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.	Execute SQL Script Step	FileMaker Pro or FileMaker Pro Advanced
Using FileMaker Pro, I want to execute SQL SELECT queries or statements for a specified table occurrance within FileMaker Pro.	ExecuteSQL Calculation Function	FileMaker Pro or FileMaker Pro Advanced
Using FileMaker Pro, I want to import data from an ODBC data source on an ad hoc basis.	ODBC Data Source Import	FileMaker Pro or FileMaker Pro Advanced
Using FileMaker Pro, I want to import data from an ODBC data source on a regular basis.	Import Records Script Step	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.	External SQL Data Source	FileMaker Pro, FileMaker Pro Advanced, FileMaker Server, or FileMaker Server 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 as a Data Source	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 Pro as a Data Source	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 12 ODBC and JDBC Guide

Search Knowledge Base

View a list of common ODBC and JDBC questions and answers.