The benefits of upgrading to FileMaker 17: comparison with previous versions

Ben Fletcher • May 21, 2018

FileMaker 17 has launched with a range of new features that will undoubtedly make developing new custom apps both quicker and more powerful, but what are the benefits of upgrading if you are currently using an older version of the FileMaker platform? Below we highlight when some of the key differences in features were introduced between FileMaker v14, v15, v16 and now v17 releases.



Using a version of FileMaker older than v14? In that case there are even more good reasons to upgrade - contact our team to find out more about the benefits from upgrading that you have been missing out on!


Feature & Benefits FileMaker 
v14
FileMaker 
v15
FileMaker 
v16
FileMaker 
v17
High performance command line tool
for rapid data migration
No No No Yes
New layout & design tools No Yes Enhanced
Card interface overlays
Enhanced
Card interface overlays & NEW Master detail layouts.
New Script Workspace No Yes Enhanced
Live calculations preview
Enhanced
Live calculations preview
Enhanced Security
Support for 256-bit AES encryption
No Yes Yes Yes
Enhanced Security
Support for iOS Touch ID
No Yes Yes Yes
Enhanced Security
Support for OAuth 2.0
No No Yes Yes
WebDirect
Breakthrough web technology for data access anywhere.
Yes Yes Enhanced
Supports up to 500 users.
Enhanced
Supports up to 500 users.
Build for iPad & iPhone
Additional support for native iOS behaviours.
Yes Yes Enhanced
App interface transitions
Enhanced
App interface transitions & NEW: Sensor support, Configure Local Notification, Auto-complete, Keyboard shortcuts & Drag and drop.
FM Cloud
Access solutions hosted on FM Cloud
No Yes Yes Yes
FileMaker Data API No No Trial only (expires 27th Sept 2018) Yes
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