Sequel Pro
Fast, easy-to-use Mac database management application for working with MySQL databases.
Install with Homebrew
brew install --cask sequel-proQuick Take: Sequel Pro
Sequel Pro was once the gold standard for MySQL management on Mac, earning a devoted following through its native design and reliable performance. However, as a discontinued application, it no longer meets the needs of modern development. It lacks MySQL 8 support, native Apple Silicon optimization, and security updates. Existing users should migrate to Sequel Ace for a smooth upgrade path. New users should start with Sequel Ace or TablePlus instead. Sequel Pro's legacy lives on through its successor, but the original application is now a historical artifact rather than a recommended tool.
Best For
- •Developers maintaining legacy MySQL 5.7 systems
- •Intel Mac users with established Sequel Pro workflows
- •Historical reference for Mac database client evolution
What is Sequel Pro?
Sequel Pro is a discontinued open-source MySQL and MariaDB database management application for macOS that earned legendary status among Mac developers during the 2010s. Originally created in 2003 as a fork of CocoaMySQL by Lorenz Textor, it evolved into the most popular MySQL client for Mac, praised for its beautiful native Cocoa interface, lightning-fast performance, and intuitive design. The application provided developers with a visual way to connect to MySQL databases, run queries, browse tables, and edit data without touching the command line. However, Sequel Pro's development effectively stalled after 2019, with the last stable release (version 1.1.2) dating back to 2016. The application lacks support for MySQL 8's caching_sha2_password authentication plugin, causing crashes and connection failures with modern MySQL versions. It also has no native Apple Silicon support, running only through Rosetta 2 emulation on modern Macs. In 2026, Sequel Pro exists primarily as a historical reference point and for developers working with legacy MySQL 5.7 systems. Most users have migrated to Sequel Ace (the community-maintained fork) or commercial alternatives like TablePlus. While still functional for basic MySQL tasks on older systems, new users should consider actively maintained alternatives for production work.
Analysis: The Legacy of Sequel Pro
Sequel Pro represents a golden era of Mac open-source development and the challenges of maintaining volunteer-driven software.
Key Features
Native Cocoa Interface
Sequel Pro was built entirely with Cocoa and AppKit, providing a truly native macOS experience that felt like an Apple-designed application. The three-pane interface (database sidebar, main content area, and query/results view) set the standard for Mac database clients. It respected system appearance settings and used standard macOS keyboard shortcuts throughout. The native architecture meant instant startup and minimal memory usage, typically 40-80MB even with large result sets.
Visual Query Editor
The SQL editor provided syntax highlighting, query history, and the ability to save frequently-used queries as favorites. Multiple queries could be executed simultaneously, with results displayed in separate tabs. While lacking modern features like intelligent autocomplete or real-time error detection, the editor was fast, responsive, and familiar to anyone who used native Mac text editors. Query favorites allowed developers to store commonly-used SQL snippets for instant recall.
Table Content Browser
Browse table data in a responsive grid with inline editing capabilities. Double-click any cell to modify its value directly, with Sequel Pro generating and executing the appropriate UPDATE statement automatically. The grid supported sorting by column, basic filtering, and pagination for large tables. Developers could visually inspect data relationships, edit records, and export filtered subsets without writing SQL.
SSH Tunneling
Connect to remote MySQL databases through SSH tunnels directly from the connection dialog. Configure the SSH host, username, key file, and MySQL credentials in one interface, Sequel Pro handled the tunnel lifecycle automatically. This was essential for accessing production databases behind firewalls without maintaining separate terminal sessions. The tunneling support worked reliably with jump hosts and various authentication methods.
Table Structure Editor
Inspect and modify database schemas visually through the Structure tab. Add columns, change data types, set defaults, create indexes, and manage foreign keys through GUI dialogs rather than ALTER TABLE statements. Changes were previewed as SQL before execution, allowing verification of what would actually run against the database.
Import and Export
Export table data or query results to CSV, XML, SQL dump, or dot syntax. The SQL export generated complete INSERT statements suitable for database migration or backup. CSV export supported delimiter and encoding preferences. Import functionality allowed loading SQL dump files or CSV data into tables, with progress indicators for large operations.
Connection Management
Save database connections as favorites with credentials stored in the macOS Keychain. Organize connections into groups for different projects or environments. The connection dialog supported TCP/IP, socket connections, and SSH tunnels with persistent configuration. Quick connection switching via the database sidebar made working across multiple databases efficient.
Who Should Use Sequel Pro?
1The Legacy Systems Maintainer
A developer responsible for maintaining legacy PHP applications running on MySQL 5.6 still uses Sequel Pro daily. The older MySQL version is fully compatible, and their saved connection favorites and query snippets from years of work are already configured. While they know Sequel Ace exists, the migration hasn't been urgent since their specific use case, connecting to a legacy database, running occasional queries, and exporting data, works perfectly with the original tool. They keep Sequel Pro as a specialized tool for this specific legacy environment.
2The Long-Time Mac Developer
Having used Sequel Pro since 2012, this senior developer has muscle memory for every keyboard shortcut and workflow. They maintain older WordPress sites on MySQL 5.7 servers where Sequel Pro remains fully functional. While they've installed Sequel Ace for newer projects, they occasionally open the original for quick tasks on legacy systems where everything just works. The nostalgia factor and zero friction for their specific use case keeps it in their dock alongside modern alternatives.
3The Student Learning Database Basics
A computer science student discovered Sequel Pro through an older online tutorial and installed it to follow along with MySQL coursework. Working with local MySQL 5.7 installations on their Intel Mac, they find the simple interface approachable for learning SQL basics. The visual table browser helps them understand database structure, and the inline editing makes experimenting with data less intimidating than writing UPDATE statements. While their instructor now recommends Sequel Ace, the free tool serves its purpose for educational exploration.
How to Install Sequel Pro on Mac
Sequel Pro can be installed via Homebrew or direct download. Note that the application is discontinued and may have compatibility issues with modern MySQL versions and macOS releases.
Install via Homebrew
Run: brew install,cask sequel-pro. This installs the last stable release (1.1.2). Note that newer test builds exist but are not officially released.
Launch and Configure
Open Sequel Pro. Enter your MySQL host (localhost for local databases), username, password, and database name. Click 'Connect' to establish the connection.
Set Up SSH Tunnel (Optional)
For remote databases, click the SSH tab in the connection dialog. Enter your SSH host, username, and key file path. Sequel Pro will tunnel the MySQL connection through SSH automatically.
Pro Tips
- • Sequel Pro does not support MySQL 8's default caching_sha2_password authentication. Use Sequel Ace or TablePlus for MySQL 8+.
- • On Apple Silicon Macs, Sequel Pro runs through Rosetta 2 and may exhibit slower performance or occasional crashes.
- • Enable the 'Save password in Keychain' option to securely store credentials instead of entering them repeatedly.
- • Consider migrating to Sequel Ace (brew install sequel-ace) for continued updates and modern macOS support.
Configuration Tips
Use Standard MySQL Authentication
For MySQL 8 compatibility issues, configure the server to use mysql_native_password instead of caching_sha2_password. This allows Sequel Pro to authenticate, though it's less secure. Edit my.cnf to set default_authentication_plugin=mysql_native_password and restart MySQL. This is a workaround, not a solution, migrate to Sequel Ace for proper MySQL 8 support.
Import Legacy Connection Favorites
Sequel Pro stores connection favorites in plist files. When migrating to Sequel Ace, the new app can automatically import these saved connections on first launch. Keep your Sequel Pro favorites intact until you've verified the migration works. This ensures no connection details are lost during the transition.
Disable Auto-Commit for Safer Editing
In Sequel Pro preferences, review the auto-commit settings. Unlike modern tools with staged commits, Sequel Pro may execute changes immediately. Be extra cautious when editing production data, consider connecting with read-only privileges and using explicit transactions for any modifications.
Alternatives to Sequel Pro
Since Sequel Pro is discontinued, these actively maintained alternatives provide better modern support and continued development:
Sequel Ace
TablePlus
DBeaver Community
MySQL Workbench
Pricing
Sequel Pro is completely free and open source under the MIT License. There are no paid tiers, subscriptions, or feature limitations. The application can be downloaded at no cost from the official website or installed via Homebrew. Being discontinued, there are no paid support options available from the original developers.
Pros
- ✓Completely free with no limitations or paid tiers
- ✓Native Cocoa interface that feels like a first-party Mac app
- ✓Extremely lightweight, uses only 40-80MB of RAM
- ✓Fast startup and responsive performance on Intel Macs
- ✓SSH tunneling built into connection dialog
- ✓Inline table data editing with automatic SQL generation
- ✓Simple, focused interface that doesn't overwhelm new users
- ✓Historical significance as the gold standard for Mac MySQL clients
Cons
- ✗Discontinued, no updates since 2016, no security patches
- ✗No native Apple Silicon support, runs only through Rosetta 2
- ✗Incompatible with MySQL 8's default authentication plugin
- ✗Known crashes with modern macOS versions and large datasets
- ✗No support for PostgreSQL, SQLite, Redis, or other databases
- ✗Query editor lacks modern autocomplete and error detection
- ✗No Dark Mode support, stuck in light theme
- ✗Immediate data edits without staging increases accident risk
Community & Support
Sequel Pro's community has largely fragmented since development stopped. The GitHub repository (github.com/sequelpro/sequelpro) contains the source code and issue history but receives no official responses. Most active discussion has moved to the Sequel Ace fork, where former Sequel Pro users contribute to ongoing development. Stack Overflow contains extensive historical Q&A about Sequel Pro, though modern answers increasingly point users toward Sequel Ace or TablePlus. No official support channels exist, users seeking help should migrate to actively maintained alternatives with responsive development teams.
Frequently Asked Questions about Sequel Pro
Is Sequel Pro still maintained in 2026?
Does Sequel Pro work with MySQL 8?
Does Sequel Pro work on Apple Silicon Macs?
Should I still use Sequel Pro in 2026?
How do I migrate from Sequel Pro to Sequel Ace?
Is Sequel Pro safe to use for production databases?
What makes Sequel Pro different from Sequel Ace?
Does Sequel Pro support PostgreSQL or other databases?
Can I still download Sequel Pro?
Why did Sequel Pro development stop?
About the Author
Expert Tips for Sequel Pro
Any 2026 post still showing brew install sequel-pro without a warning is steering beginners toward an abandoned binary
If you must keep Sequel Pro for a legacy 5.7 host, isolate it on a VM rather than your daily driver with production keys
Related Technologies & Concepts
Related Topics
Legacy Mac Developer Tools
Legacy Mac Developer Tools , related to Sequel Pro
MySQL Database Management
MySQL Database Management , related to Sequel Pro
Open Source Software History
Open Source Software History , related to Sequel Pro
Sources & References
Fact-CheckedLast verified: Aug 9, 2026
Key Verified Facts
- Sequel Pro's last stable release was version 1.1.2 in 2016.[cite-1]
- Sequel Pro lacks support for MySQL 8's caching_sha2_password authentication.[cite-2]
- Sequel Ace is a community-maintained fork of Sequel Pro with active development.[cite-3]
- Sequel Pro is free and open source under the MIT License.[cite-1]
- Sequel Pro runs on Apple Silicon only through Rosetta 2 emulation.[cite-4]
- 1Sequel Pro GitHub Repository
Accessed Aug 9, 2026
- 2Sequel Pro crashes while connecting to MySQL 8
Accessed Aug 9, 2026
- 3Sequel Ace - MySQL/MariaDB Database Management for macOS
Accessed Aug 9, 2026
- 4We REALLY need an update on the state of Sequel Pro's development
Accessed Aug 9, 2026
- 5TablePlus - Modern, Native Database Management
Accessed Aug 9, 2026
- 6Sequel Ace GitHub repository
Accessed Aug 9, 2026
Research queries: Sequel Pro discontinued 2026 MySQL 8 compatibility; Sequel Pro vs Sequel Ace 2026; Sequel Pro Apple Silicon Rosetta 2; Sequel Pro last release 1.1.2 2016