FileMaker (Claris) Licensing for UK Schools
FileMaker, part of the Claris platform, is used where an organisation runs a custom database application it has built or inherited — for example a bespoke records, booking or resource system.
Licensing usually depends on how many people use the app and how it is hosted, so the current setup matters more than a product name.
What is FileMaker used for?
- Bespoke record-keeping and tracking systems
- Departmental databases built in-house or by a developer
- Booking, inventory and resource management apps
- Legacy systems that a school or organisation still depends on
How FileMaker licensing is usually structured
| Consideration | What Claris looks at | What SAM UK needs to know |
|---|---|---|
| Users | How many people access the custom app | Approximate user numbers, including occasional users |
| Hosting | Whether the app is hosted by Claris or self-hosted | Current or intended hosting model |
| Server component | Whether a server is required to share the app | Whether a server is already in place and its version |
| Term | Subscription term and renewal date | Current expiry or renewal date where known |
Current licensing structures and hosting options are published by Claris on its platform licensing pages, and cloud specifics are covered in the Claris FileMaker Cloud FAQ.
Education pricing and eligibility
Claris states that qualified education institutions, organisations and end users may purchase education versions of Claris products for administrative or educational instruction purposes, and that education versions cannot be used for commercial purposes.
Eligibility is determined by Claris under its current terms — see Am I eligible for education pricing?. Before assuming education pricing applies to a hosted subscription, check the current FileMaker Cloud FAQ as well, because cloud offers and education availability are set separately by Claris.
What SAM UK needs for a FileMaker quote
- Organisation type
- Approximate number of users of the custom app
- Whether the app is hosted by Claris, self-hosted or device-only
- Whether a FileMaker Server is already in use, and its version
- Current FileMaker version or licence type, if known
- Whether the requirement is new licensing, expansion or renewal
- Renewal or expiry date where known
- Whether the app is used for administration, teaching or both
FileMaker licensing questions
Is FileMaker still available?
Yes. FileMaker is part of the Claris platform and continues to be licensed by Claris. Product names and licensing structures have changed over time, so an older agreement should be checked against current Claris terms.
Can schools get education pricing for FileMaker?
Claris offers education versions to qualified education institutions, organisations and end users for administrative or educational instruction purposes, subject to Claris's own eligibility terms.
Does FileMaker Cloud have education pricing?
Claris's current FileMaker Cloud FAQ should be checked before assuming education pricing applies to a cloud subscription. Eligibility and available offers are determined by Claris, not by the reseller.
Do we need FileMaker Server?
It depends on whether the custom app is hosted by Claris, self-hosted, or used only on individual devices. Tell SAM UK the intended hosting model and the current setup so the correct licensing can be identified.
Can SAM UK help renew an existing FileMaker licence?
Yes. Provide the current licence or subscription type, version, approximate user numbers and renewal date where known.
Sources and review
Claris product names, licensing structures and education terms change over time. This page was reviewed against current official Claris sources, and Claris remains the authority on eligibility and pricing.
- Claris — Platform licensing and pricing
- Claris Support — Claris FileMaker Cloud FAQ
- Claris Support — Am I eligible for education pricing?
Last reviewed: 20 August 2026. Next review due: February 2027.
See also school software licensing and our wider software licensing guidance.
Request a FileMaker licensing quote
Tell us how many people use the app, how it is hosted and your renewal date if known. See also school software licensing.