by experts.

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The worry-free way to buy FileMaker and renew your FileMaker licence

Claris FileMaker platform licensing options are complex and many businesses pay more than they need to. We can make sure the licence you get is the best value for your needs, and handle the licence renewal process for you. We can help you with installation too, so you can be sure you won’t lose any data or break anything.

We are a Claris Platinum Partner, which means we’re experts on the subject. Equally, though, we are commercially independent from Claris and our primary aim is to make sure that you get exactly what you need.

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What’s included in the FileMaker licence?

The FileMaker licence means you can use the entire Claris FileMaker platform, which encompasses a range of different products, all of which provide different functions. FileMaker Pro gives access to FileMaker files on a desktop or laptop computer, while FileMaker Go does the same for an iPhone or iPad. FileMaker WebDirect offers online access to a FileMaker system, and FileMaker Server is where all the files are stored (on your premises or in the cloud). Every FileMaker licence will give you access to the full range of these products.

The guide to the Claris FileMaker platform

Claris FileMaker licensing options

User licensing

A simple, cost-effective way for teams to license the entire FileMaker platform, buying one licence per unique user. Note that this FileMaker licence covers a minimum of five users. SIngle-user FileMaker licences are also available but these don’t allow the user to connect to FileMaker systems on a server.

Concurrent connection licensing

All the benefits of FileMaker user licensing, but instead of buying per unique user you buy the number of FileMaker licences for the maximum number of users at any given time. This may be a more cost-effective way to go. 

Site licensing

Give everyone in your business access by buying a FileMaker licence for your organisation. Pricing is based on the number of employees, rather than the number of users. Site licences start from 25 employees. This is often a more cost-effective approach for larger organisations.

A one-year licence

Choosing to pay for one year keeps your immediate costs down and only commits you to a limited time ahead. However, it isn’t the most cost-effective option if you know you’ll be using FileMaker for longer.

A multi-year licence (discounted)

Opt for a multi-year licence and you gain a discount compared with a one-year licence. Pick from two, three, four or five year licences. If you can budget for the outlay and plan to use FileMaker into the future, this can be a good choice.

A perpetual licence

Pay once and use the licensed software indefinitely. Product upgrades and updates are included in the first year, and in additional years you can then buy them separately when you need to.

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FileMaker licence renewals made simple

When the time comes to renew your FileMaker licence it’s a valuable opportunity to assess whether you have the right licence for your organisation. You may have increased the number of employees, you may have more people (or fewer) using FileMaker than before, or you may never have had the right licence. If you want to be sure you’re making the most cost-effective choice – and one which future-proofs your business – we can help. Get in touch and we will assess your situation and recommend the best renewal option for you.

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What about Claris Connect and Claris Studio?

Claris's newest additions to the product line, Claris Connect (for integration between FileMaker and other systems) and Claris Studio (for capturing and visualising data on the web), are starting to be bundled with all new and renewed FileMaker licences.

Read the latest on Claris Connect and Studio
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Why get FileMaker licensing help from Decent Group?

We can quickly identify the best FileMaker licensing option for your business, saving you money and ensuring you’re set up for the future. You can depend totally on our expertise. We have more than 20 years’ experience of working with FileMaker, and since 2008 we have been certified by Claris. We’re proud to be the UK’s independent Claris FileMaker experts. But that’s only our expertise – we also make a point of being friendly, approachable people who talk in straightforward English and focus on what you’re trying to achieve. Which means you not only get straight answers but also a helpful, can-do attitude.

How does FileMaker licensing work?

Your questions answered

What does a FileMaker licence give you?

FileMaker is licensed per user per year with no limits on use of the system – there are no charges based on usage or system size except when using the FileMaker Data API (which most FileMaker users don’t need). The licence provides access to all parts of the FileMaker platform, including FileMaker Pro, FileMaker Go, FileMaker WebDirect and FileMaker Server.

Do I have to upgrade to the latest FileMaker version when I renew my licence?

No, the licence works independently of the version. If you have a licence, you can use any version of FileMaker. (You should upgrade as a matter of best practice, but you don't have to, and upgrading or not upgrading has no effect on the cost.)

There is an exception to this – the small number of customers who have bought a perpetual licence. They are licensed to use (indefinitely) the FileMaker version that was current at the time they bought the licence, or that was current a year after that time.

Can I get a FileMaker licence for fewer than five users?

Yes, the minimum licence is for five users. Single-user licences are also available but these don't allow the user to connect to FileMaker systems on a server. For server access, the minimum licence is five users. Once you have a licence for five users you can add additional users one at a time or as many as you need.

How do I install and use my FileMaker licence?

Once you’ve purchased your FileMaker licence, you will receive an email link to download a small licence certificate file. This file is uploaded during the installation process of FileMaker Pro and FileMaker Server. Existing copies of FileMaker Pro and FileMaker Server can be given a replacement licence certificate file later, without needing to reinstall the software.

Does FileMaker Go need a licence?

No, you can get FileMaker Go for free from the iOS App Store, and it works without a licence needing to be installed. However, when connecting FileMaker Go to FileMaker Server, the server must be correctly licensed.

Does FileMaker WebDirect need a licence?

No, you don’t need a separate licence for WebDirect. It is enabled as part of a FileMaker Server, which must be correctly licensed. 

What is the maximum number of licensed users in FileMaker?

There is no maximum number. However, a copy of FileMaker Server supports up to 2,000 connections at once, depending on the product being used.

Does FileMaker Server come with FileMaker Pro licences?

FileMaker Server is one of the products included in the FileMaker platform – it’s not something you get a separate licence for. Once you have a licence for FileMaker, you can use FileMaker Pro and FileMaker Server. A licence for the FileMaker platform, for any number of users, allows you to install up to three copies of FileMaker Server.

Does the FileMaker licence include hosting?

No, you need to arrange hosting separately. This is something we can help you with.

Claris FileMaker hosting
How does FileMaker data API licensing work?

Most FileMaker users don’t need the FileMaker Data API – it’s only used in more advanced applications when other systems connect into FileMaker. The FileMaker Data API is licensed on a usage basis. A standard FileMaker licence includes 24GB of transferred data per year, but more can be purchased when needed.

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