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.
Yes, it does not, and the MDB developers leave that out till after purchase. It was a time-eater [not horrible] to get a refund from AppStore process.
Nice post..above app works similar but it is not a complete alternative for Microsoft Access. The best way is by installing the windows and running actually Microsoft access, even there are two more option using the Virtual Machine and AppOnFly app