Convert FP3 to XLSX

Legacy FileMaker databases are often exported to Excel for reporting, record sharing, or retention after FileMaker is no longer available. Excel cannot open an .fp3 database directly, so the file must be converted or exported through a compatible FileMaker version first.

FP3 and XLSX formats

.fp3 is the database format used by FileMaker Pro 3 through FileMaker Pro 6. It can contain records, field definitions, layouts, scripts, relationships, calculations, and container data; it is not an Excel workbook.

.xlsx is the XML-based workbook format used by Microsoft Excel 2007 and later. It supports worksheets, cell formatting, formulas, filters, and up to 1,048,576 rows per worksheet, but it cannot retain FileMaker layouts, scripts, relationships, accounts, privileges, or database structure.

Convert an FP3 file through FileMaker

1. Work from a copy of the original .fp3 file. Keep the original unchanged, including any related files and external container folders.
2. Open the file in FileMaker Pro 7, which can convert FileMaker Pro 3–6 files to the newer .fp7 format. Use File → Open, select the .fp3 file, and allow FileMaker to create the converted copy.
3. In the converted database, select the records to export. FileMaker exports the current found set, so use Records → Show All Records if all records are required.
4. Use File → Save/Send Records As → Excel in FileMaker Pro 7 to create an .xls workbook. Include field names in the first row and choose only the fields needed in Excel.
5. Open the exported .xls file in Microsoft Excel or LibreOffice Calc. Use File → Save As and select Excel Workbook (.xlsx).

If a current Claris FileMaker Pro version is available, first use FileMaker Pro 7 as the bridge to create .fp7, then open and convert that file in the current version. Export records with File → Export Records and choose an Excel workbook format when available.

Alternative export route

If Excel export is unavailable in the legacy FileMaker installation, export records as .csv or tab-delimited text through File → Export Records. Import that file into Excel with Data → From Text/CSV, verify the delimiter, encoding, dates, and column types, then save as .xlsx.

CloudConvert and Zamzar can convert an already exported .csv or .xls file to .xlsx, but they do not replace FileMaker for reliably reading proprietary .fp3 databases. Do not upload databases or exports containing personal, financial, medical, or confidential data to an online service.

Compatibility checks

• Password-protected or damaged .fp3 files must be opened or repaired before export. A lost FileMaker password cannot be bypassed by converting the file.
• Exported rows contain record data, not FileMaker scripts, layouts, portals, value lists, access controls, or relational behavior.
• Related fields and calculations export only the values available in the current record context. Verify calculated totals and related data after export.
• Container fields such as images, PDFs, and files usually export as references or cannot be represented meaningfully in a worksheet; export those files separately.
• Check dates, leading zeroes, long identifiers, and values beginning with =, +, -, or @. Excel may reinterpret them as dates, numbers, or formulas; import identifier columns as text when necessary.
• Split exports exceeding Excel's row limit into multiple worksheets or workbooks.