Multi-database connections
Connect to PostgreSQL, MySQL/MariaDB, SQLite files, MongoDB and Redis. Test connections before saving, use TLS settings where supported, and store passwords in the macOS Keychain.
Tabula
Tabula is a native macOS database client for PostgreSQL, MySQL/MariaDB, SQLite, MongoDB and Redis. It helps developers browse, query, filter and edit data, with optional keyboard-focused AI assistance for writing and troubleshooting queries.
Native database client for macOS
Tabula is a native macOS database client for working with PostgreSQL, MySQL/MariaDB, SQLite, MongoDB and Redis. It combines connection management, database browsing, query editing and a keyboard-oriented data grid in one desktop application.
The product is designed for inspecting and changing database data without switching between separate tools. Users can browse schemas and collections, filter and sort records, edit values, run SQL or MongoDB shell commands, and use optional AI assistance to draft or repair queries. The README describes Tabula as free with no usage limits and licensed under the MIT License.
Key features
Database browsing and tabs
Browse schemas, tables and views, use database and schema switchers, keep multiple query tabs open, and move between several connections in one window.
Data grid and filtering
Work with paged results of 100 to 5,000 rows, server-side sorting, filter builders or handwritten WHERE clauses, row counts, and spreadsheet-style keyboard navigation.
Type-aware data editing
Edit cells, add rows, and inspect full values without losing database types. Tabula asks before sorting, filtering or paging would discard uncommitted edits.
AI-assisted SQL
Use chat, Ask AI, Fix with AI and inline suggestions to write or modify SQL. Models can run on the Mac or connect through supported services, while generated answers stream into the interface.
MongoDB workspace
Use a MongoDB collection grid, JSON document editor, shell query editor, sampled field and index information, server metrics, and previews of updateOne or deleteOne commands.
Practical use cases
Explore relational databases
Open a PostgreSQL or MySQL connection, switch schemas, inspect tables and views, and run queries in persistent tabs while keeping the database structure visible in the sidebar.
Review and make targeted data changes
Use the grid to filter records, sort server-side, page through results and edit or add rows. Confirmation prompts help protect changes that have not yet been committed.
Work with MongoDB documents
Connect to MongoDB, browse collections as tables, inspect nested document values, edit JSON, run shell commands and preview update or delete operations before execution.
Draft and troubleshoot queries
Describe a query in natural language or ask AI to change a statement or explain a failure, then insert, run or copy the resulting SQL. Local models and supported remote providers can be selected for different needs.
Compare environments safely
Open several connections in one window, label them as Local, Development, Staging or Production, and switch between each connection's tabs and state while keeping production warnings enabled for destructive actions.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Supports five database families in one desktop client, including relational databases, SQLite files, MongoDB and Redis.
- Combines browsing, querying, filtering and editing with keyboard shortcuts and multiple connections in one window.
- Provides type-aware editing and confirmation before actions that could discard uncommitted changes.
- Offers both local and connected AI model options without requiring a separate model application for every workflow.
- MongoDB support includes collection browsing, document editing, shell commands and previews for destructive operations.
Cons
- The product is specifically a macOS application, so the documented workflow is not cross-platform.
- AI workflows require care around connection context: the README says table and column names and SQL may be sent to the selected model, while AI is disabled for production connections unless allowed.
- The repository includes a roadmap and known-limitations section; users should review current release documentation for capabilities that may change between versions.
FAQ
What databases does Tabula support?
Tabula is a native macOS database client. The source describes connections to PostgreSQL, MySQL/MariaDB, SQLite files, MongoDB and Redis, with connection testing before saving and a 15-second connection timeout.
How do I install Tabula?
Install Tabula from the download linked in its GitHub README. The source identifies it as a macOS application and also documents building from source in the repository.
What is the typical Tabula workflow?
Users can browse schemas, tables and views, open data in tabs, filter and sort results, edit cells, add rows, run SQL or database-specific commands, and copy or insert generated queries. MongoDB workflows use collections, documents and shell commands.
How does Tabula handle AI and database data?
Tabula supports local models and several external or local model options, including Apple Intelligence, Claude, OpenAI-compatible APIs, Ollama, Claude Code and Codex. The README states that table and column names plus SQL may be sent for AI features, while table rows are not sent; AI is off for production connections unless enabled.
Is Tabula free, and what should users know about its scope?
The repository describes Tabula as free with no usage limits and licensed under the MIT License. It is a macOS client rather than a browser-based database administration service, and the README includes a roadmap and known-limitations section.
Quick Facts
- Category
- Developer tool / database client
- Platform
- macOS
- Supported databases
- PostgreSQL, MySQL/MariaDB, SQLite, MongoDB and Redis
- Distribution
- Free with no usage limits; MIT License
- Primary workflow
- Browse, query, filter and edit database data
- Source
- github.com/tungnguyenvan/tabula
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