Features
Clean Interface for Productive Use
An intuitive interface that lets you focus on your work. Commands are grouped by theme into tabs, and a modern FILE menu seamlessly manages server databases—all within a single, streamlined interface.
- Flexible layouts can be closed and opened with one click
- Toolbars organized in tabs for effortless navigation
- Top bar box for fast, global search of objects
User-Friendly Table Management
KEXI offers a visual designer for creating and modifying database tables, simplifying the process of defining fields and data types. Users can specify various field properties, such as sizes and default values, to ensure data accuracy and consistency. The designer also supports primary key settings and relationships between data, helping to establish a solid structure for relational database management. No advanced database knowledge is required.
Visual Query Designer
KEXI enables users to create queries visually, simplifying data retrieval and filtering without the need for SQL knowledge. Users can drag and drop tables, set relationships, and define criteria through an intuitive interface, allowing for detailed query building. The designer supports both basic queries and advanced operations, such as joins, to refine data views and analyses. This helps users customize their data exploration and gain better insights.
Flexible SQL Editor
The SQL Editor enables direct work with SQL queries in KEXI, offering flexibility for custom queries. It supports advanced scenarios, including parameterized queries based on user input. With an easy-to-use interface, users can switch between Design View for visual query building and SQL View for raw SQL coding. The editor integrates smoothly with KEXI’s relational database features, allowing intuitive work with tables, joins, and criteria.
Interactive Data Forms
KEXI forms allow users to create user-friendly interfaces for data entry, editing, and navigation within a database. Forms can be customized with text boxes, buttons, and dropdown lists, making it easy to work with data without directly interacting with tables. They provide a way to control data input, helping ensure accuracy and consistency by guiding users with predefined options and validation rules. Additionally, forms can be designed to display related data from multiple tables, offering a more comprehensive view and simplifying data management tasks.
Comprehensive Reporting Tool
KEXI Report Designer enables users to create customized reports by organizing and formatting data from their databases in a visually appealing layout. Users can add various elements to reports, including text boxes, images, and grouping features, allowing for comprehensive data presentation. The designer provides tools for adjusting fonts, colors, and layouts, ensuring that reports meet specific formatting requirements and enhance readability. Once designed, reports can be easily printed or exported to multiple formats, such as PDF or web pages, facilitating easy sharing and distribution of information.
Locked-Down User Mode
The Locked-Down User Mode in KEXI is a setting that restricts users to basic actions, like entering or viewing data, without letting them change how the database app is built. When this mode is on, all design features—such as editing forms, tables, or reports—are turned off, preventing users from accidentally modifying important parts. This helps keep data secure and consistent, especially when many people are using the same project. Only users with special permissions can access full design features while this mode is active.
Choose Your Data Scale: From Single File to Servers
KEXI uses SQLite as its default built-in database format, enabling users to store both data and design elements in a single, lightweight, portable file. This setup makes it easy to quickly deploy, share, email, or publish projects online without the need for complex installations. Because SQLite is file-based, it requires no dedicated server or ongoing maintenance, yet still provides a robust solution suitable for small to medium-sized projects. This makes it ideal for users without extensive database expertise who still need reliable performance.
KEXI directly supports MySQL™, making it easy for users to connect to these popular database servers. This allows teams and projects to benefit from centralized, robust and scalable data storage that multiple users can access. With KEXI, users can manage data on MySQL™ servers without needing extra database tools, all from within its familiar interface. A community-developed counterpart, MariaDB is also supported.
KEXI connects directly to PostgreSQL, an open-source database server known for its robustness. With PostgreSQL, users can manage complex datasets and benefit from strong data integrity features. KEXI provides a straightforward interface for handling data stored on PostgreSQL servers, eliminating the need for extra tools. This setup is ideal for projects that require a powerful database solution with easy access and reliable performance.
Effortless Microsoft Access Data Migration
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KEXI includes the Microsoft Access Migration Assistant, making it easy to import data from MS Access databases. This unique, free, cross-platform visual tool allows users to do this with minimal hassle. The Migration Assistant streamlines the process of moving tables from Access, enabling users to continue working with their data without compatibility issues. This feature is particularly helpful for those transitioning from Windows to other operating systems. As a result, KEXI stands out as a seamless, open-source alternative to MS Access for database management.
Unmatched CSV Import & Export Options
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Similarly, KEXI makes exporting to CSV files and clipboard just as seamless, allowing users to share or transfer data with ease. Its export options, like customizable delimiters and encoding settings, ensure compatibility with various applications.
Even More Migration
From MySQL/PostgreSQL Back to KEXI Files
KEXI offers a way to transfer data between KEXI and MySQL/PostgreSQL databases. The Migration Assistant for importing allows users to bring data from an existing MySQL or PostgreSQL database into a KEXI file-based database. This makes it easy to reuse and work with data stored in larger relational databases in KEXI's local environment.
Scaling KEXI Up to MySQL/PostgreSQL
The Export Assistant for upsizing helps users move data from a KEXI file-based database to a MySQL or PostgreSQL server. This tool is particularly useful when scaling a KEXI database to a more powerful, server-based system for larger datasets or multi-user access. Both tools ensure seamless transitions between local and server-based database solutions.
All This and More, Completely FREE
KEXI is, and will always be, free software. Although this short feature list offers a brief introduction, there's so much more to explore about what KEXI can do.