What is the FP7 file format?
.fp7 is a database file format used by FileMaker Pro versions 7 through 11. Versions prior to 7 used the FP5 format, while version 12 introduced the .fmp12 format. .fp7 databases can store various types of data including text, numbers, dates, and embedded file attachments.
FileMaker Pro
FileMaker Pro targets small businesses and power users who need custom database applications without deep programming knowledge. Users can use various built-in tools to create applications for Windows and macOS. Created applications can be integrated with other data sources and administered via a GUI. The .fp7 format supports external data sources and relational table structures.
.fp7 files can be converted to the .fmp12 format by opening them in FileMaker Pro 12 through 19. FileMaker was rebranded as Claris FileMaker in 2019; versions 21 and later can no longer open .fp7 directly - migration via an intermediate FileMaker version is required.
Security & safety
RISK: LOWFP7 is a passive database file - it does not contain macros in the traditional sense, but FileMaker scripts can run on file open. If opening an FP7 from an untrusted source, be aware that embedded scripts could execute automated actions. Databases may contain sensitive personal or business data - handle appropriately. No known malware vector specific to FP7.
Format details
in a nutshellPrograms that open FP7 files
Windows1 app
Claris FileMaker Pro
Paid Open the .fp7 file - FileMaker Pro 12-19 auto-converts it to .fmp12 on first open with a backup. FileMaker 2024+ requires intermediate conversion. 
macOS1 app
Claris FileMaker Pro
Paid Same as Windows - open the .fp7; FMP 12-19 converts automatically; 2024+ cannot open directly. Technical details
deep spec| Format type | Proprietary binary relational database |
| MIME type | application/x-filemaker |
| Encoding | Binary, big-endian internally (Mac-originated engine heritage) |
| Internal identifier | HBAM7 string present near offset 525; no fixed magic bytes at offset 0 |
| Container fields | Binary container fields can embed images, PDFs, and media files directly in records |
| Stored components | Tables, records, fields, layouts, scripts, value lists, relationships, and user account definitions |
| Encryption | Optional file-level password protection only; full AES-256 encryption not available until the .fmp12 format |
| Typical file size | 100 KB - several GB depending on record count and embedded container data |
| FileMaker version span | FileMaker Pro 7 (March 2004) through FileMaker Pro 11 (2010) |
| Superseded by | .fmp12 format, introduced with FileMaker Pro 12 in April 2012 |
| Migration | Open in FileMaker Pro 12-19 to convert to .fmp12; Claris FileMaker 21 and later cannot open .fp7 directly |
| Associated OS | Windows and macOS |
| Released | 2004 (FileMaker Pro 7, released March 2004) |
| Latest version | FileMaker Pro 11 (2010) - last version to use .fp7; superseded by .fmp12 in FileMaker Pro 12 (2012) |
| Specification | support.claris.com |
FP7 conversions
Community Q&A
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