UPDATED JUNE 2017: Prices updated and a 6th app added…
Yes you read that correctly! Up until recently, there was no way to open a Microsoft Access database directly on a Mac. However, there are, at the time of writing, five apps, all available from the Mac App Store, which allow you to open and view data in Access database tables. Below is a summary of the apps.
MDB Tool
- Opens MDB and ACCDB files (2007 only, not 2010/2013)
- Only provides access to tables. Does not support queries, forms or reports
- Exports to CSV and SQL formats
- Available for £5.99 from https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/mdb-tool-for-microsoft-access/id513995545?mt=12
An accdb file extension is used by Microsoft Access from version 2007 for its main database format. A previous binary format had mdb file extension instead. Access is one of the most used personal database management systems. Opens MDB and ACCDB files (2007 only, not 2010/2013) Only provides access to tables. View MDB and ACCDB Databases. MDB Viewer opens Microsoft Access 1997-2013 databases on your Macintosh. Comes with search. Sometimes just sorting a table isn't enough. MDB Viewer's high speed search function let's you. Handles long text elegantly. If a field contains more text. It's also possible that you have the correct application on your PC, but.accdb files aren't yet associated with it. In this case, when you try to open a.accdb file, you can tell Windows which application is the correct one for that file. From then on, opening a.accdb file will open the correct application.
MDB Explorer
- Opens tables from multiple databases at same time
- Exports to various formats including CSV, TXT, Excel and SQL
- Filter, sort and search functionality allows you to easily find the information you need
- Supports MDB but ACCDB support is available via in-app purchase £9.99
- Available for £9.99 from https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/mdb-explorer/id506622388?mt=12
MDB ACCDB Viewer
- Opens MDB and ACCDB files
- Search functionality
- If you double click a record it opens in a separate window – great for reading long text entries
- Exports to various formats including Excel, CSV, SQL
- Documentation includes instructions for transferring to Bento, Numbers, Open Office
- Available for £18.99 from https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/mdb-accdb-viewer/id417392270?mt=12
MDBLite
- Converts MDB to SQLite
- SQLite is a small database engine found in many gadgets and small websites
- Just drag and drop the MDB file onto the app’s window
- Supports MDB format only
- Available for £3.99 from https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/mdblite/id487704620?mt=12
ACCDB Explorer
- From the same company that makes MDB Explorer
- Similar functionality to MDB Explorer but supports ACCDB as well as MDB
- Reads attachments from 2007 format databases
- Reads calculated fields from Access 2010 format databases
- £19.99 from https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/accdb-explorer/id577722815?mt=12
Viewer for Access Database
- I have added this one following an email I received from the developer (Disclaimer: I am NOT making any money from this!)
- At this time the app supports to open, view and export accdb and mdb files.
- The developer will improve the app on user request in the next weeks/li>
- £2.99 from https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/access-database-viewer/id1241742780?mt=12
Editor for Access Database
The only Mac App which allow you edit MS Access Database on Mac directly. View, Edit and Create Microsoft Access database on your Mac with the App. You can view data easily with Filter, Sort, Paging, and export data or schema to other databases, also edit data directly with very customizable data control, create new databases and create new tables.
View MDB and ACCDB Databases
MDB Viewer opens Microsoft Access 1997-2013 databases on your Macintosh. Supported File Formats in MDB Viewer
MDB Viewer views and exports all tables in Access databases. (MDB Viewer doesn't edit databases, and it doesn't support queries or forms.)
Comes with search
Accdb For Mac
Sometimes just sorting a table isn't enough. MDB Viewer's high speed search function let's you quickly filter rows to show just those you are looking for.
Accdb Mac Os
Handles long text elegantly
If a field contains more text than you can comfortably read in the spreadsheet view, just double click the row to open a new window perfect for long text.
Shows all your data
MDB Viewer has extensive support for less common field types like OLE objects, hyperlinks and attachments.
Read more about Microsoft Access Field Types.
Export to everything
MDB Viewer can export your Access database to pretty much anything. Create Excel workbooks, SQLite databases, CSV files or SQL dumps. Use MDB Viewer to export to Apple Numbers, Filemaker, Bento, Open Office or even your Address Book.
Accdb Editor For Mac
The online documentation includes step-by-step guides for exporting to many applications.