What is the FP5 file format?
.fp5 files are proprietary binary databases created by FileMaker Pro versions 5 and 6, covering the years 1999 to 2003. Both versions used the .fp5 extension; the format was superseded by .fp7 when FileMaker Pro 7 launched in March 2004.
Each .fp5 file stores a single table of data together with field definitions, layouts, scripts, value lists, and user accounts. This single-table-per-file design was fundamental to the FP5 era: building a relational database required linking multiple .fp5 files together. FileMaker Pro 7 changed this by introducing true multi-table support within a single .fp7 file. The binary format uses big-endian byte order, reflecting FileMaker's Mac-centric heritage. File-level password protection existed but used weak, pre-AES encryption.
Opening an .fp5 file today requires a two-step migration: first convert to .fp7 using FileMaker Pro 7 through 11 (no longer sold but findable as legacy software), then convert to the current .fmp12 format using a modern Claris FileMaker installation. Claris FileMaker 2024 (v21+) cannot open .fp5 or .fp7 files directly.
Security & safety
RISK: LOWPassive binary database file. FileMaker scripts can run on file open - if receiving an FP5 from an unknown source, be aware of script-based automation risks, though exploitation scenarios are rare. Databases may contain sensitive personal/business data; handle accordingly.
Format details
in a nutshellPrograms that open FP5 files
Windows2 apps
FileMaker Pro 7-11 (legacy)
Paid Open the .fp5 file - FM 7-11 converts it to .fp7 automatically. Use a virtual machine with older OS if needed.
Claris FileMaker Pro 12-19
Paid Cannot open FP5 directly. First convert FP5 → FP7 via FileMaker 7-11, then open the .fp7 in FM 12-19 for final conversion to .fmp12. 
macOS1 app
FileMaker Pro 7-11 (legacy)
Paid Same two-step path as Windows. Requires macOS version compatible with FM 7-11 (PowerPC/Rosetta era; virtual machine recommended on modern Apple Silicon Macs). Technical details
deep spec| Format type | Proprietary binary relational database |
| Encoding | Binary |
| Byte order | Big-endian (Mac OS origins) |
| Container | Proprietary FileMaker pre-HBAM binary container |
| Database model | Single table per file (relational databases required multiple linked .fp5 files) |
| Stored content | Records, field definitions, layouts, scripts, value lists, user accounts |
| Encryption | Basic file-level password protection only (weak, pre-AES) |
| Typical file size | 70 KB - several hundred MB |
| Format span | FileMaker Pro 5 (1999) and FileMaker Pro 6 (2002); both use .fp5 extension |
| Superseded by | .fp7 (FileMaker Pro 7, March 2004); current format is .fmp12 (2012+) |
| Migration path | FP5 → FP7 (via FileMaker 7-11) → FMP12 (via current Claris FileMaker); two steps required |
| Platform | Windows; macOS (Mac OS 9 and early Mac OS X era) |
| Current support | Not directly openable in Claris FileMaker v19+ (v21+ confirmed) |
| Released | 1999 (FileMaker Pro 5) |
| Latest version | FileMaker Pro 6 (2002) - last version to use .fp5; superseded by .fp7 in FileMaker Pro 7 (2004) |
| Specification | support.claris.com |
FP5 conversions
Community Q&A
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