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
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
Access Database Viewer
- 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
Good roundup! Although the situation has changed since this was written and there are several other ways to open Access files (and in some cases, edit them too) on Mac . Hope this helps people! http://machow2.com/microsoft-access-mac-open-databases
Thanks Nick for that updated list!
But how do you find out how to then import the database into excel? Help?
Hi, here is a cloud version of MS Access available: Microsoft Access 2016 (http://www.apponfly.com/en/microsoft-access-2016?EZE) They provide 30day free trial. It’s working on Mac and iPad as well.
Nice,thanks for help Joe!
Thank you, a very useful tip!
I have a mac but do not have ACCESS. I have been looking for a database to create a better booklist than the one I currently have. Can I use any of the solutions you have suggested if I do not have currently have ACCESS somewhere else?
Hi Toniann. These solutions simply allow you to use a Mac to view (and for some, edit) data stored in Access databases. If you are looking for a Mac based database, have a look at Tapforms – https://www.tapforms.com
Unfortunately, the programs listed to not open any password protected access file.
The developers do not state that clearly – shame.