Mathesar

Self-Hosted

Open-source database management tool for non-technical users

Overview

Mathesar is an open-source tool built to simplify PostgreSQL database management for teams without SQL expertise. It features an intuitive, spreadsheet-like interface to create, edit, and query databases, plus collaborative workspaces for shared editing. Key capabilities include data visualization (charts, graphs), relational data model support, and seamless integration with existing PostgreSQL instances. Deployable via Docker (simplified setup) or manual installation, it enables full data control through self-hosting, making it ideal for avoiding proprietary lock-in.

Self-Hosting Resources

Find Official Image on Docker Hub View Source & Docs

Below is a reference structure for docker-compose.yml. ⚠️ Do NOT run blindly. Replace placeholders with official values.

docker-compose.template.yml TEMPLATE


version: '3'
services:
  mathesar:
    image: <OFFICIAL_IMAGE_NAME>:latest
    container_name: mathesar
    ports:
      - "8080:<APP_INTERNAL_PORT>"
    volumes:
      - ./data:/app/data
    restart: unless-stopped

Key Features

No-SQL PostgreSQL management via spreadsheet-style interface
Collaborative workspaces for team data editing
Data visualization tools (charts, graphs)
Seamless integration with existing PostgreSQL databases

Frequently Asked Questions

? Is Mathesar hard to install?

Mathesar offers a simplified Docker setup that’s easy for most users—just follow the Docker Compose instructions. Manual installation requires basic knowledge of PostgreSQL and server configuration, but detailed documentation is available to guide you.

? Is it a good alternative to Airtable?

Yes! Mathesar is a strong open-source alternative to Airtable, especially for teams wanting full data control via self-hosting. It provides a similar spreadsheet-like interface but uses PostgreSQL as a robust backend instead of proprietary storage.

? Is Mathesar completely free?

Absolutely—Mathesar is 100% free and open-source under the GPLv3 license. You can use, modify, and self-host it without any cost or hidden fees.

Top Alternatives

Airtable Compare

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Google Sheets (for simple use cases) Search Google

Tool Info

Pricing Free/Open Source

Category Database Management

Platform Self-Hosted

Pros

⊕ Privacy-focused self-hosting option
⊕ No subscription fees or proprietary lock-in
⊕ User-friendly for non-technical users
⊕ Open-source with active community development

Cons

⊖ Limited exclusively to PostgreSQL databases
⊖ Manual installation requires basic server/PostgreSQL knowledge
⊖ Advanced features may need basic SQL understanding for customization