3 Ways to Integrate External Data Sources with FileMaker via CData ODBC Drivers

Claris FileMaker is a low-code database application development tool that enables users to create custom apps for managing and organizing data. It combines a powerful relational database engine with an intuitive interface, allowing both technical and non-technical users to design and deploy applications across desktop, web, and mobile platforms.

In this article, we’ll explore three different methods for using CData ODBC Drivers in FileMaker to connect to a datasource. By using any of these methods — individually or in combination — you can connect FileMaker to over 250 external data sources using CData ODBC Drivers.

Method 1: Using the ODBC import feature

This method lets you import and work with data from external sources in FileMaker using the ODBC (Open Database Connectivity) protocol.

For a step-by-step visual guide, refer to the given article: Connect to Salesforce Data in Claris FileMaker Pro

To use FileMaker's ODBC import functionality, first install a compatible ODBC driver for your target data source on the same machine where FileMaker is installed. The ODBC driver acts as a middleware layer that enables FileMaker to communicate with the external system.

CData offers ODBC drivers for over 250 data sources, including SaaS platforms, NoSQL databases, and cloud services — making it easier than ever to bring diverse data into your FileMaker environment.

Important Note: This method requires you to manually re-import the full dataset into FileMaker whenever changes occur in the external data source. If you want to update your data more efficiently or regularly, consider using Method 2, which uses FileMaker scripting to automate incremental (differential) updates.

Method 2: Using the Script function

FileMaker provides powerful scripting capabilities that help automate various processes, including data integration. With this method, the script imports all data from the external data source during the first run. From the second run onward, it imports only the changed data, performing a differential update. This approach improves the efficiency of ongoing data synchronization. You can also schedule these updates to run automatically at regular intervals.

For a detailed visual guide, refer to the given article: Connect to Salesforce Data Using the Script Function in Claris FileMaker Pro

As with the previous method, you need the appropriate CData ODBC Driver for the external data source you want to connect to.

Method 3: Using the ESS feature

The ESS (External SQL Source) feature lets FileMaker establish live connections to external data sources. However, FileMaker supports only a limited set of ODBC drivers for ESS functionality, and CData ODBC Drivers are not natively supported. To work around this limitation, Method 3 combines two drivers:

• CData ODBC Driver: Requires the use of CData SQL Gateway along with the CData ODBC Driver for a datasource
• MySQL ODBC Unicode Driver: On macOS, use the MySQL ODBC Driver from Actual Technologies

This method uses CData SQL Gateway (via its ODBC Remoting & Cloud Integration feature) to expose the external data source as a virtual MySQL database. FileMaker then connects to this virtual MySQL database using an ESS-supported ODBC driver (such as the MySQL ODBC Unicode Driver or Actual Technologies’ MySQL ODBC Driver).

This setup not only gives FileMaker access to external data but also maintains a live connection. Any changes made to the external data source automatically appear in FileMaker through the ESS integration.

For a detailed walkthrough of this setup, refer to the following article: Connect Salesforce Data to Claris FileMaker via ESS using CData ODBC Driver for Salesforce and CData SQL Gateway

Note: Method 3 may deliver lower performance compared to Methods 1 and 2, as it routes data through two ODBC drivers — one for the SQL Gateway and another for the ESS connection.

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Download a free 30-day trial of CData ODBC Drivers to integrate your datasource into Claris FileMaker and use your work data in your FileMaker applications.

Reach out to our Support Team if you have any questions.