116

.116FileMaker Pro Database

Claris International Inc. (formerly FileMaker Inc.) · 1995

Developer
Claris International Inc. (formerly FileMaker Inc.)
Category
Database
MIME Type
application/vnd.filemaker.fmp116
First Released
1995
Open Format
No
File Signature
Not readily available for older proprietary database formats like this.
At a Glance
.116
FileMaker Pro Database

A .116 file is a proprietary database file created and used by older versions of FileMaker Pro for storing and managing structured data.

Reviewed on April 28, 2026
Compression
Varies (Internal database compression)
Transparency
No
Editability
High (within FileMaker Pro)
Best for
Custom database applications

Key Features

  • Stores relational database structures and data.
  • Includes definitions for tables, fields, scripts, and layouts.
  • Proprietary format for FileMaker Pro software.
  • Supports creation of custom business applications.

Best For

  • Users already invested in the FileMaker Pro ecosystem.
  • Creating custom database-driven applications with a graphical interface.
  • Managing structured data where relationships between data points are important.
  • Developing solutions that require scripting for automation.

Less Ideal For

  • Sharing data with applications that do not support FileMaker Pro.
  • Storing simple text documents or spreadsheets.
  • Creating databases for web applications requiring direct SQL access.
  • Archiving large volumes of unstructured media files.

Common Use Cases

  • Storing customer contact information.
  • Managing inventory and asset tracking.
  • Creating project management databases.
  • Developing custom internal business applications.
  • Organizing research data and records.

How to Open It

  1. The primary method is to open the .116 file using a compatible version of FileMaker Pro software.
  2. Ensure you have the correct version of FileMaker Pro installed that supports this specific file format.
  3. If upgrading from an older version, FileMaker Pro may prompt for conversion to a newer format.
  4. For compatibility with modern systems, consider migrating the data to a more current database format or using FileMaker's export features.

What is a .116 file?

The .116 file extension is primarily associated with FileMaker Pro, a powerful database management system. These files contain relational databases, allowing users to store, organize, and manage large amounts of data efficiently. They can include tables, relationships, layouts, scripts, and other database components necessary for application development. FileMaker Pro is known for its user-friendly interface, making it accessible for both beginners and experienced developers to create custom business solutions. The .116 format specifically refers to a particular version or iteration of the FileMaker Pro database file structure, often linked to older versions of the software.

Programs That Open .116 Files

PlatformProgram
WindowsFileMaker ProPaidOfficial
macOSFileMaker ProPaidOfficial

How to Convert .116 Files

FormatMethod
.CSVFileMaker Pro Export Feature
.XLSXFileMaker Pro Export Feature, Conversion Tools
.FMP12FileMaker Pro Conversion Utility

Common Problems with .116 Files

⚠️ Cannot open .116 file without FileMaker Pro.
You need to install a compatible version of FileMaker Pro or use a tool that can import data from it.
⚠️ File is not recognized or corrupt.
Ensure you have the correct FileMaker Pro version installed. Try restoring from a backup if the file is genuinely corrupt.
⚠️ Need to use data in another application.
Use FileMaker Pro's built-in export functions to convert data into common formats like CSV or Excel.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a .116 file?

A .116 file is a database file created by older versions of FileMaker Pro.

Can I open .116 files on a Mac and Windows?

Yes, FileMaker Pro runs on both macOS and Windows, so .116 files can be opened on either operating system with the appropriate software.

Is .116 a modern database format?

No, the .116 extension typically refers to older versions of FileMaker Pro. Modern versions use formats like .fmp12.

Technical Details

Files with the .116 extension are binary files that store the entire structure and content of a FileMaker Pro database. This includes definitions for tables, fields, relationships, scripts, and user interface layouts. The format is proprietary to FileMaker Pro and is not designed for interoperability with other database systems without conversion. The specific version indicated by the extension often relates to compatibility with certain FileMaker Pro releases.

Did You Know?

FileMaker Pro has been around since the late 1980s, evolving through many versions and file formats.
The .116 extension is often associated with FileMaker Pro 4 through 6, which were popular in the late 1990s and early 2000s.

Security Information

As proprietary database files, .116 files are generally safe when opened with the official FileMaker Pro software. However, as with any file, exercise caution when downloading them from untrusted sources, as they could potentially be bundled with malicious code if the source is compromised.