Download Filemaker JDBC Driver

What Is a JDBC Driver?

A JDBC driver is a Java library file (.jar) that enables Java applications — including DbSchema — to communicate with a database over a standard API. The driver translates generic JDBC calls into the network protocol understood by Filemaker, so you never have to write low-level socket code. Drivers are typically distributed by the database vendor or as open-source projects.

Understanding the JDBC URL

Every JDBC driver identifies the target database through a connection URL. The URL encodes the hostname, port, database name, and any driver-specific parameters as a single string. The exact syntax varies per driver — the details for Filemaker are listed in the section below.

Download the Filemaker JDBC Driver

FileMaker (now Claris FileMaker) is a cross-platform relational database application from Apple subsidiary Claris, popular in small businesses, non-profits, and creative teams for building custom database applications with a visual layout designer.

FileMaker JDBC Driver Details

Required File(s): fmjdbc.jar
Java Driver Class: com.filemaker.jdbc.Driver
JDBC URL: jdbc:filemaker://HOST:2399/DB
Website: Filemaker

Download FileMaker JDBC Driver

The driver archive is a zip file. Extract it and load the .jar files using DbSchema's Driver Manager.

Please write to us for any question or issues with the driver.

Connect to FileMaker

To get started with Filemaker, you can register for a trial on http://www.filemaker.com. There download and install the Filemaker Pro. After starting the application, you can choose for a starter solution. Go for the 'Tasks' solution first.

To make the database available for outside connections you should:

Set a connection for the 'admin' user. For this go in the File menu Manage / Security
Enable JDBC Sharing:

FileMaker Known Issues

We couldn't find a way to reverse engineer foreign keys from Filemaker. Neither the driver DatabaseMetaData.getImportedKeys() or getExportedKeys() nor any system table, function or view does not list them. If you find a way to list them please let us know. It is also useful for us if you write to Filemaker support about this, maybe after few issues they will consider implementing a way to list them.

DbSchema and FileMaker

DbSchema connects to FileMaker using the official JDBC driver and renders table schemas and portal relationships in the ER diagram. This is especially useful for teams looking to document FileMaker schemas or migrate data to a server-based database.

Have connection issues? Contact the DbSchema team for help.

Explore Filemaker Visually with DbSchema

Once the JDBC driver is configured, DbSchema connects to your Filemaker database and gives you a full graphical workbench — no command-line required. Available as a free Community Edition and a full-featured PRO Edition. No registration needed to get started.

Interactive ER Diagrams

Reverse-engineer your Filemaker schema into a drag-and-drop ER diagram. Arrange tables visually, add new columns, define foreign keys, and let DbSchema generate the DDL — all without writing SQL by hand.

Interactive ER diagram for Filemaker in DbSchema

Visual Query Builder

Compose Filemaker queries by clicking on tables and columns — no SQL knowledge required. Add joins, filters, groupings, and aggregations through a point-and-click interface, then copy the generated SQL or run it directly against the live database.

Relational Data Explorer

Browse Filemaker table data and follow foreign key relationships across tables in a single view. Edit cells inline, filter rows, and paginate through large datasets — all without leaving the explorer.

Schema Synchronization

Compare your Filemaker schema across development, staging, and production environments. DbSchema generates the exact ALTER statements needed to close the gap and lets you review every change before executing — reducing the risk of unintended schema drift.

SQL Editor

Write and execute Filemaker queries in the integrated SQL editor with schema-aware autocomplete, syntax highlighting, and instant result display. Run scripts, inspect execution plans, and export results to CSV or JSON from a single interface.

HTML Schema Documentation

Generate a static HTML site documenting every table, column, type, index, and relationship in your Filemaker schema. Share it with your team or embed it in your project wiki — no extra tooling required.

Schema documentation generator for Filemaker in DbSchema