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SPECIFICTION
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DuckDB UI

duckdb.org

Free plan WebWindowsmacOSLinuxSelf-hostedBrowser extension
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Spec score 8.3 #8 of 30 in Embedded Databases

What it is

DuckDB UI is a free browser interface for a local DuckDB instance, added through the ui extension. Start it with `duckdb -ui` or `CALL start_ui()`; it opens in the default browser and is served by an HTTP server embedded in DuckDB, available by default at `http://localhost:4213`. The interface includes a SQL notebook with autocomplete and keyboard shortcuts, a catalog browser, a table explorer with column statistics, and a results viewer with sorting and filtering. The native DuckDB process gives it access to local cores, memory, and files. Queries run locally by default, and queries and data stay on the computer. Connecting to MotherDuck is optional and requires signing in. The UI is built and maintained by MotherDuck. The local server retrieves interface files from ui.duckdb.org, so alternate configured URLs should be trusted because the application can access loaded DuckDB data. The UI cannot be run directly against a read-only database and does not currently support windows_arm64.

Spec sheet

Purpose
The ui extension adds a user interface for a local DuckDB instance.Read 1 Oct 2026 · duckdb.org
Browser launch
Starting the UI opens it in the default browser.Read 1 Oct 2026 · duckdb.org
Cloud security
MotherDuck has completed SOC 2 Type II attestation and has been GDPR verified.Read 1 Oct 2026 · motherduck.com
Data exploration
The UI includes a catalog browser, table explorer with column-level statistics, and a results viewer with sorting and filtering.Read 1 Oct 2026 · web.staging.motherduck.com
Embedded server
The UI is served by an HTTP server embedded in DuckDB, available by default at http://localhost:4213.Read 1 Oct 2026 · duckdb.org
Launch options
You can start the UI with duckdb -ui or CALL start_ui().Read 1 Oct 2026 · duckdb.org
Local execution
By default, queries run fully locally and queries and data never leave the computer.Read 1 Oct 2026 · duckdb.org
Local resources
The native DuckDB process lets the UI use all local cores, memory and files.Read 1 Oct 2026 · duckdb.org
Maintainer
The UI is built and maintained by MotherDuck.Read 1 Oct 2026 · duckdb.org
MotherDuck integration
Using MotherDuck through the UI requires explicit opt-in and signing in to MotherDuck.Read 1 Oct 2026 · duckdb.org
Notebook features
The interface includes a SQL notebook with autocomplete and keyboard shortcuts.Read 1 Oct 2026 · web.staging.motherduck.com
Platform limitation
The UI currently does not support windows_arm64.Read 1 Oct 2026 · duckdb.org
Read-only limitation
Running the UI directly on a read-only database is not supported.Read 1 Oct 2026 · duckdb.org
Remote asset security
The local server fetches UI files from ui.duckdb.org, and configured alternate URLs should be trusted because the application can access loaded DuckDB data.Read 1 Oct 2026 · duckdb.org

Plans and prices

Free local DuckDB UI Free browser-based interface · local SQL notebook · optional MotherDuck connection Read 1 Oct 2026 · web.staging.motherduck.com

Every DuckDB UI plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Queries run locally by default
  • Notebook includes autocomplete and keyboard shortcuts
  • Table explorer provides column-level statistics
  • Results viewer supports sorting and filtering

Limits

  • Direct use with a read-only database is unsupported
  • windows_arm64 is not supported
  • Configured alternate UI URLs should be trusted

Who it suits

DuckDB UI suits DuckDB users who want to explore local data through a browser-based SQL notebook and table tools. It is also an option for users who want to keep queries and data local by default.

Verdict

DuckDB UI adds notebook and data-exploration tools while keeping work local by default. Its read-only database and windows_arm64 limits are worth checking against your setup.

Where Specifiction places it

Alternatives to DuckDB UIAll alternatives →