HeidiSQL
HeidiSQL is a free desktop client for connecting to databases and editing their data and structures.
What HeidiSQL is
HeidiSQL is a free desktop client for connecting to databases and editing their data and structures. It supports MariaDB, MySQL, MS SQL, PostgreSQL, SQLite, Interbase, Firebird, ProxySQL and Redshift. Multiple connections can stay in one window, using SSH tunnels or SSL settings. You can create and edit tables, views, stored routines, triggers and scheduled events. Its query editor includes customizable syntax highlighting, code completion and SQL reformatting. HeidiSQL imports text files and exports table rows to formats including CSV, HTML, XML, SQL, LaTeX, Textile, PHP, Markdown and JSON; it can also move exports directly between servers or databases. Builds are available for Windows, Linux and macOS, with a portable Windows x64 edition alongside the installer. HeidiSQL requires a database server or SQLite file to connect to. The project describes running it through Wine as unstable and points users toward its native Linux version instead.
Good
- Free software with a Windows portable edition.
- Supports nine listed database systems.
- Multiple connections in one window.
- Exports rows to nine listed formats.
- Includes SSH tunneling and SSL settings.
Watch out
- Requires a database server or SQLite file.
- Running through Wine is described as unstable.
Who it suits
HeidiSQL suits desktop users who need to work with one or more of its supported database systems. It is also a fit for users who want varied export formats or prefer a portable Windows x64 download.
Verdict
HeidiSQL combines database editing, query tools and a wide range of export formats in a free desktop client. Check that your database and operating system are supported, and plan on a separate database server or SQLite file for connections.
Plans and prices
From HeidiSQL's own pricing page, checked 8 Oct 2026.
| Plan | Price | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| Free | Free | Free software; connects to supported databases |
The facts
Each one read from HeidiSQL's own pages, with the date it was checked.
What it does
- Client requirement
- HeidiSQL is a client application and requires an available database server or SQLite database file to connect to.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Connections
- It supports multiple connections in one window and connections through an SSH tunnel or SSL settings.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Cross database export
- HeidiSQL can export from one server or database directly to another server or database.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Database objects
- Users can create and edit tables, views, stored routines, triggers and scheduled events.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Database support
- The site lists MariaDB, MySQL, MS SQL, PostgreSQL, SQLite, Interbase, Firebird, ProxySQL and Redshift as supported systems.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Data import and export
- It imports text files and exports table rows as CSV, HTML, XML, SQL, LaTeX, Textile, PHP, Markdown or JSON.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Origin
- The site says HeidiSQL was invented in 2002 by Ansgar.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Portable edition
- A Windows x64 portable download is available alongside the installer.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- HeidiSQL is database client software for connecting to databases and editing their data and structures.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Security settings
- The client supports SSH tunnels and SSL settings, including SSL certificate verification options documented for command-line connections.checked 8 Oct 2026
- SQL tools
- The query editor offers customizable syntax highlighting and code completion, and can reformat SQL.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Support
- The help page directs users who cannot find an answer to register in the forum and post a question.checked 8 Oct 2026
The company
- Founded
- 2002checked 28 Sep 2026
- Headquarters
- Neuenkirchen, Germanychecked 28 Sep 2026
- Maker and location
- The site names Ansgar Becker as the author and lists his address in Neuenkirchen, Germany.checked 8 Oct 2026
Where it runs
- Platform builds
- The downloads page offers builds for Windows, Linux and macOS, including Linux x64 and arm64 packages and a macOS arm64 app bundle.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Platform limitation
- The requirements page says running HeidiSQL through Wine is currently quite unstable and suggests its native Linux version as an alternative.checked 8 Oct 2026
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