A lightweight database client for macOS.

Write SQL, explore your databases, and work with results in a focused desktop app.

Download for macOS View on GitHub

Free and open source. Apple Silicon · macOS 15 or later.

brew install --cask abogoyavlensky/tap/quel

Quel with saved connections and database structure on the left, a SQL editor and results in the middle, and row details on the right.

Works with

PostgreSQL
SQLite
DuckDB
Amazon Redshift

Built for everyday SQL.

Write queries, browse database structure, and inspect and export results.

SQL editor showing the current statement and its results.

A proper SQL editor

Syntax highlighting and autocomplete for keywords, tables, and columns. Run the statement under the cursor, a selection, or the whole script. Cancel a long-running query when you need to.

Connection safety options: never ask, ask before changes, ask before every query, and read-only.

Control when queries can run

Choose a confirmation policy for each connection. Read-only mode blocks recognized writes and asks before unfamiliar statements. Data changes happen through SQL you write.

Command palette with actions and their keyboard shortcuts.

Keyboard-friendly

Open the command palette, type a few letters, and go. Most actions have shortcuts, from switching tabs to running a query and focusing its results.

Result export options for CSV, JSON, and Markdown, with Copy and Save buttons.

Export, or just copy

Save results as CSV, JSON, or Markdown. Or copy them straight to the clipboard for a spreadsheet, a script, or a pull request.

Explore large results

Rows load as you scroll. Keep several results open, and pin the ones you want to compare.

One row, in full

Inspect a row in the side panel, with formatted JSON to make nested values easier to read.

Pick up where you left off

Editor tabs save as you type and return on the next launch. Closed a tab too soon? Reopen it.

Saved connections

Keep several databases connected at once, with a color for each to help tell them apart.

Database structure

Browse schemas, tables, views, and more. Expand a table to see its columns, indexes, and keys.

In-app updates

Download and install new versions from Quel, keeping your connections, tabs, and passwords.

No telemetry.
No account required.

Quel contacts GitHub to check for and download app updates.

Passwords stay in the macOS Keychain

Connection passwords are stored in the Keychain, never in Quel’s own database.

Your workspace stays on your Mac

Connection profiles and editor tabs are saved locally. No analytics or usage reporting.

Get Quel.

Free and open source under the MIT license.
For Apple Silicon Macs running macOS 15 or later.

Download for macOS

Signed and notarized. Unzip the download and move Quel.app to Applications.

Prefer Homebrew?