pettiSQLite on Mac
Open a local database, understand its files, or solve a specific SQLite problem. Start with a task below.
Tools
SQLite Viewer for Mac
Open SQLite databases on your Mac with Petti. Browse tables, search and filter rows, and preview files in Finder. Free read-only mode, with no database uploads.
SQLite Editor for Mac
Edit SQLite on Mac with Petti’s spreadsheet-style grid. Unlock intentionally, change cells, add rows, paste data, and return to a real read-only connection.
Preview SQLite databases in Finder with Quick Look
Select a SQLite database in Finder and press Space. Petti’s Quick Look extension previews table names, schema object counts, file size and modification date.
Common tasks
How to Open a SQLite File on Mac
Open .sqlite, .sqlite3 and .db files safely on macOS. Learn how to identify SQLite files, browse tables and handle WAL companion files.
How to open a .db file on Mac
A .db file is not always SQLite. Check its format on Mac, inspect it read-only with sqlite3, or browse it in Petti. Diagnose encrypted, wrong or damaged files.
Read-only SQLite Browsing on Mac: What It Protects
Understand Petti’s genuine read-only SQLite connection, when editing becomes writable, how changes save, and when you still need a backup.
How to Browse Large SQLite Databases on Mac
Browse large SQLite databases on Mac using bounded pages and lazy loading. Learn why indexes, query shape and large values affect performance even in a fast grid.
Export SQLite to CSV
Export SQLite rows to CSV on Mac with sqlite3 or Petti. Include column headers, select the data you need, and understand NULL values and spreadsheet limitations.
Troubleshooting
Database is locked
Diagnose SQLite lock errors without deleting WAL files or risking data. Check open transactions, competing writers, timeouts and read-only inspection on Mac.
SQLite WAL and SHM files
Understand SQLite -wal and -shm files, why recent changes may be outside the main database, and how to inspect or back up a live SQLite database safely.
File is not a database
Diagnose SQLite “file is not a database” on Mac. Check the path, file header, encryption and possible damage before attempting recovery or changing the original.
Framework-specific workflows
Django SQLite databases
Find the SQLite database configured by Django, list tables with sqlite3, and inspect rows on Mac. Know when direct edits bypass Django’s application rules.
iOS Simulator SQLite databases
Locate an iOS Simulator app’s data container with simctl, find SQLite files, and inspect them read-only on Mac. Understand WAL files and Core Data precautions.
Alternatives
DB Browser for SQLite
Compare DB Browser for SQLite and Petti on Mac: open-source and commercial options, SQLCipher support, platforms, editing workflows and Finder previews.
SQLiteStudio / Letos
SQLiteStudio is now Letos. Compare its free, open-source, cross-platform SQLite workflow with Petti’s native Mac grid, read-only mode and Finder integration.
Base
Compare two Mac-focused SQLite apps: Base and Petti. Look at schema tools, SQL workflows, file previews, system requirements and paid editing options.
TablePlus
Compare TablePlus and Petti for SQLite on Mac. Choose between a multi-database client and a focused local SQLite app with free viewing and Finder previews.