Taking into consideration the fact that today you won’t face any difficulties hunting after worthy database management software for Mac, in some instances, people can’t make an ultimate choice. The Apple Store is overloaded with different options and it is really hard to render a correct decision. Some software products are overload with a variety of extra options, the other part of them isn’t up to quality.
IDatabase is the Mac app that simplifies the creation of databases, inventories, collections and lists of items. IDatabase is the best there is for those who want to manage, store and quickly find any information for their passions and for everyday work. Claris (Apple's software division) bought FileMaker back in 1985, they spun it off as a subsidiary in 1998 so they could gain traction in the Windows market. If you want a basic database try EagleData or for more features LibreOffice, both are free. One of the most powerful and most flexible knowledge base (a more intelligent and robust version of a database) tool can be purchased as part of the full commercial version of the LISPWorks (Common LISP based Compiler and programming toolbox) prog.
If you are one of those Mac users, who can’t decide which database control tool to use, read our review of reputable database management apps and probably, you’ll reach a decision.
SQLPro Studio
This is a powerful and overspecified database management app for MySQL, Oracle databases, Postgres and Microsoft Management Studio. This is a very useful tool for any user. The app is packed with a variety of features that can be helpful for any user. Below, you can perlustrate the list of all features, provided by this product:
- Tabbed based interface,
- NetBIOS support,
- Intellisense autocompletion,
- Simple navigation (immediate access to columns, indexes, different tables, etc).
- Password authentication.
Through the use of this simple application, you can create a powerful database connection. If you are a professional user who needs to create several connections, you should buy the premium subscription. The price for an upgraded version is $19.99 and the subscription will auto-renew automatically.
FileMaker Pro
This software solution is regarded to be a powerful database management instrument for Mac, iPhone, iPad, and Windows. The prime objective of this software product is to help you enhance the productivity of your team. The program is very easy to use and has a variety of excellent features.
Simple Mac Database Software
FileMaker Pro is staffed with a variety of different features that will help you perform the easiest tasks. The targeted audience of this software product is people who are engaged in business or education area. It provides them with an opportunity to control information effortlessly.
iData Pro
iData Pro is a foremost database application for Mac users. Users consider this database management tool to be a superb solution for keeping any kind of data, comprising texts and photos. Otherwise stated, it can handle an awful lot of data files. The software also provides you with a variety of additional fields. There is a freeform text area, which comprises sound files, images, and a styled text feature. With the functionality of iData Pro, the process of creating custom labels will take several minutes. Even if you are a demanding customer, you’ll definitely be pleased with the functionality of this software.
OpenOffice.org
The overarching priority of this tool is to deprive Mac users of the necessity to use Microsoft Office on Mac devices. This solution is absolutely free. Besides, it is also compatible with office suites. It means that you can adjust documents created in Word with ease. This tool will meet the demands of the most exacting users (people who need stable and powerful apps for their everyday work). It makes no matter what files you wish to work because, with this tool, flexibility is guaranteed.
Whether you need to process a few spreadsheets or manage several important docs, this option will be an ideal tool for you!
There is also a category of users, complaining about sudden slowdowns which happen from time to time.
MBD Explorer
Free Database For Mac
This is one more free database software for Mac users. If you need to view MBD files on a rolling basis, this management tool is quite the thing. Users can open tables from absolutely different databases. It also allows you to generate SQL files that will be compatible with the systems of database management. The features as filtering, searching or sorting files are also available. Otherwise stated, if you need a simple converter of access database to XML files, the app will meet your demands.
Nevertheless, the major part of all operations requires the in-app purchases.
The prime objective of any database engine is to store information and retrieve it when necessary. If handled properly, these software products will become your must-have tools, which save your time and efforts.
File Maker Pro
FileMaker is probably the best known database application for the Mac. It has a feature set comparable to Microsoft Access, but with a strong focus on forms (layouts) as the primary way of accessing databases. Similar to Access, FileMaker stores your database logic and all the data in a single file. It also has some support for scripting, and offers options for publishing databases on the web.
However, it's also necessary to note that FileMaker is very different from Access. There is a strict distinction between application logic and the underlying tables in Access. In FileMaker, logic and data are more closely linked. The underlying tables are more or less hidden from the user, and not as easily accessible via SQL as in Access.
Bento
Bento was the entry level database application from the makers of Filemaker. Unfortunately it has been discontinued in July 2013 and is no longer available for purchase.
Open Office / Libre Office
Open Office and Libre office include a database application that tries to mimic Microsoft Access. It is difficult to use and misses many important features, such as simple import/export tools.
SQLite (using Base)
SQLite is not a full database application like Access. There are no forms or reports in SQLite, there's only your data and a simple, fast SQL engine. SQLite is used by many applications under the hood as an internal format and therefore most interesting to application developers.
A command line utility for SQLite 3 is included with every Mac, aptly named sqlite3. Most people will however prefer working with a graphical application like the excellent Base from Menial (available on the Mac App Store). Base offers a simple interface for viewing tables (with support for images) and creating custom SQL queries.
Apple Numbers and Microsoft Excel
Numbers and Excel are spreadsheet applications and thus not a replacement for Microsoft Access. However, they have good support for working with tables. If your database consists of only few tables and no forms, these apps might just do the trick. You can at least sort and filter your tables.
Converting Access Databases to Apple Numbers with MDB Viewer
Converting Access Databases to Microsoft Excel with MDB Viewer
Microsoft Access in Parallels / VMWare
If none of the above are suitable, you can always ressort to actually running Microsoft Access on your Mac using virtualisation software like Parallels Desktop or VMWare Fusion.