HeidiSQL
heidisql.com
What it is
HeidiSQL is free desktop database client software for connecting to databases and editing their data and structures. It supports MariaDB, MySQL, MS SQL, PostgreSQL, SQLite, Interbase, Firebird, ProxySQL, and Redshift, with multiple connections in one window. Connections can use SSH tunnels or SSL settings. Users can create and edit tables, views, stored routines, triggers, and scheduled events. The query editor provides customizable syntax highlighting, code completion, SQL reformatting, and query history. Text files can be imported, while table rows can be exported as CSV, HTML, XML, SQL, LaTeX, Textile, PHP, Markdown, or JSON. Data can also be exported directly between servers or databases. Builds are offered for Windows, Linux, and macOS, including Linux x64 and arm64 packages, a macOS arm64 app bundle, and a Windows x64 portable edition. HeidiSQL requires an available database server or SQLite file; the requirements page says running through Wine is currently unstable and suggests native Linux instead.
Spec sheet
- Purpose
- HeidiSQL is database client software for connecting to databases and editing their data and structures.Read 8 Oct 2026 · heidisql.com
- Support
- The help page directs users who cannot find an answer to register in the forum and post a question.Read 8 Oct 2026 · heidisql.com
- Headquarters
- Neuenkirchen, GermanyRead 28 Sep 2026 · heidisql.com
- Founded
- 2002Read 28 Sep 2026 · heidisql.com
- Client requirement
- HeidiSQL is a client application and requires an available database server or SQLite database file to connect to.Read 8 Oct 2026 · heidisql.com
- Connections
- It supports multiple connections in one window and connections through an SSH tunnel or SSL settings.Read 8 Oct 2026 · heidisql.com
- Cross database export
- HeidiSQL can export from one server or database directly to another server or database.Read 8 Oct 2026 · heidisql.com
- Data import and export
- It imports text files and exports table rows as CSV, HTML, XML, SQL, LaTeX, Textile, PHP, Markdown or JSON.Read 8 Oct 2026 · heidisql.com
- Database objects
- Users can create and edit tables, views, stored routines, triggers and scheduled events.Read 8 Oct 2026 · heidisql.com
- Database support
- The site lists MariaDB, MySQL, MS SQL, PostgreSQL, SQLite, Interbase, Firebird, ProxySQL and Redshift as supported systems.Read 8 Oct 2026 · heidisql.com
- Maker and location
- The site names Ansgar Becker as the author and lists his address in Neuenkirchen, Germany.Read 8 Oct 2026 · heidisql.com
- Origin
- The site says HeidiSQL was invented in 2002 by Ansgar.Read 8 Oct 2026 · heidisql.com
- Platform builds
- The downloads page offers builds for Windows, Linux and macOS, including Linux x64 and arm64 packages and a macOS arm64 app bundle.Read 8 Oct 2026 · heidisql.com
- Platform limitation
- The requirements page says running HeidiSQL through Wine is currently quite unstable and suggests its native Linux version as an alternative.Read 8 Oct 2026 · heidisql.com
- Portable edition
- A Windows x64 portable download is available alongside the installer.Read 8 Oct 2026 · heidisql.com
- Security settings
- The client supports SSH tunnels and SSL settings, including SSL certificate verification options documented for command-line connections.Read 8 Oct 2026 · heidisql.com
- SQL tools
- The query editor offers customizable syntax highlighting and code completion, and can reformat SQL.Read 8 Oct 2026 · heidisql.com
Plans and prices
Strong points and limits
Strong points
- Free plan with desktop deployment
- Supports nine listed database systems
- SSH tunnels and SSL settings are supported
- Exports rows to many formats
- Windows, Linux, and macOS builds are available
Limits
- Requires a database server or SQLite file
- Running through Wine is described as unstable
- It is a client, not a database server
Who it suits
It suits users who need a free desktop client for the listed database systems, including editing, querying, tunneling, and export work. Native Windows, Linux, and macOS builds support those platforms.
Verdict
HeidiSQL offers broad database connectivity, editing, SQL tools, and export formats at no listed cost. Check server availability and use a native build rather than relying on Wine.
Where Specifiction places it
- SQL Query Tools#13 of 318.0
- Database Client Software#23 of 537.9
- Database Management Software#8 of 137.9