Essential Mac Apps

Sequel Ace

Free MySQL client for Mac for browsing, querying and editing MySQL and MariaDB databases.

Alternative toTablePlus
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Sequel Ace is a database client for macOS that works with MySQL and MariaDB. It continues Sequel Pro, the long-running Mac app it was forked from, and can import your saved Sequel Pro connections.

Connect to a local or remote server, browse databases and tables, edit data and run SQL queries. You can open a connection from a mysql:// URL, extend the app with Bundles, and use the keyboard shortcuts listed on the website. Version 6.1 added a searchable database selector.

It also has a built-in MCP server that lets AI agents such as Claude Code or Cursor query your databases through Sequel Ace's saved connections. It is off by default, listens on localhost only and runs read-only unless you change that in Preferences > MCP Server.

Sequel Ace is free and open source under the MIT licence, maintained by Moballo, LLC and volunteers. It needs macOS 13.5 or later, runs on Apple Silicon and Intel, and supports MySQL 5.7 or later and MariaDB 10.0 or later.

Frequently asked questions

Is Sequel Ace free?

Yes. Sequel Ace is free on the Mac App Store and on GitHub, with no paid tier. The project takes donations through Open Collective.

Is Sequel Ace safe and open source?

Yes. The source code is on GitHub under the MIT licence, and the main release goes through Mac App Store review. The optional MCP server is off by default and read-only when turned on.

How do I install Sequel Ace?

Get it from the Mac App Store, or run mas install 1518036000 with the mas tool. A community Homebrew cask installs the GitHub release with brew install --cask sequel-ace.

What macOS version does Sequel Ace need?

Sequel Ace 6 needs macOS 13.5 Ventura or later on Apple Silicon or Intel. Version 5.4.0 covers macOS 12 to 13.4, and version 4.1.7 covers macOS 10.13 to 11.

How does Sequel Ace compare to TablePlus?

TablePlus is a commercial client that supports many database engines, including PostgreSQL and SQLite. Sequel Ace only works with MySQL and MariaDB, but it is free and stays close to the Sequel Pro workflow.

Can I move my saved connections from Sequel Pro?

Yes. The migration guide on sequel-ace.com explains how to move your saved favorites from Sequel Pro to Sequel Ace.

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