KexiLinux
vs
Microsoft AccessWindows
Kexi as a Linux alternative to Microsoft Access
Updated
Our verdict
Kexi can replace Microsoft Access for many small‑to‑medium desktop database projects that rely on visual design, forms, reports, and basic scripting. It is best suited for users who prefer a free, open‑source solution and who are comfortable with KDE tools. However, it lacks some of Access’s advanced features such as built‑in VBA, tight integration with other Microsoft Office products, and the same level of support for complex enterprise workflows. For hobbyists, students, or small businesses that need a cross‑platform, scriptable database, Kexi is a solid choice.
- License
- GPL-2.0+
- Price
- Free
- Latest version
- 3.2.0
- Rating
- —
What works the same
- Visual table and form designer
- SQL query builder
- Report generation
- Import from CSV and other databases
- Support for scripting (Python/JavaScript)
What is different
- No native VBA or Office integration
- Limited support for complex macros and event handling
- No built‑in data encryption or advanced security models
- No direct support for Access‑specific features like linked tables or replication
- Requires manual setup of PostgreSQL/SQLite connections
Opening your Microsoft Access files
Kexi does not natively open Microsoft Access (.mdb/.accdb) files. Users must export data from Access to a format such as CSV or use an ODBC bridge to read the database, then import into Kexi. Exporting from Kexi to Access is also not supported; data must be exported to a common format and then imported into Access if needed.
Switching from Microsoft Access to Kexi, step by step
- Export Access tables to CSV or use an ODBC export to SQLite/PostgreSQL.
- Create a new Kexi project and import the CSV files into corresponding tables.
- Rebuild forms and reports in Kexi using its visual designer.
- Recreate queries and scripts, translating VBA logic to Python or JavaScript.
- Test data integrity and application logic before decommissioning Access.
Key features of Kexi
- Visual table and form designer
- Query builder with SQL support
- Report creation tool
- Import from CSV and other databases
- Support for embedded scripts in Python or JavaScript
- Native support for SQLite and PostgreSQL
- Cross-platform: runs on Linux, Windows
How to install Kexi on Linux
sudo apt install kexisudo apt install kexisudo dnf install kexiFrequently asked questions
Does Kexi support VBA macros from Access?
No, Kexi uses Python or JavaScript for scripting. VBA code must be rewritten in one of these languages.
Can I run Kexi on Windows?
Yes, Kexi is cross‑platform and available for Windows, but it is primarily developed for Linux.
Is Kexi suitable for large enterprise databases?
Kexi is best for small to medium projects. For large enterprise deployments, a dedicated server‑based DBMS like PostgreSQL or MySQL with a separate front‑end is recommended.
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