pettiBase vs Petti for SQLite on Mac
Base and Petti both focus on SQLite on the Mac. The useful question is which editing and inspection workflow fits you, rather than whether one is a multi-database IDE.
What Base is
Base by Menial combines a schema inspector, visual table editor, inline data editing and filtering. Its SQL editor includes autocomplete and reusable snippets. It supports CSV and SQL import, and exports including Excel. Base 3 requires macOS 15 or later.
What Petti is
Petti is a native macOS SQLite viewer and editor built around a spreadsheet-style grid. It opens with a genuine read-only connection, loads rows in bounded pages, and includes Finder Quick Look previews of database metadata. Viewing is free; a license enables editing.
Key differences
| Dimension | Base 3 | Petti 1 |
|---|---|---|
| Mac requirement | macOS 15+ | macOS 14+, Apple silicon only |
| Database focus | SQLite | SQLite |
| Table data | Inline editing and filtering | Grid editing, search and filters |
| SQL workflow | Queries, autocomplete and reusable snippets | SQL Query view |
| Export formats | SQL, delimited text, JSON and Excel | CSV, JSON and SQL |
| Free use | Feature-limited version | Read-only viewing, queries and export |
When Base makes more sense
Consider Base if its visual table design, query snippets or Excel export are part of your regular work. Those are concrete features to evaluate rather than assuming every SQLite editor has an identical toolset.
When Petti may make more sense
Consider Petti when you mainly need to inspect local files and occasionally unlock to edit. Its Finder Quick Look preview, visible read-only state and bounded grid browsing support that routine. Petti also supports macOS 14 on Apple silicon, where Base 3’s stated minimum is newer.
Pricing
Base offers a feature-limited free download and a one-time purchase for the full version. Check Menial’s current purchase page for its price and license terms.
Petti’s regular price is US$14.99, with a US$9.99 launch offer for the first 100 purchases. A Petti 1 license includes 1.x updates; future major versions may be sold separately. Check Petti’s pricing and the checkout total before purchasing.
Evaluate with a real task
Try browsing, finding a value and editing a disposable copy in each app. Choose Base if its documented tools solve your additional needs; choose Petti if its intentional viewing-to-editing workflow is the better fit.
Product information checked September 23, 2026. This compares documented workflows, not measured performance. Features and vendor pricing can change.