FP4 File – What is .fp4 file and how to open it?


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FP4 File Extension

FileMaker Pro 4 Database – file format by Claris

FP4 is a file extension for a database created with FileMaker Pro 4, a relational database management system developed by Claris. It stores data in a proprietary format and can be used to create and manage databases, including tables, fields, and records.

FP4 File Format

FP4 files are database files created using FileMaker Pro 4, a relational database management system developed by Claris. These files contain structured data, which can include tables, records, fields, and relationships between data elements. FP4 files enable users to organize and manage various types of information, such as contact lists, inventory records, and project tracking data.

FP4 File Structure and Compatibility

FP4 files utilize a proprietary binary file format that is specific to FileMaker Pro 4. This format stores data in a structured manner, allowing for efficient access and retrieval. However, due to the proprietary nature of the format, FP4 files may not be compatible with other database software applications without the use of conversion tools. Subsequent versions of FileMaker Pro, such as FileMaker Pro 5 and later, utilize different file formats, resulting in incompatibility issues with FP4 files. To work with FP4 files in newer versions of FileMaker Pro, users may need to upgrade or convert the files to a compatible format.

FileMaker Pro 4 Database (FP4)

FP4 files are database files generated by FileMaker Pro 4, a relational database management system developed by Claris. These files store various types of data, including text, numbers, dates, and images, in a structured format. FP4 databases are typically used for managing small to medium-sized businesses and personal information, such as customer records, inventory data, and project planning.

Opening FP4 Files

To open an FP4 file, you need to have FileMaker Pro 4 or a compatible application installed on your system. Once you have the required software, double-clicking on the FP4 file will usually open it automatically. If it doesn’t, you can right-click on the file and select “Open with” to choose the desired application. If you don’t have FileMaker Pro 4, there are free and open-source programs available that can open and work with FP4 files, such as LibreOffice Base and OpenOffice Base.

FP4 File Format

The FP4 file extension denotes files created with FileMaker Pro 4, a database management software developed by Claris. Similar to other file formats associated with subsequent versions of FileMaker Pro, the FP4 format serves as a container for database records, fields, layouts, and related data. It features a proprietary structure optimized for storing and organizing information within FileMaker Pro applications.

Compatibility and Current Relevance

While the FP4 file format was prevalent during its time, its use has gradually declined as FileMaker Pro evolved through numerous major releases. FileMaker Pro versions released after version 4 introduced newer file formats, such as .FMP12 (FileMaker Pro 12 Database) and the current .FMP (FileMaker Pro Database). As a result, FP4 files are primarily encountered in legacy systems or when dealing with archived data from older projects. For users with ongoing FileMaker Pro projects, it is strongly recommended to upgrade to the latest file formats for optimal compatibility, security, and feature support.

Other Extensions