DB Browser for SQLite

DB Browser for SQLite (DB4S) is a free, open-source desktop application for creating, inspecting and editing SQLite and SQLCipher database files. Its table-oriented interface suits developers, analysts, students and users who want to examine a local database without writing every operation as SQL.

Main features

• Create databases, tables and indexes, and inspect the database schema.
• Browse, search, add, edit and delete table records through a grid.
• Run SQL queries and inspect results and the SQL command log.
• Import or export CSV tables, text records and SQL database dumps.
• Create simple plots from table or query data.
• Work with supported SQLCipher-encrypted files and encryption settings.

Installation and first use

Install with brew install --cask db-browser-for-sqlite, or download the official Mac DMG and move the application to Applications. Choose Open Database for an existing SQLite file or New Database to create one. Use Database Structure to examine tables and indexes, Browse Data to inspect rows, and Execute SQL for queries. Editing controls can change data: keep a backup when modifying an important database and use Write Changes or Revert Changes intentionally.

The application operates on database files; it does not install a database server. An encrypted file requires the appropriate SQLCipher key and compatible settings. A SQLite file is not interchangeable with a MySQL or PostgreSQL server connection. DB4S is also not intended to replace a general spreadsheet application.

Requirements, dependencies and platforms

The official 3.13.1 Mac DMG is Universal, supporting both Apple Silicon and Intel. The tagged release README reports macOS 10.15 Catalina through macOS 14 Sonoma as tested, rather than promising that all newer system versions have been tested. The recorded Homebrew cask declares no additional formula dependency, explicit cask conflict or minimum macOS dependency. Its platform list alone is not proof of upstream testing on every listed version.

The packaged Mac release includes Qt 5.15.13, SQLCipher 4.6.1 and SQLean 0.27.1 according to the official release matrix. These packaged components do not mean users must install Qt or development tools separately. Official Windows packages, a Linux AppImage and distribution packages are available; the project also documents FreeBSD support. Windows ARM packages were added to the existing 3.13.1 release assets in April 2026. Requirements and bundled libraries differ by platform.

No universal RAM or installed-disk minimum was established. The official Universal Mac DMG is 45,618,256 bytes, a download size rather than installed space. Nightly and continuous development builds are separate from the stable release.

Accounts, cost and license

Local database browsing does not require a DB4S account or subscription. The application is free software, dual-licensed under MPL 2.0 and GPL 3.0 or later; bundled components have their own licenses. Donations are optional. The former DBHub.io service was shut down in 2025; a historical Remote pane in an upstream screenshot should not be read as an available hosted service.

The accompanying image is an official repository Mac screenshot of Database Structure and the SQL Log, retained in the 3.13.1 source tree. It is an upstream illustrative screenshot, not a freshly captured installation of the current package.

Sources: Tagged README, Official 3.13.1 release and library matrix, Downloads, License, DBHub.io shutdown.