Airtable
Cloud collaboration platform combining the flexibility of a spreadsheet with database power
Mathesar
Spreadsheet interface for PostgreSQL databases, self-hosted and collaborative
Mathesar transforms PostgreSQL into an intuitive spreadsheet experience. View, edit, query, and collaborate on database data without code—self-hosted with native Postgres access control.
Overview
Unlock PostgreSQL with a Familiar Interface
Mathesar is a self-hosted web application that makes PostgreSQL databases accessible to users of all technical skill levels. By providing a spreadsheet-like interface, it eliminates the complexity of traditional database tools while preserving the full power of Postgres underneath.
Built for Real-World Workflows
Connect to existing PostgreSQL databases or create new ones in minutes using Docker. Mathesar works directly with native Postgres schemas, tables, foreign keys, and constraints—no proprietary abstractions. This means it integrates seamlessly alongside other tools in the Postgres ecosystem. The visual query builder lets non-technical users construct complex joins without writing SQL, while data entry, filtering, sorting, and grouping feel natural and immediate.
Security and Control
Because Mathesar is self-hosted, your data never leaves your infrastructure. Access control leverages existing Postgres roles and privileges, ensuring database security without additional risk layers. Import and export capabilities, schema migrations, and custom data types (emails, URLs) extend functionality while maintaining interoperability. Maintained by the Mathesar Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, the project is 100% open source under GPL-3.0 and currently in public beta.
Highlights
Spreadsheet-like interface for viewing, editing, and querying PostgreSQL databases without code
Visual query builder (Data Explorer) that constructs SQL joins automatically
Native Postgres integration: works directly with schemas, foreign keys, constraints, and roles
Self-hosted deployment in minutes via Docker with full data sovereignty
Pros
- Empowers non-technical users to work with production PostgreSQL databases safely
- No vendor lock-in: works directly with standard Postgres features and alongside existing tools
- Self-hosted architecture keeps sensitive data on your infrastructure
- Maintained by a nonprofit with commitment to remaining 100% open source
Considerations
- Currently in public beta; not yet widely adopted in production environments
- Requires PostgreSQL; not compatible with other database systems
- Self-hosting requires server infrastructure and basic deployment knowledge
- Advanced SQL users may find the visual interface less efficient than direct queries
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Fit guide
Great for
- Teams needing to give non-technical staff safe access to production Postgres databases
- Organizations requiring self-hosted, auditable database management tools
- Projects that need interoperability with existing Postgres workflows and tooling
- Nonprofits and teams seeking an open-source alternative to Airtable or proprietary database GUIs
Not ideal when
- Teams using MySQL, SQL Server, or other non-Postgres databases
- Organizations unable to self-host or manage Docker deployments
- Use cases requiring mobile-native apps or offline-first functionality
- Projects needing enterprise support contracts or guaranteed SLAs
How teams use it
Empowering Operations Teams
Non-technical staff view and update inventory, customer records, or order data in a familiar spreadsheet interface while IT maintains Postgres-level security and data integrity.
Rapid Internal Tools
Deploy a collaborative database interface in minutes for project tracking, CRM, or content management without building custom admin panels or buying proprietary software.
Data Exploration and Reporting
Analysts build complex multi-table queries visually, filter and group results, then export findings—all without writing SQL or waiting for engineering support.
Collaborative Data Cleanup
Teams collaboratively review, edit, and validate database records using role-based permissions, with changes reflected immediately in connected applications.
Tech snapshot
Svelte32%
TypeScript27%
Python21%
PLpgSQL15%
SCSS2%
Shell1%
Frequently asked questions
Does Mathesar work with my existing PostgreSQL database?
Yes. Mathesar connects to existing Postgres databases and works directly with native schemas, tables, foreign keys, and constraints without requiring migrations or proprietary abstractions.
How does access control work?
Mathesar uses native PostgreSQL roles and privileges. You can leverage existing database permissions or configure new roles through the UI, ensuring security is managed at the database level.
Is Mathesar production-ready?
Mathesar is currently in public beta—stable and feature-rich enough for production use, but not yet widely adopted. The team encourages cautious deployment and welcomes feedback.
Can I use Mathesar alongside other database tools?
Absolutely. Because Mathesar works directly with standard Postgres features, it integrates seamlessly with ORMs, BI tools, ETL pipelines, and any other software in the Postgres ecosystem.
What are the hosting requirements?
Mathesar installs via Docker and can be deployed on any server infrastructure in minutes. You maintain full control over where your data lives and how it's accessed.
Project at a glance
Active- Stars
- 4,761
- Watchers
- 4,761
- Forks
- 469
LicenseGPL-3.0
Repo age4 years old
Last commit15 hours ago
Self-hostingSupported
Primary languageSvelte
Last synced 3 hours ago