Claris FileMaker Go is the iPhone and iPad application used to run FileMaker custom apps on iOS and iPadOS.
A custom app is created with FileMaker Pro on macOS or Windows. FileMaker Go then allows mobile users to work with that application from an iPhone or iPad.
It brings FileMaker data, layouts, scripts, and workflows to employees wherever their work takes place.
What Can You Do with FileMaker Go?
FileMaker Go supports many of the everyday operations available in FileMaker Pro.
Users can:
- view, create, edit, and delete records;
- search and sort information;
- navigate between layouts;
- run FileMaker scripts;
- view charts and reports;
- work with related records;
- capture signatures;
- scan barcodes;
- take photographs;
- record audio or video;
- work with files in container fields;
- generate, print, save, and share PDFs;
- export and exchange information.
The exact capabilities depend on how the custom app has been designed and on the permissions assigned to the user.
FileMaker Go Is a Client, Not a Development Tool
FileMaker Go runs existing FileMaker custom apps, but it is not used to create their structure.
Tables, fields, relationships, layouts, scripts, calculations, and security settings are created and maintained in FileMaker Pro.
Developers can create layouts specifically for iPhone and iPad screens, use touch-friendly controls, and build workflows that take advantage of mobile hardware.
In simplified terms:
- FileMaker Pro creates the app;
- FileMaker Go runs it on iPhone and iPad.
Connecting to FileMaker Server
The most common way to use FileMaker Go is to connect to an application hosted on FileMaker Server.
The server keeps the application and data centrally available. FileMaker Go connects securely over the network, and authorized users work with the same live information as colleagues using FileMaker Pro or FileMaker WebDirect.
Changes made on an iPad can therefore become immediately available to users working from the office.
This is useful for activities such as:
- warehouse and inventory operations;
- on-site inspections;
- field-service reports;
- deliveries;
- event registration;
- sales visits;
- healthcare and laboratory workflows;
- construction-site monitoring;
- asset tracking.
Can FileMaker Go Work Offline?
Yes. A FileMaker file can be transferred to an iPhone or iPad and opened locally in FileMaker Go.
This allows the application to operate without a continuous network connection. However, the local file becomes a separate copy of the database.
Offline use must therefore be planned carefully. If the local data later needs to be combined with information on the server, the custom app requires an appropriate synchronization process.
FileMaker Go does not automatically merge an offline file with its hosted version.
For many applications, a reliable mobile internet connection to FileMaker Server is simpler and safer than maintaining synchronized copies.
Using Mobile Hardware
FileMaker Go can interact with capabilities of the iPhone and iPad that are not normally available on a desktop computer.
Depending on the custom app, users may be able to:
- take and store photographs;
- scan QR codes and conventional barcodes;
- collect signatures;
- use location information;
- record audio or video;
- import files;
- print using supported iOS and iPadOS options;
- share documents with other applications.
These capabilities make FileMaker Go particularly suitable for data collection at the location where an activity actually occurs.
Instead of taking notes on paper and entering them again later, employees can update the FileMaker application directly.
Designing Apps for FileMaker Go
An application designed only for a large desktop monitor may technically open on an iPhone, but it will not necessarily provide a good mobile experience.
Effective mobile layouts usually require:
- larger touch targets;
- fewer objects on each screen;
- clear navigation;
- limited text entry;
- workflows divided into short steps;
- consideration of portrait and landscape orientations;
- optimization for slower or intermittent networks.
Developers should also verify that every script step used by the application is compatible with FileMaker Go.
The same underlying data and business logic can be shared across desktop and mobile layouts, so a completely separate mobile application is not required.
FileMaker Go vs. WebDirect
FileMaker Go and FileMaker WebDirect both provide alternatives to using FileMaker Pro on a desktop computer.
FileMaker Go is a native application for iPhone and iPad. It offers closer integration with mobile hardware and can open local files for offline use.
WebDirect runs in a web browser and requires no FileMaker application to be installed. It is useful for users on computers or mobile devices who need browser-based access.
The best choice depends on the device, workflow, required features, and whether offline use is necessary.
Is FileMaker Go Free?
FileMaker Go can be downloaded free of charge from Apple’s App Store.
However, accessing a hosted FileMaker custom app remains subject to the organization’s Claris FileMaker licence. Downloading FileMaker Go does not by itself provide access to a database or replace the appropriate FileMaker licensing.
The user must also have an authorized account in the custom app.
FileMaker Go with fmcloud.fm
A mobile application is useful only when its server is available from wherever employees need to work.
fmcloud.fm hosts FileMaker custom apps in data centres around the world, allowing FileMaker Go users to connect to a server selected for their geographical location.
Our managed hosting includes SSL certificates, monitoring, FileMaker Server updates, local backups, encrypted off-site backups, and specialist support.
Organizations can use a free 15-day trial to test their FileMaker app with FileMaker Go under real hosting conditions before making a commitment.
Conclusion
FileMaker Go brings FileMaker custom apps to iPhone and iPad.
It allows mobile users to search and update data, run scripts, collect signatures, scan barcodes, capture photographs, generate documents, and participate in the same workflows as desktop users.
Applications are created in FileMaker Pro and are normally shared through FileMaker Server. With layouts and processes designed specifically for mobile use, FileMaker Go can turn an iPhone or iPad into a complete operational business tool.
