Evidence
Self-HostedOpen-source business intelligence tool for database-driven reporting
Overview
Evidence is an open-source BI tool that enables teams to build interactive, data-driven reports using SQL queries and Markdown/React. It connects to popular databases like PostgreSQL, BigQuery, Snowflake, and MySQL, pulling data directly to create static or dynamic reports. Self-hostable via Docker or Node.js, it supports Git version control for report changes and generates fast, secure static sites. Ideal for teams wanting privacy-focused, customizable reporting without relying on SaaS BI platforms.
Self-Hosting Resources
Below is a reference structure for docker-compose.yml.
⚠️ Do NOT run blindly. Replace placeholders with official values.
version: '3'
services:
evidence:
image: <OFFICIAL_IMAGE_NAME>:latest
container_name: evidence
ports:
- "8080:<APP_INTERNAL_PORT>"
volumes:
- ./data:/app/data
restart: unless-stopped Key Features
- SQL-first querying from multiple databases
- Interactive report building with Markdown & React components
- Self-hostable via Docker or Node.js
- Git-integrated version control for reports
Frequently Asked Questions
? Is Evidence hard to install?
Evidence is easy to install using Docker (official image available) or Node.js. Docker setup involves pulling the image and configuring database connections via environment variables. Node.js setup requires cloning the repo, running npm install, and configuring your database in the project settings—detailed guides are in their documentation.
? Is it a good alternative to Tableau?
Yes, for teams preferring open-source, self-hosted solutions with code-first workflows. Unlike Tableau's drag-and-drop interface, Evidence uses SQL/Markdown/React, making it great for teams comfortable with code and version control. It lacks some advanced visualization features but excels at reproducible, privacy-focused reports.
? Is it completely free?
Evidence is 100% free and open-source under the MIT License. You can use, modify, and self-host it without any cost—there are no paid tiers or hidden fees for core features.
Top Alternatives
People Also Ask about Evidence
Tool Info
Pros
- ⊕ Privacy-focused (self-hosted data control)
- ⊕ No subscription fees
- ⊕ Reproducible reports with versioning
- ⊕ Fast static site generation for performance
Cons
- ⊖ Requires basic SQL knowledge to create reports
- ⊖ Steeper learning curve for React-based customizations
- ⊖ Limited real-time data streaming compared to SaaS tools