ODBC Overview
FileMaker Pro utilizes open ODBC standards to exchange data.
FileMaker Pro is used to manage people, projects, assets and more – the easy way, regardless of whether the data is stored in FileMaker Pro or in another data source. FileMaker Pro can also be a data source for other applications. Choose the product and feature that is right for what you want to do.
| What do you want to do? | Feature Name | Product required |
|---|---|---|
Using FileMaker Pro, I want to submit SQL queries or statements to an ODBC data source. |
FileMaker Pro or FileMaker Pro Advanced |
|
Using FileMaker Pro, I want to import data from an ODBC data source on an ad hoc basis. |
FileMaker Pro or FileMaker Pro Advanced |
|
Using FileMaker Pro, I want to import data from an ODBC data source on a regular basis. |
FileMaker Pro or FileMaker Pro Advanced |
|
Using FileMaker Pro, I want to create a live connection to a MS SQL Server, Oracle or MySQL data source. |
FileMaker Pro 9, FileMaker Pro 9 Advanced, FileMaker Server 9, or FileMaker Server 9 Advanced |
|
Using an ODBC client running on a local client, I want to submit SQL queries or statements to a FileMaker Pro database. |
FileMaker Pro or FileMaker Pro Advanced |
|
Using an ODBC or JDBC client running on a remote client, I want to submit SQL queries or statements to a FileMaker Pro database. |
FileMaker Server Advanced |
Before you get started
- Install the appropriate ODBC driver.
- Know the IP address or domain name of the ODBC data source or FileMaker Pro database.
- Know the user name and password for the ODBC data source as supplied by the database administrator. The access that the database administrator provides will determine if you will be allowed to read/write or if you will have read only access.
Resources
ODBC Drivers
On Windows, most ODBC capable applications provide their own ODBC Client Drivers either as part of the install routine, or via their bundled software. Please check with the application provider (Microsoft, Oracle, etc) for these drivers.
On the Mac, ODBC Client Drivers are typically provided via 3rd-party providers.
Some drivers are provided as a free download from the 3rd-party provider during your 30-day trial.
Documentation and Notes
FileMaker 9 ODBC and JDBC Guide
Search Knowledge Base
View a list of common ODBC and JDBC questions and answers.