FileMaker 2025 introduces a groundbreaking set of vector and embedding functions, bringing semantic search directly into the platform. Instead of relying only on exact keyword matches, semantic search understands meaning and context, making it easier to surface the most relevant content—whether you’re querying text descriptions, product data, or even image metadata.
This shift opens the door to more intuitive, AI-powered search experiences inside FileMaker apps.
What Is Semantic Search?
Traditional search is literal: it looks for exact matches between keywords and fields. Semantic search, by contrast, uses AI vector embeddings to represent the meaning of text or images. Queries and records are transformed into vectors (mathematical representations), and results are ranked based on similarity—not just matching words.
For example:
A keyword search for “laptop” only finds exact matches.
A semantic search for “portable computer” will also surface “laptop,” “MacBook,” or “notebook” entries.
FileMaker’s New Vector Functions
FileMaker 2025 introduces vector operations that enable developers to normalize, compare, and manipulate embeddings directly. These include functions for:
Creating embeddings from text or image metadata
Normalizing vectors for consistent comparison
Adding and subtracting vectors to explore relationships between terms
Performing similarity searches to return the most relevant results
Real-World Use Cases
Product Catalog Search: Customers searching for “running shoes” will also find items described as “trainers” or “athletic sneakers.”
Knowledge Bases: Employees looking up “safety procedures” can also surface related documents like “workplace compliance” or “OSHA guidelines.”
Image Metadata: Searching “sunset” can bring up photos tagged with “dusk” or “evening,” even if the keyword doesn’t appear.
By embedding semantic search in FileMaker, businesses can create smarter, more user-friendly search experiences that save time and uncover hidden insights.
Why It Matters
Semantic search makes FileMaker solutions more intuitive for non-technical users. It reduces the frustration of missed results, supports more natural queries, and helps organizations unlock the full value of their data—text, documents, and images alike.
With vector and embedding functions, FileMaker 2025 brings the power of semantic search directly into your apps. From smarter text queries to image-based lookups, these tools provide context-aware search that delivers the right results faster.
Want to explore how semantic search in Claris FileMaker can transform your data experience? Reach out to Kyo Logic here.