FileMaker Account Types

Beginner

Local accounts, external server accounts, OAuth, and Claris ID -- know which type to use and why.

What you'll learn

The four FileMaker account types
When to use local vs. external server accounts
How OAuth and Claris ID accounts work
The Guest account and when to enable it

FileMaker supports four distinct account authentication methods. Choosing the right type affects security, user management overhead, and which features are available. Understanding each type is prerequisite to designing a proper authentication strategy.

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Local FileMaker accounts

Stored inside the file itself. Username and password are defined in File > Manage > Security. Simple to set up; credentials do not sync with any directory service. Best for small teams, developer access, or service accounts that need consistent credentials regardless of IT infrastructure.

Privilege Sets: FileMaker's Permission Layer Extended Privileges