Sequel Pro

What is Sequel Pro?

Sequel Pro is a fast, easy-to-use Mac database management application for working with MySQL and MariaDB databases. Originally forked from the CocoaMySQL project in 2008, Sequel Pro has become one of the most beloved database tools among macOS developers due to its native Mac interface, exceptional performance, and focus on simplicity. The application is completely free and open-source, maintained by dedicated community developers who continue to improve and update the software.

What sets Sequel Pro apart is its dedication to the Mac platform and user experience philosophy. Rather than attempting cross-platform compatibility, Sequel Pro was built from the ground up using Cocoa frameworks to feel like a native macOS application. This approach results in seamless integration with macOS features including keyboard shortcuts, drag-and-drop, services, and visual design that matches Apple’s design guidelines. The result is a database tool that feels comfortable to Mac users from the first launch.

Sequel Pro serves primarily web developers, backend engineers, and database administrators working with MySQL or MariaDB who use macOS as their development platform. Its straightforward interface makes common tasks like browsing tables, editing data, running queries, and managing database structures intuitive and efficient. While more feature-rich alternatives exist, Sequel Pro’s combination of performance, simplicity, and zero cost has earned it a devoted following among Mac developers working with MySQL databases.

Key Features

• Native macOS Interface: Built entirely with Cocoa frameworks providing authentic Mac look and feel with proper integration of macOS features, gestures, and keyboard shortcuts.
• Quick Connection: Favorites manager with SSH tunnel support enables fast, secure connections to local and remote MySQL servers with saved credentials and settings.
• Content Browser: Browse table data with inline editing, filtering, sorting, and pagination that handles large tables efficiently without loading entire datasets.
• Query Editor: Syntax-highlighted SQL editor with auto-completion, query history, and the ability to save favorite queries for reuse across sessions.
• Table Structure: Visual interface for creating, modifying, and managing table structures including columns, indexes, foreign keys, and triggers.
• Import/Export: Support for importing and exporting SQL, CSV, and XML formats for data migration, backup, and integration with other tools.
• Multiple Connections: Work with multiple database connections simultaneously in separate tabs or windows, enabling comparison and cross-database operations.
• Quick Look: Preview binary data including images directly within the application using macOS Quick Look integration.
• Custom Queries: Execute arbitrary SQL with results displayed in filterable, sortable grids that support export and clipboard operations.
• Relationship Browser: Visualize foreign key relationships between tables for understanding database structure and dependencies.

Recent Updates and Improvements

Sequel Pro development continues through community contributions with focus on compatibility, stability, and modern macOS support.

• Apple Silicon Support: Native ARM64 builds provide optimal performance on M1, M2, and M3 Macs without Rosetta emulation overhead.
• MySQL 8 Compatibility: Updated authentication and connection handling for MySQL 8.0 with caching_sha2_password default authentication.
• Dark Mode Support: Interface properly adapts to macOS dark mode settings for comfortable use in low-light environments.
• macOS Sonoma Compatibility: Updated for compatibility with latest macOS releases addressing deprecation warnings and API changes.
• Improved SSH Tunneling: Enhanced SSH key support including ed25519 keys and better handling of SSH configuration options.
• Performance Optimizations: Faster table loading, improved memory management, and reduced CPU usage during large data operations.
• MariaDB Enhancements: Better handling of MariaDB-specific features and improved compatibility with MariaDB server versions.
• Security Updates: Updated OpenSSL libraries and improved secure connection handling for encrypted database connections.

System Requirements

macOS

• Operating System: macOS 10.12 Sierra or later
• Processor: Intel or Apple Silicon (native support)
• RAM: 2 GB minimum (4 GB recommended)
• Storage: 50 MB available space
• MySQL Server: MySQL 5.x, 8.x or MariaDB 5.x, 10.x, 11.x

Sequel Pro Alternative: Sequel Ace

• Sequel Ace is the actively maintained fork of Sequel Pro
• Available on Mac App Store for easy installation
• Same interface with more active development
• Recommended for new installations

How to Install Sequel Pro

Direct Download Installation

1. Visit the Sequel Pro website or GitHub releases
2. Download the DMG file for your system
3. Open the DMG and drag Sequel Pro to Applications
4. Launch from Applications folder
5. Create your first database connection

# Using Homebrew
brew install --cask sequel-pro

# Alternative: Install Sequel Ace (actively maintained fork)
brew install --cask sequel-ace

# Or from Mac App Store (Sequel Ace)
mas install 1518036000

# Verify installation
open -a "Sequel Pro"

Configuring a Connection

# Local MySQL Connection
Type: Standard
Host: 127.0.0.1
Username: root
Password: your_password
Database: (optional, select after connecting)
Port: 3306

# SSH Tunnel Connection (for remote servers)
Type: SSH
MySQL Host: 127.0.0.1 (from server perspective)
Username: mysql_user
Password: mysql_password
SSH Host: server.example.com
SSH User: ssh_username
SSH Key: ~/.ssh/id_rsa

# Socket Connection (local)
Type: Socket
Socket: /tmp/mysql.sock
Username: root
Password: your_password

Connecting to Cloud Databases

# AWS RDS MySQL
Type: Standard (or SSH tunnel for VPC)
Host: mydb.xxxxx.us-east-1.rds.amazonaws.com
Port: 3306
Username: admin
Password: your_rds_password
SSL: Enable if required

# DigitalOcean Managed MySQL
Type: Standard
Host: db-mysql-xxxxx.ondigitalocean.com
Port: 25060
Username: doadmin
Password: your_password
SSL: Required (download CA cert)

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Native Mac Experience: Purpose-built for macOS with authentic interface design, proper shortcuts, and seamless OS integration.
• Completely Free: Open-source application with no licensing costs, feature restrictions, or premium tiers to worry about.
• Lightweight Performance: Fast startup, responsive interface, and efficient memory usage even with large databases.
• SSH Tunneling: Built-in SSH tunnel support makes connecting to remote servers through bastion hosts seamless.
• Simple Interface: Clean, uncluttered design focuses on common tasks without overwhelming users with enterprise features.
• Quick Data Editing: Inline editing in content browser enables rapid data modifications without writing SQL statements.
• Export Flexibility: Multiple export formats and configurable options support various backup and migration needs.

Cons

• macOS Only: No Windows or Linux versions available, limiting team adoption in cross-platform environments.
• MySQL/MariaDB Only: No support for PostgreSQL, SQLite, or other database systems commonly used in development.
• Development Activity: Original Sequel Pro development has slowed; Sequel Ace fork is more actively maintained.
• MySQL 8 Issues: Some users experience authentication issues with MySQL 8’s default authentication method.
• Limited Features: Lacks advanced features like visual query builders, ER diagrams, and database comparison tools.

Sequel Pro vs Alternatives

Who Should Use Sequel Pro?

Sequel Pro is ideal for:

• Mac Web Developers: Developers building PHP, Ruby, or Node.js applications with MySQL backends who appreciate native Mac tooling.
• WordPress Developers: Those managing WordPress databases for content editing, debugging, and maintenance tasks.
• Learning SQL: Beginners learning MySQL who benefit from visual data browsing while practicing query syntax.
• Quick Database Tasks: Developers needing occasional database access for data inspection, simple edits, or exports.
• Budget-Conscious Users: Individuals and small teams who need capable MySQL tooling without software licensing costs.
• Simplicity Seekers: Users who prefer focused, simple tools over feature-heavy applications with steep learning curves.

Sequel Pro may not be ideal for:

• Cross-Platform Teams: Organizations needing consistent tooling across Windows, macOS, and Linux development environments.
• Multi-Database Users: Developers working with PostgreSQL, MongoDB, or other databases alongside MySQL.
• Enterprise Requirements: Teams needing advanced features like schema comparison, team collaboration, or audit logging.
• Latest MySQL 8: Users experiencing authentication issues should consider Sequel Ace or TablePlus instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Sequel Pro and Sequel Ace?

Sequel Ace is a community-maintained fork of Sequel Pro that continues active development. When Sequel Pro development slowed, contributors created Sequel Ace to address bugs, add features, and maintain compatibility with newer macOS and MySQL versions. Sequel Ace includes better MySQL 8 support, improved Apple Silicon optimization, and regular updates. For new installations, Sequel Ace is generally recommended, though Sequel Pro remains functional for many use cases.

Does Sequel Pro work with MySQL 8?

Sequel Pro has partial MySQL 8 support, though some users experience authentication issues due to MySQL 8’s default use of caching_sha2_password authentication. Workarounds include configuring MySQL to use mysql_native_password for specific users or switching to Sequel Ace which handles MySQL 8 authentication properly. If you’re primarily working with MySQL 8, consider using Sequel Ace, TablePlus, or another actively maintained alternative.

Is Sequel Pro still being developed?

Development on the original Sequel Pro has significantly slowed, with infrequent updates and long periods between releases. The Sequel Ace fork represents the continuation of active development for this codebase. The original Sequel Pro remains available and functional for many users, but those wanting regular updates, bug fixes, and new features should transition to Sequel Ace or consider alternatives like TablePlus.

Can Sequel Pro connect to remote servers securely?

Sequel Pro includes built-in SSH tunnel support for secure connections to remote MySQL servers. You can configure SSH key authentication or password-based SSH access, and the tunnel is established automatically when connecting. This enables secure access to databases behind firewalls or in private networks. SSL connections directly to MySQL are also supported for servers requiring encrypted connections without SSH tunneling.

How does Sequel Pro compare to phpMyAdmin?

Sequel Pro is a native Mac desktop application while phpMyAdmin is a web-based tool typically installed on web servers. Sequel Pro offers faster performance, better keyboard shortcuts, and a more polished interface for Mac users. phpMyAdmin is useful when you don’t have desktop tool access or need to manage databases from any device with a browser. Many developers use both: Sequel Pro for local development and phpMyAdmin for production server access.

Final Verdict

Sequel Pro established the standard for MySQL management on macOS with its focus on native interface design, performance, and simplicity. The application demonstrates that database tools don’t need to be complex to be effective, providing essential functionality without unnecessary bloat. For Mac developers working with MySQL or MariaDB, Sequel Pro offers a comfortable, familiar environment that integrates naturally with macOS workflows.

The tool excels for everyday database tasks including data browsing, query execution, and basic structure management. SSH tunnel integration eliminates the need for external tools when connecting to remote servers, while the clean interface keeps focus on the task at hand. The completely free, open-source nature removes any barriers to adoption for individuals, teams, or organizations of any size.

While active development has shifted to the Sequel Ace fork, the original Sequel Pro remains viable for users with compatible setups. Those experiencing MySQL 8 issues, wanting regular updates, or starting fresh should consider Sequel Ace, which continues the Sequel Pro tradition with active maintenance. For Mac developers seeking simple, effective MySQL management without cost or complexity, the Sequel Pro family of applications remains an excellent choice that has served the macOS development community well for over a decade.